How to Find Cheap Flights to Miami in 2025 (My Insider Guide)

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I’ve been to Miami five times over the years, and I never once paid full price for a ticket. As someone who travels 3–6 months out of the year – hopping between continents and racking up miles with airlines like American, Delta, United, JetBlue, and even low-cost carriers – I’ve learned exactly how to spot and snag the best flight deals before they disappear.

I don’t just rely on luck. I use every tool in the book: Google Flights for fast, flexible searches, Skyscanner for broad price comparisons, Kayak Explore to uncover hidden options, Hopper for price predictions, and Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) for those mistake fares that feel too good to be true (but aren’t). I’ve even used airline reward portals and flight alert apps to shave hundreds off my trips.

In this guide, I’m sharing the exact strategies I use to score cheap flights to Miami — the same methods that have saved me $200–$500 per ticket, time and time again. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend in South Beach or a longer escape to soak up the Cuban coffee, Art Deco vibes, and endless sunshine, these tips will help you get there for less.

Cheap Flights to Miami At a Glance

Before we dive deep into my full strategy, here’s a quick at-a-glance snapshot of the most important things I’ve learned from booking five Miami trips over the years. These are the exact shortcuts I use to spot and lock in the cheapest fares before they disappear.

• Best Booking Window:
  6–10 weeks before departure for domestic flights; 2–4 months for peak season.
• Cheapest Months to Fly:
  September, October, early November, and January (post–New Year’s week).
• Best Days to Travel:
  Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays tend to have the lowest fares.
• Alternate Airports to Check: Fort Lauderdale (FLL): 30 minutes from Miami, often $50–$150 cheaper. Palm Beach (PBI): About an hour’s drive, sometimes big savings.
• #1 Tool for Fare Alerts: Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) – find mistake fares & flash sales. I’ve booked Boston–Miami roundtrip for just $87.
• Airlines with Consistently Low Fares: Spirit, Frontier, Allegiant (lowest base fares); JetBlue, Southwest (best value + comfort).
• New Trick: Search MIA, FLL, and PBI in one query on Google Flights to compare all nearby airport options instantly.

Whether you’re planning a quick South Beach getaway or a weeklong Miami adventure, keeping these tips front-of-mind will save you real money…and make booking your next trip a whole lot easier.

#1 tip for finding cheap flights to Miami

If you’re serious about saving money on your trip to Miami, here’s the single best hack I’ve used for years. For the past 5 years, I’ve used Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) to land insane flight deals…not just to Miami, but all over the world. You simply add your home airport, select Miami (or any other destination), and then sit back. They’ll email you mistake fares and deeply discounted flights the second they pop up. Many of these never even hit Google Flights before they’re gone.

Last year alone, Going saved me thousands on airfare, including a Boston to Miami roundtrip for just $87. On average, I save around $300 per roundtrip ticket. If you travel even a couple of times a year, this adds up fast.

The basic tier is completely free, so there’s zero risk to try it. But here’s the real magic…the Premium membership. At just $49/year, you get all the best deals abroad, including mistake fares and faster notifications, so you can book before anyone else. If you book 2–3 flights a year, it’s a no-brainer ROI. I recommend starting with the free version to see how much you can save in your first week. And if you’re hooked like I am, use my coupon code JON25 to get 25% off Premium. The sooner you sign up, the more deals you’ll catch…and the faster you’ll be in Miami with extra cash for mojitos on South Beach.

My 10 Pro Tips for Scoring the Cheapest Flights to Miami

1. Use the 2-Month Flight “Sweet Spot”

For Miami, the best deals often appear 6–10 weeks before departure. Set a Google Flights or Skyscanner alert now so you’ll get notified the second fares drop. Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) is also a powerhouse for catching mistake fares and flash sales before they vanish.

2. Be Strategic With Your Dates (and Times)

Flying on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Saturdays is almost always cheaper than Fridays and Sundays. For Miami, midday departures and early morning returns are often the lowest-priced options. Avoid peak times like spring break, Art Basel, and major holiday weekends unless you book far in advance.

3. Check Alternative Airports Like a Pro

Fort Lauderdale (FLL) is just 30 minutes from Miami and can be $50–$150 cheaper each way. Palm Beach (PBI) is another option if you don’t mind an extra hour’s drive. Search “MIA, FLL, PBI” in one query on Google Flights to compare instantly.

• You may also like: The Cheapest Airports to Fly to in Florida Right Now

4. Stack Airline Sales With Cashback Sites

When booking directly on an airline’s site during a fare sale, click through a cashback portal like Rakuten or TopCashback to get an extra 2–5% back. It’s essentially free money on top of your savings. Here are my favorite travel booking sites in 2025.

• Read also: My Guide to the Cheapest Airlines That Fly to Florida

5. Use “Hidden City” and Open-Jaw Tickets (With Caution)

Sometimes flights to Miami are cheaper when booked as a layover city rather than your final destination (hidden-city ticketing). Skiplagged specializes in finding these deals. Just note: this only works with carry-on bags, and you should avoid adding your frequent flyer number.

6. Book One-Way Tickets on Different Airlines

Mixing carriers for your outbound and return can shave $50–$200 off your total. Use Kayak’s “Hacker Fare” feature or manually search one-way tickets on different airlines to compare.

7. Pounce on Fare Drops With a 24-Hour Hold

If you spot a great deal, book it. The U.S. DOT requires airlines to offer a free 24-hour cancellation on flights booked directly. This gives you time to confirm dates or compare alternatives without losing the fare.

8. Travel Light to Avoid Fees

Miami is notorious for low-cost carriers with high baggage fees. If you can pack into a carry-on, you’ll dodge $40–$100 in checked bag charges each way. Invest in a personal item-size backpack that fits under the seat and you can often fly for just the base fare.

9. Follow Airlines and MIA on Social Media

Airlines sometimes post flash sales exclusively on Twitter/X or Instagram Stories. Following MIA, FLL, and your favorite carriers keeps you first in line for these time-sensitive deals. These are some of my favorite budget airlines that have deals all the time.

10. Use Points or Miles During Fare Spikes

When cash fares spike due to an event or season, check your airline miles. Redeeming points for Miami flights can be a huge win when cash prices are inflated…especially on American Airlines or Delta, which both have big hubs serving South Florida. Many of the best travel credit cards also offer reward points when flying, so take advantage of that as well.

5 Cheap Airlines to Miami: Best Options for Budget-Friendly Travel

Scoring a low fare to Miami isn’t just about when you book…it’s also about who you fly with. Some airlines consistently offer cheaper base fares or throw in perks that can save you hundreds once you factor in bags, seat selection, and flexibility. Here’s my insider breakdown of the best cheap airlines to Miami right now, with their strengths, weaknesses, and when to book them.

1. Spirit Airlines

Spirit is the definition of “no-frills”. You pay for your seat, then add only what you need. This à la carte model means you can score Miami flights as low as $29–$49 one-way if you travel light. Their modern Airbus fleet is surprisingly comfortable for short-haul flights, and joining the $69.95/year Saver$ Club can unlock even lower fares.

• Best for: Travelers with just a personal item who want rock-bottom prices.
• Watch out for: High fees for carry-ons, checked bags, and last-minute seat selection.

2. Frontier Airlines

Frontier’s “Low Fares Done Right” slogan isn’t just marketing. I’ve booked Boston–Miami for $78 roundtrip. Their frequent sales (especially Tuesday email promos) can beat every other airline on the same route. Like Spirit, they’re à la carte, but they often offer bundle packages (The Works or The Perks) that include bags, seats, and priority boarding for less than buying them separately.

• Best for: Flexible travelers who can jump on flash sales.
• Watch out for: Fares can spike if you add bags and extras individually.

3. Allegiant Air

Allegiant flies into Fort Lauderdale (FLL) — just 30 minutes from Miami — and specializes in discount vacation packages. You can bundle your flight with hotels and car rentals at a steep discount, making it perfect for travelers who want a full trip booked in one shot. Service is basic, but fares are low, and packages can be a game-changer for weekend getaways.

• Best for: Travelers booking a flight + hotel + car together.
• Watch out for: Limited schedules and routes; flexibility is key.

4. JetBlue Airways

JetBlue isn’t always “ultra-budget,” but it’s hands-down the most comfortable cheap airline to Miami. You’ll get free Wi-Fi, seatback TVs, unlimited snacks, and above-average legroom. These are perks other low-cost carriers charge for (if they offer them at all). With regular fare sales, you can snag Miami flights for under $120 roundtrip without sacrificing comfort.

• Best for: Travelers who want budget pricing and a pleasant onboard experience.
• Watch out for: Checked bags aren’t included in Blue Basic fares.

For further reading, learn how to save money on travel with my ultimate guide.

5. Southwest Airlines

Southwest isn’t always the absolute cheapest to Miami, but the value is unbeatable once you factor in two free checked bags, no change fees, and their generous cancellation policy (full credit for future travel). Their flash sales can drop fares to $49 one-way, and the Rapid Rewards program makes it easy to earn free flights.

• Best for: Travelers who check bags or want flexible booking policies.
• Watch out for: No assigned seating — boarding is open by group number.

Best Routes and Cities for Miami Flight Deals

Here are the U.S. departure cities that almost always spit out cheap fares to Miami, plus why they’re so reliable. Prices below are sale lows I regularly see in 2025, one-way before bags and extras.

New York City (JFK/LGA/EWR)
Why it’s cheap: Nonstop competition all day from multiple carriers, including American’s huge Miami hub presence. NYC–MIA is one of the most contested leisure routes in the country, so flash fares drop often.
Typical sale lows I see: $35–$79 one-way on ULCC sales, and frequent sub-$100 options via metas like KAYAK.

Chicago (ORD/MDW)
Why it’s cheap: Big O&D market with legacy and ultra-low-cost carriers battling on ORD and MDW. Frontier routinely posts aggressive promos on ORD–MIA.
Typical sale lows I see: $56–$99 one-way on Frontier during weekly sales.

Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW)
Why it’s cheap: Heavy frequency from American plus ULCC undercutting. When Spirit or Frontier runs a sale, DFW–MIA can go dirt cheap.
Typical sale lows I see: $44–$99 one-way on promo calendars and OTAs.

Philadelphia (PHL)
Why it’s cheap: American funnels tons of East Coast traffic through PHL, and Frontier drops flash fares to fill seats to MIA.
Typical sale lows I see: $31–$79 one-way in Frontier sales, with legacy matches showing up on OTAs.

Pro tip on alternatives: Even when MIA isn’t cheapest, Fort Lauderdale (FLL) often is. It’s ~25 miles from Miami and linked by Brightline in ~38 minutes, with fixed-route shuttles to the stations. That widens your deal net and can save $50–$150 roundtrip.

Reality check on outliers: Ultra-rare doorbuster fares do happen on this corridor. We’ve even seen sub-$20 promos and one-off $10 NYC–South Florida flights on ULCCs when inventory needs a jolt. Treat those as lightning deals, not the norm.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about cheap Miami flights

Here are some questions I get a lot about finding affordable flights to Miami.

When is the cheapest time to fly to Miami?

From my experience, the cheapest months to fly are September, October, and early November, after summer crowds leave but before holiday travel spikes. January (after New Year’s week) can also be a bargain. Avoid spring break and major events like Art Basel unless you book well in advance.

How far in advance should I book a flight to Miami?

I’ve found the sweet spot is 6–10 weeks before departure for domestic flights. That’s when fares often drop before rising again closer to the date. If you’re flying during peak season, book 2–4 months ahead. I also set price alerts on Google Flights and Going so I’m notified the moment a fare drops.

What’s the cheapest day of the week to fly to Miami?

Midweek flights – especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays – are usually $40–$80 cheaper roundtrip than weekend departures. Saturday can also be a hidden gem for lower fares, especially for return flights.

Which airlines usually have the lowest fares to Miami?

For rock-bottom base fares, I watch Spirit, Frontier, and Allegiant. For a balance of comfort and price, JetBlue and Southwest often run competitive sales. Even American and Delta will match low-cost carrier prices on certain routes, so it’s worth checking them all.

Is it cheaper to fly into Fort Lauderdale instead of Miami?

Yes! Often by $50–$150 roundtrip. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is only about 30 minutes from downtown Miami, and many budget carriers fly there. Palm Beach International (PBI) is another option if you don’t mind the drive.

Can I find last-minute flight deals to Miami?

Sometimes, yes, especially in low season. I’ve scored same-week deals using Hopper’s price alerts and by checking the “Last-Minute Deals” section on Southwest’s site. But last-minute fares in high season are usually expensive, so it’s best not to rely on this strategy alone.

Remember though, it’s important to remember that prices fluctuate over time. In addition to all the factors mentioned above, you may end up paying more if you upgrade to business class or first class. Additionally, during peak travel seasons, holidays, or special events, ticket prices tend to be higher.

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