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If you’re hoping to fly on a budget from Tempe, Arizona, there are a few airlines that might help you save some cash without giving up too much convenience. Budget carriers like Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and Southwest Airlines offer affordable flight options in and out of the Tempe area.
These airlines keep fares low by focusing on the basics and charging extra for things like checked bags or picking your seat. It’s a trade-off, but sometimes it’s worth it.
Tempe sits close to Phoenix’s airport area, so you get access to more low-cost flights from airlines like American Airlines and United Airlines, which occasionally have discounted fares. Knowing where and when to book? That can make a surprising difference in your travel budget.
Key Takeways
- Several budget airlines serve the Tempe area with affordable options.
- Choosing the right airline and booking time affects your total travel cost.
- Nearby airports expand your choices for budget-friendly travel.
Overview of Budget Airlines Serving Tempe, Arizona
If you want affordable flights to and from Tempe, budget airlines keep prices lower by cutting back on extras. These carriers are great for travelers who’d rather save money than pay for perks.
Airports near Tempe, especially Phoenix Sky Harbor, are where you’ll catch most of these flights.
What Defines a Budget Airline?
A budget airline is all about cheap flights and fewer frills. You pay less upfront, but most extras—like checked bags, picking your seat, or getting a snack—cost more.
They tend to focus on short and medium routes, with quick turnaround times to keep their planes in the air longer. Sometimes they use smaller airports, but around Tempe, they usually fly out of Phoenix Sky Harbor.
You’ll probably have to handle things yourself, like printing your boarding pass or booking luggage online. It’s a bit more DIY, but that’s how they keep costs down.
Major Low-Cost Carriers in Tempe
Several low-cost carriers operate in or near Tempe, mostly through Phoenix Sky Harbor. Spirit Airlines, Frontier, and Sun Country Air offer some of the cheapest flights out of the area.
Fares can start at around $39 from cities like Los Angeles or Denver. These airlines mostly cover domestic routes, with a few seasonal options to vacation spots.
Some other names—Avelo and Breeze—don’t fly as often but still aim for low prices. American Airlines and Delta aren’t true budget carriers, but they sometimes compete on price for certain routes.
Key Features of Budget Airlines
Budget airlines cut costs by offering a low base fare and charging for most extras. You buy just the seat, then pay for baggage, food, or seat selection if you want them.
Most of these airlines use a point-to-point system rather than big hubs. That means fewer connections but also, sometimes, fewer choices.
Policies on baggage size and carry-ons can be strict, and fees for extra or overweight bags are common. Booking early usually means better prices.
Changing tickets? It can be expensive or sometimes not possible at all.
| Feature | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Ticket Price | Low base fare |
| Baggage Fees | Charged separately |
| In-flight Service | Minimal or paid |
| Airports | Usually major airports like Phoenix Sky Harbor |
| Flight Routes | Mostly direct, fewer connections |
Notable Budget Airlines Operating in Tempe
When you’re flying from Tempe, there are a handful of budget airlines to consider. Each offers different routes and pricing, so you can pick what fits your trip.
You’ll find flights to popular U.S. cities with basic services and low fares.
Frontier Airlines: Routes and Services
Frontier Airlines is popular for its cheap fares and a pretty wide selection of domestic routes. From Tempe, you can get to cities like Denver, Las Vegas, and Chicago.
Frontier mainly targets leisure travelers who want the lowest price. Expect to pay extra for bags and seat selection, but if you pack light, it’s a good deal.
They’ve got a modern fleet focused on fuel efficiency, which helps keep fares down.
Spirit Airlines: Destinations and Pricing
Spirit Airlines is another solid budget pick serving Tempe, known for ultra-low fares. They fly to places like Dallas, Houston, and Los Angeles.
Spirit’s model is simple: low base fare, then you pay for extras. Booking early and skipping the add-ons gets you the best deal.
They charge for checked bags, carry-ons, even drinks onboard. If you’re okay with a no-frills ride, Spirit might be your best bet.
Other Affordable Options: American Airlines & US Airways
American Airlines, while a major carrier, sometimes matches budget airline prices on routes from Tempe. Since merging with US Airways, you get more flight choices and access to big hubs like Phoenix and Dallas.
American generally includes more in the ticket price—like free carry-ons—and tends to have better on-time performance. You might pay a bit more, but the convenience and comfort can be worth it.
| Airline | Type | Key Destinations | Extra Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frontier | Budget | Denver, Chicago, Vegas | Bags, seats, food |
| Spirit | Ultra Budget | Dallas, Houston, LA | Bags, carry-ons, drinks |
| American | Major Carrier | Phoenix, Dallas, Chicago | Fewer fees, better service |
Best Approaches to Finding Cheap Flights and Fares
If you want the cheapest tickets to Tempe, timing and the right tools matter. A little organization—and maybe some luck—can make booking easier and lighter on your wallet.
Identifying the Cheapest Time to Book
Generally, avoiding last-minute bookings and peak travel times will save you money. For Tempe flights, booking one to three months ahead usually gets you the best price.
Mid-week flights are often cheaper than weekends. Flying early in the morning or late at night? That can help too.
Prices change constantly, so if your dates are flexible, you’ll have more luck finding a deal.
How to Use Price Alerts and Flight Calendars
Setting price alerts on sites like Kayak or Orbitz means you’ll get notified when fares drop. No need to check every day—they’ll email or ping you when there’s a deal.
Flight calendars let you see prices across different dates. That way, you can spot the cheapest days to fly and plan your trip around the best fare.
Combining alerts and calendars makes finding cheap flights way less stressful.
Utilizing the Skyscanner App for Deals
The Skyscanner app is handy for comparing prices from lots of airlines and travel agents. It has price alerts and lets you search for the cheapest dates near your travel window.
If you’re flexible, Skyscanner’s “Everywhere” search is a fun way to find cheap destinations. For Tempe flights, it makes searching quick and painless.
Booking through Skyscanner often helps you spot better deals, especially on budget airlines.
Alternative Airports and International Destinations Near Tempe
Tempe’s location means you’ve got a few airport options, which opens up more budget flights and direct routes. It’s not just about Phoenix Sky Harbor—though that’s the main one.
Nearby Airports for More Budget Options
The closest airport is Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX), just about five miles away. It’s the easiest and usually the cheapest for most flights.
Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) is around 16 miles from Tempe and serves some low-cost airlines, which can mean better deals for certain destinations.
Tucson International Airport (TUS) is about 110 miles away. It’s a bit of a drive, but sometimes the fares or routes are different enough to make it worth checking.
| Airport | Distance from Tempe | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) | ~5 miles | Largest, many budget options |
| Phoenix-Mesa Gateway (AZA) | ~16 miles | Low-cost carriers available |
| Tucson International (TUS) | ~110 miles | Alternative with varied routes |
Direct Flights to Tempe and Nearby Cities
Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) offers tons of direct flights to major U.S. cities—think New York, Philadelphia, Charlotte, and Washington DC. That means less hassle with layovers.
Phoenix-Mesa Gateway (AZA) has fewer direct flights, but it’s worth checking if you’re looking for a budget trip, especially within the western U.S.
If nonstop flights are a priority, stick with Phoenix Sky Harbor. American Airlines and others usually have competitive prices for those direct routes.
Access to International Destinations
From Phoenix Sky Harbor, you can get to a handful of international spots. Flights head out to Mexico, Canada, and some places in Central and South America pretty often.
Direct flights to Europe or the Middle East? Not so much. Usually, you’ll have to connect through one of the bigger airports for those trips.
Still, Phoenix’s international routes are a decent starting point if you’re itching to get beyond the U.S. The fares, especially to Mexico and Canada, tend to be pretty competitive.