If you’re flying in or out of Tulsa, Oklahoma, finding budget-friendly airlines can save you money and make your travel easier. Tulsa International Airport serves several low-cost carriers that offer competitive prices and convenient routes.
Allegiant Air and Southwest Airlines are two of the best budget airlines operating in Tulsa, known for affordable fares and regular deals.
These budget airlines often provide nonstop flights to popular destinations nearby. That helps you dodge extra costs and those dreaded, long travel times.
You can find good deals by booking early or watching for sales. Southwest, in particular, seems to love dropping discounts from Tulsa.
Key Takeways
- You can save money flying budget airlines from Tulsa International Airport.
- Allegiant Air and Southwest offer the most affordable flights from Tulsa.
- Booking early and watching for deals help you find the best prices.
Top Budget Airlines Operating in Tulsa
You’ve got a handful of budget airline options flying in and out of Tulsa. These carriers offer affordable fares and convenient routes.
They compete with major airlines by focusing on cost savings and, sometimes, direct flights. It’s a different vibe—more stripped down, less fuss.
Overview of Budget Airlines Serving Tulsa
The main budget airlines at Tulsa International Airport include Allegiant Air, Southwest Airlines, and Frontier Airlines. These airlines keep ticket prices low and operate with fewer frills than the big names.
Allegiant Air mostly flies to vacation spots. Southwest is famous for its frequent deals and no sneaky bag fees.
Frontier Airlines has recently added nonstop flights from Tulsa, which is a nice bonus if you’re hunting for cheap options.
Popular Routes and Direct Flights
If you want direct flights, Southwest and Allegiant are solid picks. Southwest often flies to cities like Dallas, Denver, and Houston without stops, which saves a ton of time.
Allegiant targets leisure travelers with nonstop trips to places like Las Vegas and Orlando. Frontier has jumped in with more new routes, especially affordable nonstop flights to less crowded airports.
Here are some popular direct flight destinations from Tulsa:
| Airline | Destination Cities |
|---|---|
| Southwest | Dallas, Houston, Denver |
| Allegiant Air | Las Vegas, Orlando |
| Frontier | Cancun, Miami, Denver |
Comparison to Major Carriers
When you fly budget from Tulsa, expect fewer perks than with airlines like American Airlines or Delta. American flies from Tulsa with some direct routes, but it usually costs more.
Budget airlines keep prices low by charging extra for stuff like checked bags and seat selection. They tend to use smaller planes and might not fly as often.
You’ll probably save money but might sacrifice a bit of comfort or flexibility. Major airlines offer more routes and connections, but you’ll pay for it. Sometimes it’s worth it, sometimes not—depends what you’re after.
How to Find the Best Deals on Cheap Tickets
You can save money by knowing when and where to look for tickets. Understanding the best times to book and spotting extra fees before buying can make a real difference.
Strategies for Finding Low Ticket Prices
Start by comparing prices on sites like KAYAK, Skyscanner, and CheapOair. These platforms pull deals from tons of airlines, so it’s easier to spot the cheapest flights out of Tulsa.
Look for budget airlines like Southwest and Allegiant Air, which often have the lowest fares. Flying to nearby cities like Dallas can sometimes be cheaper—worth checking those routes too.
If you’re flexible with your travel dates, you’ll have a better shot at scoring a deal. Sometimes leaving just a day earlier or later makes all the difference.
Set alerts on flight search sites to catch those sudden price drops. It’s a bit of a game, honestly.
Booking Tips for Flights to Oklahoma
Book your ticket at least 3-4 weeks ahead to get better prices on flights to Oklahoma. Last-minute bookings are almost always more expensive, especially on busy routes.
Roundtrip tickets often save you money compared to one-way. Flying on weekdays instead of weekends can also help cut costs.
Nonstop flights are faster, but flights with stops usually cost less. It’s all about what matters more to you—comfort or savings.
Hidden Fees to Watch Out For
Watch out for extra charges that airlines tack on after you pick your ticket. These hidden fees can include baggage, seat selection, and even booking fees.
Budget airlines like Allegiant or Southwest may charge more for checked bags or carry-ons, so it’s smart to check their baggage policies before you book.
Some sites add service fees for certain payment methods, like credit cards. Add all these costs to the ticket price before you buy, so you’re not surprised at the airport or checkout.
Key Destinations and Airport Information
There are plenty of nonstop flights from Tulsa to key cities for business, vacations, or connections. The airport serves several major airlines with competitive fares and multiple destinations.
Nearby airports can also give you more travel options if you’re willing to drive a bit.
Tulsa International Airport Essentials
Tulsa International Airport (TUL) is the main hub for budget travelers in the area. It offers nonstop flights to about 23 destinations, including big cities like Dallas, Denver, and Chicago.
Airlines such as American, Delta, and Southwest operate regularly from Tulsa. The airport is easy to navigate, with clear signage and multiple airline counters.
Parking’s available both short-term and long-term at decent rates. You’ll find the basics—free Wi-Fi, some dining options, and rental car services.
Quick facts about Tulsa International Airport:
- Located 6 miles east of downtown Tulsa
- Major airlines: American, Delta, Southwest
- Number of nonstop destinations: 23
- Parking: Short-term, long-term, economy options
Connecting Through Will Rogers World Airport
If Tulsa flights don’t fit your schedule, Will Rogers World Airport (OKC) in Oklahoma City could be worth a look. It’s about 100 miles from Tulsa and handles a bigger mix of flights.
You might spot more budget airlines there, maybe even some international routes you won’t see in Tulsa. Will Rogers Airport brings in carriers like Alaska, Lufthansa, and United—sometimes they’ve got routes you just can’t get nonstop out of Tulsa.
When you’re planning a trip, OKC might open up more options for connecting flights. Sometimes the prices are surprisingly competitive.
Traveling between Tulsa and Will Rogers World Airport usually takes around 1.5 to 2 hours by car or shuttle. If you’re willing to make the drive, you end up with a lot more flexibility than sticking just with Tulsa’s airport.