Surprise, Arizona isn’t exactly a hub for international flights. If you want to go abroad, your best bet is to connect through Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, which is pretty close by.
Surprise mostly handles domestic routes, but the quick drive to Phoenix opens up a whole world of options. The best international airlines near Surprise are those flying out of Phoenix Sky Harbor, including American Airlines, Delta, and United Airlines, which offer reliable global routes.
These airlines fly to a ton of international destinations, so you’ve got plenty of choices when it comes to planning. If you’re trying to balance price and reliability, you’ll probably find what you need here.
Using Surprise as your starting point still gets you close to those major airline hubs. That means you don’t have to trek across the state just to catch a flight.
With Phoenix just a short drive away, it’s honestly pretty convenient. You can usually find something that lines up with your schedule and budget—no need to compromise on comfort.
Key Takeaways
- You can reach major international airlines through nearby Phoenix Sky Harbor.
- Top airlines offer reliable service and broad global routes.
- Multiple options nearby make planning your international flight easier and sometimes more affordable.
Overview of International Airlines at Surprise Arizona Airport
Surprise, Arizona doesn’t have a big international airport. Most folks just head to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport for overseas trips.
You’ll find pretty much all the major airlines flying out of Phoenix. It’s not far, and the range of destinations is impressive.
Major Carriers and Destinations
Phoenix Sky Harbor has over 20 passenger airlines. You’ll see names like United Airlines, Delta, American Airlines, and Southwest.
United Airlines is a big player for international flights here. These carriers connect you to major U.S. and international hubs.
Surprise itself doesn’t offer international flights, but Phoenix’s airport covers nonstop services to North America, Europe, and a few other places. If you’re starting in Surprise, expect about a 30-mile drive to Phoenix.
International Flight Connections
Your international trip from Surprise usually kicks off at Phoenix Sky Harbor. This airport connects you to a bunch of global cities, either directly or with just one stop.
There’s a wide mix of carriers, so you’re not stuck with just one or two options. Most international flights go through big U.S. hubs like Chicago, Dallas, or Newark.
United Airlines especially has a good range of connections from Phoenix to Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Starting in Surprise, you get access to over 100 nonstop destinations worldwide thanks to Phoenix.
Popular Routes and Nearby Cities
A lot of travelers from Surprise use Phoenix for flights to big U.S. cities—think Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York. That’s how you connect internationally, through those major hubs.
You’re also not far from smaller airports like Prescott and Page, but those mostly do domestic flights. If you need to visit nearby cities quickly, Phoenix is your go-to.
Driving or catching a shuttle between Surprise and Phoenix usually takes about 40 minutes. Honestly, having Phoenix so close just makes international travel a lot simpler than dealing with tiny regional airports.
Best International Airlines for Reliability
When you’re picking an international airline from Surprise (well, Phoenix), you want one that’s on time. Nobody likes missing connections or sitting through endless delays.
Reliability really matters, especially if you’re on a tight schedule. Knowing which airlines actually deliver can save you a ton of hassle.
Top Airlines for On-Time Performance
Delta and United Airlines are usually the most reliable for on-time flights. Delta, in particular, has a reputation for fewer cancellations and delays.
United’s pretty solid too, though it sometimes lags behind Delta. You can generally count on Delta to keep things moving on schedule.
Other airlines might do well for domestic trips, but for international flights, it’s smart to stick with those with a strong track record.
How to Minimize Delays
Book flights early in the day if you can. Morning flights almost always run closer to schedule.
Delays tend to stack up as the day goes on. Choosing nonstop flights also helps you dodge connection headaches.
Check recent on-time stats and customer reviews before you book. Signing up for flight alerts can keep you in the loop if anything changes.
Packing light and getting to the airport early gives you a little extra breathing room. Sometimes, that’s all it takes to avoid unexpected snags at check-in or security.
Finding the Best Flights and Deals
You want flights that don’t break the bank and actually fit your plans. Comparing prices, knowing when to book, and picking the right airline all help.
The right tool or website can make a big difference—nobody wants to spend hours hunting down deals.
Using Skyscanner to Compare Fares
Skyscanner’s a handy site for checking flight prices from Surprise (well, Phoenix). It pulls data from tons of airlines and travel sites so you can see your options at a glance.
Just pop in your travel dates and where you want to go, and you’ll get a list of prices. Skyscanner shows both budget and major airlines, so you can spot the best deals pretty quickly.
Set up price alerts if you want to snag a ticket when fares drop. It saves you from obsessively checking every day.
Identifying the Cheapest Month to Fly
Flight prices jump around depending on the season. If your travel dates are flexible, flying during the cheapest month can save you a lot.
For trips from Surprise, check out low-demand times. Early spring and late fall usually have better prices.
Skyscanner has a feature to see prices by month. It’s great for finding the cheapest month to fly to places like Budapest (BUD) or wherever you’re headed.
Avoiding holidays and big events can also keep your ticket price down.
Budget Airline Options
Several budget airlines serve Surprise and nearby airports. You can usually find cheap flights on Southwest, Spirit, and Sun Country.
These airlines tend to keep things simple—no frills, just the basics. The fares are usually much lower than what you’d pay with the big names.
Thinking about flying international? You’ll probably need to connect through bigger hubs like Dallas or Chicago. That’s where these budget airlines do most of their international business.
Watch out for extra fees, though. Baggage or seat selection can sneak up on you, so it’s smart to check the total cost before you book.