Finding the best deals on flights to Texas can save you a significant amount of money, whether you’re planning a business trip, a family vacation, or a spontaneous getaway. Texas is a popular destination year-round with its vast landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage.
However, airfares fluctuate based on various factors, including season, demand, and booking timing. In this article, we’ll explore the key strategies and tips to help you identify the cheapest times to fly to Texas, ensuring you get the best value for your travel budget.
The Cheapest Time to Fly to Texas in 2024
The generally cheapest time to fly to Texas is during the shoulder seasons, which are between peak and off-peak seasons. In Texas, this typically means flying in August and September before fall travel picks up and after summer crowds disperse.
Here’s a breakdown of the cheapest days to fly into some of the major airports in Texas:
- Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW): Wednesday, July 3
- Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH): Wednesday, August 21
- El Paso International Airport (ELP): Saturday, August 24
- Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS): Saturday, August 17
Cheapest Airlines that Fly to Texas with Average Prices
Here are 8 of the cheapest airlines that fly to Texas, along with their average prices:
- Spirit Airlines ($50-$200): Spirit is known for its ultra-low fares, but be sure to factor in the cost of baggage fees and other extras.
- Frontier Airlines ($50-$200): Another budget airline with low fares but with similar fees for extras
- Southwest Airlines ($75-$300): Southwest is a popular choice for domestic flights in the United States, known for its two free checked bags and transparent pricing.
- Allegiant Air ($60-$250): Allegiant offers low fares, but be sure to check their limited route network and fees.
- Sun Country Airlines ($70-$275): Sun Country offers seasonal flights to many destinations in Texas, so be flexible with your travel dates.
- American Airlines ($100-$400): American is a major airline with a large network of routes to Texas. You can often find good deals on flights, especially if you are flexible with your travel dates.
- United Airlines ($100-$400): Similar to American Airlines, United is another major airline with a large network of routes to Texas.
- Delta Air Lines ($125-$450): Delta is a major airline that offers a variety of amenities, such as in-flight entertainment and free checked bags on some fares. However, their fares tend to be on the higher end.
Pros & Cons of Flying to Texas During the Cheapest Time
Pros of Flying to Texas During the Cheapest Time
- Save Money: The biggest advantage is the significant cost savings on flights and potentially hotels compared to peak season.
- Fewer Crowds: Popular tourist destinations will be less crowded, allowing for a more relaxed experience with shorter lines and easier access to attractions.
- Pleasant Weather: While Texas can get hot, August and September often show a slight temperature dip compared to peak summer months. You might encounter more rain showers, but it can also offer a refreshing break from the heat.
- Unique Events: Shoulder seasons can offer unique events and festivals specific to the region you’re visiting.
Cons of Flying to Texas During the Cheapest Time
- Limited Activities: Some outdoor activities or tours might be limited due to the heat or the potential for rain showers.
- Weather Uncertainty: While generally pleasant, there’s a higher chance of encountering unpredictable weather patterns, such as afternoon thunderstorms or occasional hurricanes.
- Back-to-School Crowds: Depending on the specific dates you choose, you might encounter some crowds related to back-to-school travel.
- Hotel Availability: While generally lower than peak season, hotel availability might be slightly limited compared to shoulder seasons in other locations.
Tips to Find the Cheapest Flights Possible to Texas
- Be flexible with your travel dates. Even flying a day earlier or later can significantly change the price.
- Consider flying into smaller airports. Major airports are often more expensive to fly into than smaller regional airports.
- Book your flights in advance. Generally, the earlier you book, the cheaper the flight will be.
- Sign up for email alerts from airlines and travel websites to be notified of sales and deals.
- Consider flying on budget airlines. Budget airlines typically offer lower fares, but be sure to factor in the cost of baggage fees and other extras.
- Use flight comparison websites to compare prices from different airlines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Flights to Texas are usually cheapest on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Midweek flights often have lower demand, resulting in better deals compared to weekends.
To get the best deals on flights to Texas, book 1 to 3 months in advance. For peak travel periods, consider booking 3 to 6 months ahead.
Yes, flights departing early in the morning or late at night tend to be cheaper. These off-peak times often have lower demand, leading to reduced fares.
Budget airlines like Southwest and Spirit often offer cheaper flights to Texas. However, be mindful of additional fees for baggage and other services.
