Here Are the Most Expensive Airports To Fly From in the US
Discover wallet-friendly airfare strategies, including flying during off seasons and off-peak hours, as well as considering alternative airports. Learn how Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas ranks as the most affordable airport in the U.S., according to a study by FinanceBuzz.
In the pursuit of budget-friendly airfare, travelers are encouraged to explore various strategies. Besides opting for off-season travel and less popular flight times, an effective tactic is to consider different airports for arrival or departure.
A comprehensive study conducted by FinanceBuzz analyzed the average domestic airfares across 45 of the busiest U.S. airports. The findings highlight significant price variations among airports.
Notably, Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas emerged as the least expensive airport in the country in 2022, with an average airfare of $264. This airport has consistently ranked as the most affordable choice, holding the top spot since 2018, except for one year.
Unlock insider tips to secure affordable airfare and explore the cost-saving benefits of considering alternate airports. Discover how Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas continues to be a budget-friendly option for travelers seeking economical flights.
The other airports around the country leading the pack when it came to being budget-friendly in 2022 included:
- Fort-Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), $271 average airfare
- Orlando International Airport (MCO), $273 average airfare
- Oakland International Airport (OAK), $288 average airfare
- Chicago midway International Airport (MDW), $303 average airfare
Most Expensive Airports in the Country
So, what are the airports to avoid if you’re trying to cut costs? You’re in luck because the FinanceBuzz study also ranks the costliest airports in the country.
The single most expensive airport in the United States as of the end of 2022 was Virginia’s Dulles International Airport (IAD), where travelers pay an average of $494 per ticket.
Following not far behind, earning the ignominious distinction of being second-most expensive, is San Francisco International Airport (SFO) where the average ticket sets travelers back about $456. Rounding out the top three priciest airports in the country is Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) where travelers pay an average $444 for airfare. Portland International Airport (PDX) and Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) tied for fourth place with an average ticket price of $425.
Last year, the only two airports where airfare costs exceeded $400 on average were IAD and SFO. While 11 more airports crossed the $400 mark this year, IAD and SFO are still the two most expensive airports in the country, said the report.
Biggest Year-to-Year Price Change
The FinanceBuzz study also provides insights into the airports that have experienced the biggest year-to-year fluctuation in ticket price.
Most notably, two airports rose more than 10 slots on the budget-friendly barometer compared to other major airports studied last year.
San Diego International Airport (SAN) went from 38th most affordable last year to 22nd most affordable this year—a whopping 16-spot improvement. Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) meanwhile, improved by 11 spots in the rankings, rising from 26th to 15th.
The five airports that experienced the biggest cost rank increase were:
San Diego International Airport (SAN) – up 16 slots
Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) – up 11 slots
Sacramento International Airport (SMF) – up 9 slots
Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) – up 9 slots
San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC) – up 6 slots
Across the country, fares at the 45 busiest airports in the country rose by $50.67 on average from 2021 to 2022. Additionally, several airports experienced cost increases that were significantly higher than that amount.
Costs at CLT increased more than any other airport, spiking by $87.82 year over year. That’s slightly higher than the $86.70 increase at IAD (which had the second-biggest increase in the country).
Airfare increased by more than $80 at one more airport: Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), where costs ticked up by $82.12.
A separate study released in May by CheapAir.com identified cities (rather than airports specifically) that have experienced the biggest hike in airfare prices. That list was topped by Flint, Michigan, which experienced a 35 percent increase in airfares between between 2022 and 2023. That study suggested that smaller American cities have been the most impacted by the inflation of flight costs.
Looking for an affordable last-minute flight? Read TravelPulse’s coverage of how to score a deal.