Cheapest Airlines to Fly to Florida in 2026 (After Spirit’s Shutdown)

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Having flown to Florida over a dozen times, I’ve had plenty of chances to explore budget-friendly flight options without compromising quality. For this analysis, I dug deep into the data…checking over 100 routes from 25 major U.S. airports to uncover the best options.

Whether you’re headed to Miami’s beaches, Orlando’s theme parks, or the tropical keys, this guide covers the 7 cheapest airlines to Florida in 2026. With these money-saving tips and hacks, you’ll be on your way to flying to FL on the cheap. Let’s break down the top picks to get you to the Sunshine State without breaking the bank.

#1 tip to find cheap flights to Florida

Finding cheap airfare to Florida can be overwhelming, but using the right tools makes a huge difference. One of the most reliable? Scott’s Cheap Flights, now called Going. Setting up a free account is simple…just enter your home airport and destination, and you’ll receive email alerts on low fares. These deals are often rare finds, from unsold seats to airline errors, letting you benefit from the lowest prices.

For frequent travelers, Going’s premium version ($49/year) offers even more deals, arriving more frequently to increase your chances of scoring a steal. And for business class deals, you’ll want to check out Going Elite, which saves me $700 per flight on average. For a limited time only, you can use discount code JON25 to save 25% on the premium and elite subscriptions, making it even easier to find unbeatable deals to Florida and beyond.

Cheapest Airlines to Florida from Anywhere in the U.S.

For the purpose of this post, I’m going to focus on flights to Florida from elsewhere in the United States. We’re also going to be looking at a range of options from low-cost airlines to ones that are considered “more expensive.” However, if there’s anything I’ve learned after all this time, it’s that you should never judge a book by its cover. When it comes to which airlines are the least expensive, the results may surprise you.

No matter whether you’re flying from Portland, Oregon, or Portland, Maine, there’s sure to be an inexpensive flight to Florida calling your name. Here are seven airlines you should be checking out when looking for the cheapest tickets to Florida.

1. Allegiant Air

• 🏠 Base: Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)
• ✈️ Best For: Direct budget flights to Florida from small and mid-sized cities
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy only with Legroom+ seats available
• 🧳 Baggage Policy: Personal item included; carry-on and checked bags cost extra
• 💳 Loyalty Program: Allegiant World Mastercard (no traditional frequent flyer program)
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Book directly through their website to avoid third-party fees and take advantage of bundled savings

Allegiant is basically the hero of small-town America when it comes to reaching Florida beaches. While most airlines fight over major airports, Allegiant connects places like Appleton, Knoxville, and Grand Rapids directly to the sunshine without annoying layovers.

Operating from over 100 smaller cities, Allegiant flies straight to Florida hotspots including Orlando, St. Pete-Clearwater (Tampa’s chiller beach neighbor), and Punta Gorda (near Fort Myers). Their genius move? Skipping the competition at major hubs and instead being the only airline flying from many smaller airports, keeping their fares ridiculously low.

Their Airbus planes are nothing fancy with basic seats, no recline, no free snacks. But when tickets regularly start at $39 to $59 one-way (sometimes dropping lower during sales), who’s complaining? The real money-saver is avoiding those pricey connections through major hubs that other airlines would force you to take.

Just know they typically only fly each route a few days per week, so flexibility helps. Their vacation packages bundling hotels can actually save serious cash too. For getting to Florida without emptying your wallet, especially if you live somewhere that’s usually an aviation afterthought, Allegiant is the move.

• Read next: Hidden Vacation Spots in the US

2. Southwest Airlines

• 🏠 Base: Dallas Love Field (DAL), with heavy Florida coverage
• ✈️ Best For: Flexible budget travel to every major Florida airport
• 💺 Cabin Options: Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred, Choice Extra
• 🧳 Baggage Policy: Personal item and carry-on included; checked bags $45 first / $55 second (free for Rapid Rewards cardholders and top-tier fares)
• 💳 Loyalty Program: Rapid Rewards
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Get the Rapid Rewards credit card. It pays for itself in one trip with the free checked bag, and you earn Companion Pass progress on every purchase.

Southwest flies to every major airport in Florida and runs more daily departures to the Sunshine State than almost any other domestic carrier. I’ve used them for Orlando, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, and Jacksonville trips over the years. The fares consistently come in lower than Delta or American on the same routes. They also run frequent sales that drop one-way prices into the $49 to $79 range from cities across the eastern US.

The airline went through a massive overhaul in 2025 and 2026 that changed two of its most famous perks. Southwest ended its “Bags Fly Free” policy on May 28, 2025, and checked bags now cost $45 for the first and $55 for the second. They also introduced assigned seating on January 27, 2026, replacing the old open-boarding system with seat tiers and eight numbered boarding groups. The free bag era is over for most passengers. Rapid Rewards credit cardholders still get one free checked bag, and Choice Extra fare holders get two.

The reason Southwest still belongs on a cheapest-airlines list is the flexibility. There are no change fees on most fares, and canceling a points booking returns your Rapid Rewards balance instantly with zero penalties. The Companion Pass lets a designated person fly with you for free on every single flight. I’ve used mine for three Florida trips in the past year alone, and the savings have been significant. For families heading to Orlando or couples doing a long weekend in Miami, that combination of low fares and no-penalty changes is hard to beat anywhere in the industry.

• Read next: Best Airlines to Fly to Florida

3. Frontier Airlines

• 🏠 Base: Denver International Airport (DEN)
• ✈️ Best For: Ultra-low-cost flights to Florida with frequent sales and promotions
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy only with “Stretch” seats offering extra legroom
• 🧳 Baggage Policy: Personal item included; carry-on and checked bags cost extra
• 💳 Loyalty Program: Frontier Miles program with family pooling
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Join their “Discount Den” membership ($59.99 annually) for lower fares and kids fly free promotions

Frontier has gone all in on Florida, adding so many new routes that they’ve become impossible to ignore if you’re trying to get to the beach without spending your entire vacation budget on the flight.

Flying from practically everywhere to Orlando, Miami, Tampa, Fort Myers, and beyond, Frontier has turned into a Florida specialist. They’ve mastered the art of seasonality, pumping extra flights into the Sunshine State exactly when northerners are desperate to escape winter, which means more options and lower prices for everyone.

Their planes are actually some of the newest in the sky, with fuel-efficient Airbus jets sporting those quirky animal tails. Sure, the seats are basic and legroom is tight, but their “Stretch” seats up front are a solid upgrade that won’t break the bank. Yes, you’ll pay for extras, but that’s how they keep base fares so low.

The real reason to fly Frontier to Florida is their wild promotions. Those $19 flash sales actually happen regularly, and their unique “Kids Fly Free” promotion (available to Discount Den members on select flights) can save families hundreds on Florida vacations. Just pack light, download their app, and be flexible with your dates to score the absolute best deals.

• Read next: Off-the-Beaten-Path Spots to Visit in Florida

4. JetBlue Airways

• 🏠 Base: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
• ✈️ Best For: Budget flights to Florida with better amenities than ultra-low-cost carriers
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy (Core), Even More Space, and Mint (premium) on select routes
• 🧳 Baggage Policy: Personal item and carry-on included; first checked bag fee varies by fare type
• 💳 Loyalty Program: TrueBlue points program
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Book their “Blue Basic” fares for the lowest prices if you can travel light and don’t need seat selection

JetBlue completely flipped the script on budget travel to Florida by proving cheap flights don’t have to feel like you’re riding in a sardine can. They’ve basically dominated the NYC to Florida corridor since forever. Even with JetBlue Mint, you can find amazing deals from major airports in the northeast.

Flying mainly from northeastern cities like New York and Boston, JetBlue has more flights to Florida than anywhere else in their network. They hit up all the spots you actually want to go, from Miami’s club scene to the theme parks in Orlando to the chill beaches of Fort Myers. Their massive presence means you can snag deals pretty much year-round.

Here’s where JetBlue crushes the competition: their planes don’t make you question your life choices. We’re talking actually watchable free TV at every seat, WiFi that actually works, and legroom that doesn’t require yoga training to get comfortable. Their snack basket puts other airlines’ sad pretzel packets to shame, with brand-name stuff you’d actually buy at the store.

Their “Blue Basic” fares are the move for Florida trips, often matching Spirit or Frontier prices but with way better vibes. During their winter sales, you can grab flights from NYC to Florida for like $69, which is honestly cheaper than the Uber to the airport sometimes. Their points system is super straightforward too, with no blackout dates or expiration dates to mess with your plans. Basically, if you’re not down for the ultra-budget experience but still want cheap Florida flights, JetBlue hits that sweet spot.

• Read next: Cheap Florida Airports to Fly Into

5. American Airlines

• 🏠 Base: Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
• ✈️ Best For: Budget-friendly Basic Economy fares to Florida with extensive route coverage
• 💺 Cabin Options: Basic Economy, Main Cabin, Main Cabin Extra, Premium Economy, Business, First
• 🧳 Baggage Policy: Personal item included in Basic Economy; regular fares include carry-on
• 💳 Loyalty Program: AAdvantage miles program
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Use their “Web Specials” rewards tickets for incredibly cheap redemptions to Florida (sometimes as low as 5,000 miles one-way)

American Airlines might not scream “budget carrier,” but their Basic Economy fares to Florida have gotten seriously competitive since they realized they needed to fight for leisure travelers. They’ve now become a legit option for cheap Florida getaways.

With major hubs in Miami and hub operations across the country, American offers more total flights to Florida than almost any other airline. They cover every significant airport in the state, from the party scenes of Miami to the family-friendly vibes of Orlando to the laid-back Gulf Coast. Their massive route network means you can likely fly direct to Florida from your city without connections.

Unlike true budget airlines, even American’s cheapest seats come with decent legroom, functioning entertainment options (either seatback screens or streaming to your device), and regular drink service. Their older planes are gradually being updated with power outlets and better WiFi. While their Basic Economy is stripped down, it’s nowhere near as restrictive as the ultra-budget carriers.

The hidden gem with American is their frequent fare sales to Florida, especially during off-peak times. Their “Web Specials” award tickets can be ridiculously cheap, sometimes just 5,000-7,500 miles one-way to Florida destinations. If you have their credit card, you’ll get a free checked bag and priority boarding even on the cheapest fares. You can also find great deals on American’s business class by using Going flight alerts. For last-minute Florida trips, American often has availability when budget airlines are sold out or have jacked up their prices. 

6. Delta Air Lines

• 🏠 Base: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
• ✈️ Best For: Budget Basic Economy fares to Florida with reliable service
• 💺 Cabin Options: Basic Economy, Main Cabin, Comfort+, First Class, Delta One on select routes
• 🧳 Baggage Policy: Personal item and carry-on included even in Basic Economy; checked bags cost extra
• 💳 Loyalty Program: SkyMiles program (miles never expire)
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Use their “Price Calendar” feature when searching to find the cheapest dates for Florida trips

Delta has seriously stepped up their game in the budget space, especially to Florida destinations. Their strategic hub in Atlanta means they can pump tons of affordable flights into every Florida city, often with prices that’ll surprise you.

Operating primarily through their massive Atlanta hub just a quick hop from Florida, Delta offers more daily flights to the Sunshine State than almost any other carrier. Their comprehensive network covers all major Florida spots. This includes Orlando, Miami, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, and even smaller markets like Pensacola and Sarasota. This saturation means they constantly run sales to fill all those seats.

Even Delta’s cheapest Basic Economy tickets still feel way more civilized than true budget airlines. You’ll get assigned seats, free carry-ons, decent legroom, and their planes all have power outlets and WiFi available. Their newer Airbus A220 aircraft serving many Florida routes are actually some of the most comfortable planes in the sky, with wider seats and huge windows. I’ve also found Delta One deals from airports like Boston and JFK for under a few hundred bucks.

The real deal with Delta is their flash sales that pop up nearly weekly. Their “SkyMiles Deals” often feature Florida destinations for as little as 5,000 miles round-trip from nearby cities or 10,000 miles from the Northeast. Their regular cash sales can drop fares to Florida below $100 round-trip during off-peak periods. Delta’s extensive schedule also means more flexibility to change if your plans shift. So it doesn’t leave you stranded at airports when your flight gets cancelled due to weather (hello, Florida thunderstorms).

• Read next: Best Airlines to Fly to Hawaii

7. Alaska Airlines

• 🏠 Base: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
• ✈️ Best For: Transcontinental flights to Florida from the West Coast, Pacific Northwest, and oneworld partner connections
• 💺 Cabin Options: Saver, Main Cabin, Premium Class, First Class
• 🧳 Baggage Policy: Personal item and carry-on included; checked bags cost extra (free with Alaska Visa card)
• 💳 Loyalty Program: Mileage Plan (merged with HawaiianMiles in October 2025; earns across Alaska, Hawaiian, and oneworld partners)
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Use Mileage Plan miles to book American Airlines flights to Florida from cities Alaska doesn’t serve directly. The oneworld partnership means you can earn and burn across both carriers, and AA award availability is often better than booking through AAdvantage.

Alaska Airlines isn’t the first name that comes to mind for Florida flights, but it’s become one of my go-to picks for getting to the Sunshine State from the West Coast. The airline now flies nonstop to Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Tampa, and Fort Myers from Seattle, Portland, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego. There’s also seasonal routes from smaller cities like Boise and Bellingham.

The real story with Alaska in 2026 is the Hawaiian Airlines acquisition, which closed in September 2024 and fundamentally changed the airline’s loyalty program. HawaiianMiles merged into Mileage Plan in October 2025. The combined program now earns and redeems across both carriers plus the entire oneworld alliance, including American Airlines, British Airways, and Cathay Pacific. That means a cheap Alaska flight to Fort Lauderdale can earn you miles you later use on an American flight to Cancun or a Hawaiian flight to Honolulu.

The onboard experience is good for the price. Alaska flies Boeing 737s and Airbus A320s with 32 inches of seat pitch in economy, power outlets at every seat, free texting, and streaming entertainment. Their Premium Class upgrade adds extra legroom, a cocktail, and a snack for a reasonable bump. First Class on transcontinental Florida routes gives you a proper meal service and priority everything.

Alaska runs seasonal sales on California-to-Florida routes regularly, with one-way fares landing in the $99 to $149 range during off-peak windows. Their Saver fares strip things down to compete with budget carriers, but even those include a carry-on bag. The Alaska Visa Signature card waives the first checked bag fee and earns you a Companion Fare annually, which pairs well with a Florida trip where you want to bring beach gear without paying extra.

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• Read next: Cheap Florida Airports to Fly Into