Table of Contents
Virginia Beach has a handful of budget airlines that make getting away a lot more doable. Breeze Airways, Spirit Airlines, and Southwest Airlines are just a few names that pop up when you’re hunting for cheap flights.
Booking with these budget airlines means you can snag low fares and still keep things pretty convenient. Many of them fly to popular spots and have schedules that actually work for real people.
If you know which airlines serve Virginia Beach and keep an eye out for deals, you can plan trips without torching your wallet. It’s all about knowing where to look.
Key Takeaways
- Budget airlines offer affordable flights from Virginia Beach.
- Comparing airlines and booking smartly can help you score the best deals.
- Knowing your options makes planning budget trips way easier.
Overview of Budget Airlines Serving Virginia Beach
If you’re after cheap flights to Virginia Beach, you’ll find several budget airlines flying into the area’s nearby airports. These carriers offer both direct and connecting flights.
You might even opt for a smaller airport nearby, which could give you a few extra choices—sometimes less crowded, too.
Major Carriers Operating at Norfolk International Airport
Norfolk International Airport (ORF) is the main gateway for Virginia Beach. You’ll find budget airlines like Breeze Airways, Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and Allegiant Air.
Breeze Airways, for example, is adding new affordable routes all the time. Spirit and Frontier tend to have those tempting low base fares, but watch out for the extras like bags and seat selection.
Allegiant Air is good if you’re headed to leisure destinations or smaller cities. All of these airlines keep things competitive with multiple flight times and routes.
Direct and Connecting Flights to Virginia Beach
You can get to Virginia Beach with either direct flights or one connection, depending on where you’re coming from. Spirit, Allegiant, and Breeze offer direct flights from places like New York, Boston, and Dallas to Norfolk.
Direct flights are obviously quicker and less hassle, but sometimes cost a bit more. If you’re okay with a layover, you might connect through bigger hubs like Charlotte, Atlanta, or Dallas/Fort Worth, which opens up even more options.
Regional Access Through Newport News Williamsburg International Airport
There’s also Newport News Williamsburg International Airport (PHF), which is closer than you might think. It’s smaller, but that can be a plus—less chaos, shorter lines.
This airport mostly has budget and regional carriers. You might find flights to regional hubs or bigger cities, letting you connect to Virginia Beach or nearby spots like Williamsburg or Newport News.
How to Find the Cheapest Flights and Best Deals
Snagging the lowest fares from Virginia Beach is a bit of a game. It’s all about comparing airlines, tracking price drops, and knowing when to jump on a deal.
Flight calendars and alert apps can really help you catch those elusive cheap tickets.
Comparing Fares and Airlines
Start by checking fares from all the airlines flying out of Virginia Beach. Allegiant Air and Spirit Airlines are usually pretty cheap, but don’t ignore the others.
Use websites or apps that lay out flights side by side. It’s much easier to spot who’s giving you the best price for your dates.
Don’t forget to factor in extras—sometimes that cheap ticket isn’t so cheap after you add bags or pick your seat.
Utilizing Flight Calendars and Price Alerts
Flight calendars are a lifesaver if your travel dates are flexible. They’ll show you the cheapest days to fly.
Set up price alerts on your favorite travel site or app. You’ll get a ping when prices drop, so you don’t have to keep checking like a hawk.
Sticking with these tools can save you a surprising amount of money.
Identifying the Cheapest Month to Fly
Flight prices bounce around depending on the season. For Virginia Beach, late fall or early spring usually means lower fares.
Avoid major holidays and peak summer dates if you can. Booking a few weeks or months out is almost always cheaper.
Checking past price trends for your route can give you a good idea of when to book.
Leveraging Flight Comparison Apps
Apps like Skyscanner are great for comparing lots of airlines at once. You can filter by price, flight time, or even airline.
Some apps have a “whole month” or “everywhere” search, so you can see the cheapest days or destinations from Virginia Beach.
Honestly, it’s way faster than searching each airline individually, and you’re less likely to miss a deal.
Tips for Booking Budget Flights to Virginia Beach
Saving on flights takes a little planning. Timing your booking, figuring out parking, and getting around town all make a difference.
Optimizing Your Flight Booking Experience
Strangely enough, booking on a Sunday can save you anywhere from 6% to 13%. Use Google Flights or Skyscanner to compare prices from all the big names, including Allegiant Air and Spirit.
Set up those price alerts—don’t just cross your fingers. Sometimes flying out of a bigger airport like New York or Boston makes sense, even if you have to travel a bit to get there.
Try not to wait until the last minute. Those fares usually aren’t doing you any favors.
Parking and Airport Logistics
If you’re flying into Virginia Beach, you’ll probably land at Norfolk International Airport (ORF), about 20 miles from downtown.
There are long-term parking options that are both affordable and safe. Official airport lots might cost a touch more, but they’re less hassle.
Sometimes airlines or travel sites offer parking discounts when you book your flight, so keep an eye out for that.
Rental Cars and Transportation Options
Renting a car in Virginia Beach is pretty common, since public transit isn’t the greatest. If you book your rental early, you’ll usually get a better rate.
Compare prices at the airport and with offsite companies. Don’t forget to factor in gas and insurance when you’re budgeting.
Parking in town can be tight, but having a rental makes exploring the area much easier.
Planning Your Stay in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach has plenty of places to stay, whatever your budget. Where you book depends on what you want nearby, your price range, and how close you want to be to the action.
Some neighborhoods have better deals and easier access to the main attractions. Don’t be afraid to shop around a bit.
Finding Affordable Hotels and Accommodations
Look for hotels in Virginia Beach that run deals during weekdays or off-peak times. It’s surprising how much you can save just by shifting your dates a little.
Many budget hotels sit close to the beach or right in the city center. That means you’re steps from shops and restaurants—pretty convenient, honestly.
Booking online? It’s probably the easiest way to compare prices side by side. Sometimes you’ll spot perks like free parking or breakfast, which is always a nice bonus.
You could try motels, guesthouses, or vacation rentals too. They sometimes come in cheaper than the big hotel chains.
Always check reviews for cleanliness and security before you hit that reserve button. If you can find a place near local transit or with a shuttle, you might save a bit on getting around.