Did you know you could save $100+ on your next flight just by checking airports near your city?
Most travelers stick to one airport, but smart travelers know that nearby airports often have cheaper flights and better deals.
I’ve been using this trick for years now, and it’s a total game-changer when flight prices are sky-high or your main airport has limited options.
Why Nearby Airports Often Have Cheaper Flights?
Airlines don’t price flights the same at every airport. Smaller or less-busy airports might offer:
✅ Lower fees for airlines = cheaper tickets for you.
✅ Less demand = more discounts to fill seats.
✅ Budget airlines (like Spirit, Ryanair, or Frontier) that don’t fly to major hubs.
Example: Flying from New York? Compare JFK, Newark, and LaGuardia—prices can vary by 50–50–200+ for the same route! 28.
How to Find the Best Deals at Nearby Airports
1. Use Google Flights’ Multi-Airport Search
⭐ Enter your city (e.g., “Chicago”)—Google will automatically include nearby airports like Midway and O’Hare.
⭐ Click “Compare nearby airports” to see side-by-side prices 27.
2. Try Skyscanner’s “Add Nearby Airports” Filter
⭐ Toggle this option to see all airports within 100+ miles.
⭐ Great for finding hidden deals at regional airports 5.
3. Check Budget Airlines Separately
Some (like Southwest) don’t show up on search engines—visit their websites directly 4.
03 Things to Watch Out For
1️⃣ Extra Transportation Costs – A cheaper flight might mean a longer (or pricier) ride to the airport.
2️⃣ Fewer Flight Times – Smaller airports may have limited schedules.
3️⃣ Fewer Amenities – Fewer lounges, dining, or direct routes.
Pro Tip: Weigh the savings vs. convenience. A 50-flight +30 Uber might not be better than an $80 flight from your main airport!
Real-World Example: LA to Vegas
⭐ LAX (Los Angeles Int’l): $120
⭐ Burbank (BUR): $89
⭐ Long Beach (LGB): $75
Savings: $45+ just by flying from Long Beach!
Bonus: International Airport Hack
1️⃣ For overseas trips, check flights from alternative cities:
2️⃣ Flying to Europe? Compare London Gatwick and Stansted.
3️⃣ Heading to Asia? Look at Tokyo Narita and Haneda.
Ready to Save? Try It Now!
Open Google Flights or Skyscanner.
Search your route with nearby airports.
Book the cheapest option that works for you!
Loved this tip? Check out our full guide: 10 Proven Ways to Find Cheap Flights for more money-saving hacks!
Have you ever saved big by flying from a different airport? Share your story below! 👇
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