The Most and Least Expensive US Airports To Fly Out Of
The Most, Least Budget-Friendly US Airports To Fly From
Airline passengers are becoming increasing less satisifed with their overall experience and rising costs due to soaring fuel prices and growing demand continue to be a driving factor. Informational website FinanceBuzz recently looked at average domestic airfares from the 45 busiest airports across the U.S. using data published by the U.S. Department of Transportation to determine which are best for Americans traveling on a tight budget in 2022. While the national average airfare cost increased by just 0.30 percent from 2020 to 2021 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, adjusted for inflation, this signals the first time since 2014 that the average airfare cost has increased year over year. Fortunately, the data highlights some airports where travelers can stretch their dollar further and the ones they may want to avoid if funds are limited this summer.
John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is the most expensive to fly out of in New York City with an average cost of $360.94, which is up nearly $17 from the previous year. On average, travelers can save anywhere from $30 to $70 by flying out of nearby Newark Liberty International Airport or LaGuardia Airport, respectively, based on FinanceBuzz’s research.
Portland International Airport (PDX)
In the Pacific Northwest, Portland International Airport (PDX) saw the biggest jump in cost this year compared to last, with its average airfare increasing by more than $75 to $364.40. Only SoCal’s San Diego International Airport (SAN) came close to that with an increase of nearly $70.
Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW)
Like PDX, Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) is trending in the wrong direction when it comes to flight costs, ranking third-most expensive in the nation for 2022. DTW’s average airfare of $366.33 marks a $52.54 jump from the previous year.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
On the West Coast, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is one of only two airports among the 45 that FinanceBuzz analyzed that turned in an average airfare above $400. SFO’s average departing flight sets travelers back about $400.66, which is more than $62 higher than its cost a year prior.
Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Despite ranking just 43rd among the 45 airports that FinanceBuzz analyzed in terms of passenger volume, Virginia’s Dulles International Airport (IAD) outside of Washington, D.C. has the highest average airfare cost at a whopping $408.08. Nonetheless, IAD’s annual increase of $28.92 is still significantly lower than that of San Francisco, Detroit and Portland.
Tampa International Airport (TPA)
Florida is home to four of the five cheapest U.S. airports to fly from right now, with Tampa International Airport (TPA) rounding out that group. TPA’s average airfare of $270.88 is up less than $11 over the last year. Somehow, travelers departing from the Sunshine State still have more affordable options this summer.
Miami International Airport (MIA)
Among all of the 45 airports analyzed, only one saw fares decrease in the last year. Miami International Airport’s (MIA) average airfare dropped by $2.06 to $263.76. That decrease helped MIA climb eight spots from the previous year.
Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)
Interestingly, 2022 marks the first year since 2018 that Las Vegas’ Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) doesn’t have the most affordable airfare in the country. Nonetheless, LAS’ average cost of $247.53 is easily among the lowest in the U.S.
Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Large families and groups returning home from the Theme Park Capital of the World will be happy to learn that Orlando International Airport is the country’s second-cheapest airport for departures at the moment with an average airfare of $241.01.
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
South Florida is where the real savings can be found. The cheapest airport in the nation to fly out of right now is Florida’s Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), where the average fare to depart came in at just $233.36, based on FinanceBuzz’s analysis.