Best Airlines and Airports for Affordable Flights in 2025

In an era of constantly fluctuating airfare prices, securing the best deals can seem nearly impossible. Yet, a new set of rankings by Going.com, an airfare deal search and booking site, sheds light on the most reliable options for budget-conscious travelers. Based on extensive proprietary deal data from thousands of routes, Going.com’s inaugural Flight Deal Awards names both the top airlines and airports in the United States for finding value airfares.

“The focus is rarely on the true bottom line for consumers—ticket prices themselves,” said Scott Keyes, founder and chief flight expert at Going.com. “With these awards, we’re putting cost and real savings at the forefront of air travel choices for the first time.”

Top Airports for Domestic and International Flight Deals

The Going.com analysis highlights major US airports that consistently offer lower-than-average airfares for both domestic and international travel:

Domestic Deals

• Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC): Average deal price $146.28 (45% below average)
• Tampa International Airport (TPA): Average deal price $150.67 (46% below average)
• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL): Average deal price $153.13 (47% below average)

International Deals

• Orlando International Airport (MCO): Average deal price $418.12 (48% below average)
• Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR): Average deal price $437.93 (52% below average)
• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK): Average deal price $442.08 (52% below average)

These prices reflect actual booking activity by Going.com members and indicate real-world potential for savings compared to typical fares from each airport.

“Salt Lake City, Tampa, and Atlanta stand out for domestic bargains, while Orlando, Newark, and JFK shine for international flyers,” Keyes notes. These hubs benefit from robust airline competition and proximity to popular travel corridors, making them reliable gateways for bargain seekers.

The Best Airlines for Cheap Fares in 2025

Airline choice can significantly impact your travel budget. Going.com evaluated airlines based on the frequency and quality of their deals, as well as average savings compared to typical fares. The clear winner this year: Southwest Airlines, followed closely by American Airlines and United Airlines. Here is the full ranking:

1. Southwest Airlines
2. American Airlines
3. United Airlines
4. Delta Air Lines
5. JetBlue Airways
6. Alaska Airlines & Hawaiian Airlines (tie)

Southwest’s no-frills business model and fare transparency continue to appeal to price-sensitive travelers, especially as legacy carriers increasingly unbundle fares and add ancillary fees. While ultra-low-cost carriers offer rock-bottom prices, the report found that Southwest consistently delivers deal quality—balancing savings with flexibility like free checked bags and no change fees.

Why Airfare Pricing is So Volatile

Explaining the challenge for travelers, Keyes emphasized the transient nature of airfare: “Unlike most products, airline tickets can change price by the hour. Travelers often expect a set price, but the reality is far more dynamic due to fluctuating demand, fuel costs, and competitive route changes.”

According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, average US domestic fares in early 2025 hovered around $390 round-trip—still significantly below pre-pandemic peaks, but above the record lows experienced during COVID-19. Yet, savvy deal hunters often score fares well below that average by following a few core strategies.

Tips for Securing the Best Airfare Deals

1. Flexibility is Key: Travelers who are open to different destinations and travel dates are far more likely to land low fares. Experts recommend searching for airfare first, then planning your trip around the best prices rather than the other way around.
2. Book Early—But Not Too Early: For domestic flights, the sweet spot is typically 1–3 months before departure; for international trips, try booking 3–8 months out for non-peak seasons. Holidays and summer travel warrant even earlier searches.
3. Consider Alternate Airports: Exploring secondary airports within a reasonable distance can yield surprising deals—and occasionally, more convenient itineraries.
4. Target Off-Peak Travel: Flying midweek, during less busy months, or at less popular times of the day often results in lower prices. For 2025, analysts expect spikes in demand continue for popular holidays but greater off-peak availability as airlines add capacity to meet rebounding travel.

Keyes also notes that tools like Google Flights, Hopper, and Going.com’s own alerts can help track price drops in real time, providing added confidence when booking.

Pro tip: For transatlantic adventures, anything under $550 round-trip in economy class is considered a good deal; to Asian gateways, $700–$900 is usually the benchmark from US departure points.

The Outlook for Affordable Air Travel

Amid unpredictable pricing and increased competition, the availability of genuine airfare deals is holding steady—and in many cases, expanding. New carriers like Breeze Airways and the continued growth of value-oriented airlines are helping American travelers fly farther for less. As airlines respond to pent-up demand from both leisure and business travelers, analysts predict slow and steady increases in average fares through 2025, but recommend that diligent, flexible shoppers will always have opportunities to score bargains.

“Ultimately, your willingness to look beyond the usual suspects—trying new airlines, different airports, or traveling off-season—can pay major dividends,” Keyes concludes. “With the right tools and some planning, cheap flights are well within reach for most Americans in 2025.”