Last Updated
Which airports in the United States are the most expensive (and least expensive) to fly out of?
Data from the U.S. Bureau of Transportation reveals the answer. This new data shows the average cost of domestic airfare from the airports with the highest number of domestic passengers in the U.S.
It was calculated based on flight data from Q3 of 2022, which is the most recent data released by the agency.
For the purpose of the ranking below, we have taken the 20 busiest airports with the highest number of domestic passengers to create this list.
Here are the most expensive (and cheapest) airports to fly out of in the United States:
Top 5 Most Expensive Airports In The U.S. To Fly Out Of
These are the most expensive airports in the United States based on average airfare for departing domestic flights:
1. San Francisco, California (SFO)
San Francisco tops the list of priciest airfare with an average ticket cost of $467.15 for domestic flights.
Top 5 Travel Insurance Plans For 2023 Starting At $10 Per Week
Easily Earn Points For Free Travel
2. Detroit, Michigan (DTW)
Next up is Detroit, where the average cost of a domestic flight departing from this airport is a sky-high $432.99.
3. Los Angeles, California (LAX)
Another California city is in the top three airports for the priciest airfare, and that is Los Angeles. On average, domestic airfare for flights departing from the city's main airport LAX cost $431.94.
4. Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas (DFW)
DFW is a busy airport serving the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth in Texas. It also clocks in at $431.89 for the average cost of a domestic flight.
5. Seattle, Washington (SEA)
Finally, one of the most expensive cities to fly out of in the United States is Seattle. This rainy city has an average ticket cost of $426.17.
Top 5 Least Expensive Airports In The U.S. To Fly Out Of
These are the cheapest airports in the United States based on average airfare for departing domestic flights:
1. Las Vegas, Nevada (LAS)
The cheapest airport to fly out of in the United States is Las Vegas. The average airfare price for Sin City is just $255.73.
2. Orlando, Florida (MCO)
Orlando is another city with cheap airfare. The average price of domestic flights departing MCO is only $275.70.
3. Fort Lauderdale, Florida (FLL)
Next up on this list of the least expensive airports to fly out of is another Florida airport. The average airfare for a domestic flight from Fort Lauderdale is $278.95.
4. New York, New York (LGA)
The Big Apple may be an expensive city, but its main domestic airport, LaGuardia, has some good deals on airfare. The average price of domestic flights from New York's LGA is $313.53.
5. Denver, Colorado (DEN)
Last on this list of the cheapest airports in the U.S. is Denver. Airfare for domestic flights from DEN costs, on average, $345.53.
More Expensive And Cheap Airports In The U.S.
The list above was taken from the 20 busiest airports with the highest number of domestic passengers in the United States.
However, the U.S. Bureau of Transportation collected data from more than 430 commercial airports in the United States. Some smaller regional airports have even more expensive (or cheaper) average airfare prices.
Many of the most expensive are tiny airports in the remote Alaskan bush or overseas territories like Guam or American Samoa.
Here's a look at 5 expensive, small airports in the United States and their average domestic airfare:
- Dothan, Alabama (DHN): $805.43
- Aspen, Colorado (ASE): $730.20
- Eagle, Colorado (EGE): $727.25
- Aberdeen, South Dakota (ABR): $724.40
- Valdosta, Georgia (VLD): $712.19
Some smaller regional airports are also cheaper to fly out of, although you may face limited service and routes.
Here are 5 cheap, small airports in the U.S. and their average domestic airfare:
- San Bernardino, California (SBD): $86.18
- Provo, Utah (PVU): $114.36
- Stockton, California (SCK): $122.03
- Columbus, Ohio (LCK): $145.08
- St. Petersburg, Florida (PIE): $147.30
↓ Elevate Your Travel↓
Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!
✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel buddies!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path's latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
Michael Z, NYC USA
Friday 20th of January 2023
Wow - a big surprise that JFK NY wasn't in the top #5. Thanks for the info, Dale.