If you’re searching for the cheapest time to fly to Arizona, we’ve got the tips you need! Arizona is diverse, with breathtaking natural wonders like Monument Valley and bustling urban centers like Scottsdale. Understanding when to book flights lets you find great deals and maximize your travel budget.
While Arizona is a popular destination, savvy travelers can find affordable flight options by considering factors like off-peak seasons, mid-week flights, and avoiding holiday crowds. Want to make the most of your travel budget? Keep reading to uncover the cheapest time to book flights to Arizona and save on your next adventure!
What is the Cheapest Time to Fly to Arizona in 2024
Finding the cheapest flights to Arizona involves carefully timing your purchase and travel dates. Generally, the cheapest time to fly to Arizona is during the shoulder seasons, particularly March to May and September to November, which are more affordable than the peak tourist times in summer (June to August) and winter (December to February), when demand is higher.
Booking your flight in advance also plays a key role. Studies suggest purchasing tickets 40-90 days before travel dates is ideal, but airlines may offer last-minute deals or flash sales. Staying flexible with your travel dates and signing up for alerts from airlines and travel websites can help you secure the best deals.
What Are the Cheapest Days to Book Flights to Arizona?
The cheapest days to book flights to Arizona are typically Tuesdays and Wednesdays, as airlines often release discounted fares early in the week. Flying on weekdays, mainly Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, tends to be cheaper than weekend flights.
As for the time of day, the best time to book flights is usually in the early morning or late at night. Airlines may drop prices overnight, so booking around 5 a.m. to 6 a.m. or after 9 p.m. can yield lower fares.
Cheapest Airlines that Fly to Arizona with Average Prices
Here are 8 of the budget airlines that fly to Arizona, along with their average prices:
- Spirit Airlines: Spirit is known for its budget-friendly fares. It often includes only a carry-on bag and charges extra for checked bags, seat selection, and drinks. The average price is about $100-$200 round trip.
- Frontier Airlines: Another budget airline, Frontier, offers pricing similar to Spirit’s, with a la carte fees for many services. The average price is $120-$250 round trip.
- Southwest Airlines: Southwest is a popular choice for domestic flights in the United States, known for its two free checked bags and frequent flyer program. The average price is about $150-$300 for a round trip.
- Allegiant Air: Allegiant focuses on smaller airports and often has lower fares to those destinations. Be sure to factor in any transportation costs to get to your final destination from the airport. The average price is about $80-$200 round trip.
- American Airlines: A major airline with an extensive network, American offers more amenities and service options than budget airlines but at a higher price point. The average price is about $200-$400 for a round trip.
- United Airlines: Another major airline with extensive coverage, United offers pricing and service options similar to American Airlines. The average price is about $200-$400 round trip.
- Delta Air Lines: Delta is known for its focus on customer service and offers a premium in-flight experience. The average price is about $250-$450 round trip.
- JetBlue Airways: JetBlue offers comfortable seating with TVs at a competitive price. The average price is about $200-$400 round trip.
Pros and Cons of the Cheapest Time to Fly to Arizona
Pros
- Save Money: The most significant advantage of the cheapest time to fly to Arizona is substantial savings on airfare and potentially on accommodation and activities. Flights are more affordable during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) than peak tourist times (summer and winter).
- Fewer Crowds: Popular attractions and cheap vacation destinations will be less crowded, allowing for a more relaxed and enjoyable experience.
- Pleasant Weather: Spring offers mild temperatures and beautiful wildflowers, while fall boasts comfortable weather and stunning fall foliage (depending on elevation).
Cons
- Limited Activities: Some outdoor activities may be limited due to weather conditions. For example, hiking in the desert might not be ideal during the hottest parts of spring or fall.
- Potential Closures: Some businesses and restaurants with a seasonal focus may be closed during the shoulder seasons.
- Variable Weather: Spring and fall can experience unpredictable weather patterns, so be prepared for potential rain or even occasional cold snaps.
7 Tips for Finding the Cheapest Flights to Arizona in 2024/2025
- Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates: Try flying on weekdays instead of weekends, and consider flying into smaller airports that might be less busy and expensive than significant hubs.
- Book in Advance (Within Reason): Studies have shown that the cheapest time to book a domestic flight is typically between 40 and 90 days in advance. However, airlines may offer last-minute deals or flash sales, so it’s always a good idea to be flexible with travel dates.
- Consider Budget Airlines: Airlines like Spirit, Frontier, and Allegiant often have lower fares than primary carriers. However, these airlines may charge extra fees for checked bags, seat selection, and drinks.
- Use Flight Comparison Websites: Websites like Google Flights, Kayak, Skyscanner, and Momondo allow you to compare prices from multiple airlines and find the cheapest option for your desired route and dates.
- Sign Up for Email Alerts: Many airlines and travel websites offer email alerts that notify you when the prices of your desired route change. This can be a great way to snag a deal if the price drops.
- Clear Your Browsing History: Cookies can track your searches and potentially inflate prices. Consider clearing your cookies or browsing incognito to avoid this.
- Be Open to Alternative Airports: If you’re flying into a major city like Phoenix or Tucson, consider flying into a smaller airport nearby. You may find cheaper fares, although you’ll need to factor in the cost of transportation to your final destination.
We hope this article provides valuable insights on the cheapest days and times to book flights to Arizona, helping you save on your next trip.
If you found this guide helpful or have tips, we’d love it if you could leave a comment or feedback below. We’re here to make your travel experience even better!
Share this BlogFrequently Asked Questions
Booking flights 2-3 months in advance can help you secure the best deals. Prices tend to rise as the departure date approaches.
Yes, flying on weekdays, especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays, is often cheaper than flying on weekends when demand is higher.
Flight prices can be lower immediately after major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas as demand decreases post-holiday.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport often has the most competitive fares due to its high volume of flights and airlines.
