Texas is huge, and the airport you fly into can swing your trip by a couple hundred bucks. That’s real money, the kind you’d much rather spend on brisket and a margarita than on a plane ticket. Most folks just book the nearest big hub and never realize they overpaid, which is exactly what I used to do.
Then I started properly comparing my options, and the savings blew me away. So I checked hundreds of routes from across the US to find the cheapest airports to fly into Texas in 2026, plus the best month to grab a deal at each one. Some are major hubs, others are tiny regional spots you’d never think to check, but I’ll show you where to land and what you’ll really pay.
Spirit Shutdown Is Pushing Texas Fares Up
Spirit Airlines shut down for good on May 2, 2026, and Texas felt it more than most states since Houston Intercontinental and Dallas/Fort Worth were both Spirit bases. Early data showed fares on routes Spirit used to fly climbing around 14%, so the price ranges below can run light on those specific city pairs. Frontier, Allegiant, and Breeze are picking up some of the slack, but I’d set fare alerts and book earlier than you normally would until that capacity comes back.
1. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)
- 🏠 Location: About 7 miles southeast of downtown Austin
- 💰 Why It’s Cheap: High airline volume and steady demand from budget carriers
- ✈️ Best Airlines: Southwest, Allegiant, American Airlines
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Southwest runs frequent sales into Austin, and going carry-on only keeps you under $150 since checked bags now cost extra.
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is often one of the most affordable ways to enter Texas, especially for travelers coming from cities like Denver, Chicago, or New York. Roundtrip fares regularly sit between $140 and $230 depending on demand, and flying in the fall months from September through November usually means lower prices, cooler weather, and fewer crowds.
The airport is less than 20 minutes from downtown, giving you quick access to Austin’s food trucks, vintage shops, and iconic music venues. You’re also within reach of day trips to places like Wimberley or San Marcos, where you can float rivers or hike scenic trails without spending much.
Booking on less popular days like Tuesday or Wednesday and being flexible with your return date can unlock the best pricing, especially on low-cost carriers like Allegiant or Southwest.
Fun fact: Austin-Bergstrom has over 20 live music performances every week inside the terminal, turning layovers and arrivals into mini concerts that showcase local talent right off the plane.
- Read next: Places to Visit in Austin
- You may also like: Cheap Flights from Austin
- For more reading: Hidden Spots in Austin
2. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
- 🏠 Location: About 20 miles between downtown Dallas and Fort Worth
- 💰 Why It’s Cheap: Major airline hub with constant competition and high flight volume
- ✈️ Best Airlines: American, Southwest, Frontier
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Use DFW as your entry point, then book short hops across Texas on budget carriers to save big on multi-city trips
Dallas-Fort Worth International is one of the busiest airports in the country, and that works in your favor when it comes to finding cheap flights. Roundtrip fares from major cities like Los Angeles, Miami, or Chicago often land between $140 and $220 depending on the season. Flying in during February or late August tends to unlock the best prices.
Both Dallas and Fort Worth are packed with attractions, from the Sixth Floor Museum and Reunion Tower to the Stockyards and modern art museums. If you’re heading to Austin, Tyler, or even Oklahoma, DFW offers a solid central location with easy access by road or rail.
Booking flights during off-peak travel days and flying basic economy with only a personal item is one of the easiest ways to cut costs at a major hub like this.
Fun fact: DFW is so large that it has its own ZIP code and sits across multiple cities, making it one of the only airports in the world with its own post office.
- Read next: Cheapest Flights from Dallas
- You may also like: Coolest Restaurants in Dallas
- For more reading: Enchanting Places in Dallas
- Keep reading: Coolest Restaurants in Tyler
3. San Antonio International Airport (SAT)
- 🏠 Location: About 8 miles north of downtown San Antonio
- 💰 Why It’s Cheap: Less congested than larger hubs and serves multiple low-cost carriers
- ✈️ Best Airlines: Frontier, Southwest, Delta
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Flying into SAT and renting a car often costs less than booking direct into Austin during peak festival weekends.
San Antonio International Airport is one of the best-value airports for travelers looking to dive into Texas culture without overspending on airfare. Roundtrip flights from major cities like Atlanta, Phoenix, or Los Angeles often land between $160 and $250. November is a smart time to fly in, with thinner crowds and cool weather that’s perfect for walking the River Walk or visiting local missions.
Once you land, downtown is just a quick 15-minute drive. You’ll be right near the Alamo, the Market Square, and even the city’s colorful Day of the Dead celebrations if you time your trip right. Austin is also only about 80 minutes away, making it an easy combo trip.
Keeping your travel dates flexible and setting up fare alerts can help you catch deals before they disappear, especially when flying midweek on budget carriers.
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👉 Send me cheap 2026 flightsFun fact: SAT offers free short-term parking in the cell phone lot, and if you’re picking someone up, you can grab free Wi-Fi and watch flight updates on live screens.
- Read next: Cheapest Flights from San Antonio
4. William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)
- 🏠 Location: About 11 miles south of downtown Houston
- 💰 Why It’s Cheap: Major base for Southwest Airlines with frequent domestic deals
- ✈️ Best Airlines: Southwest, Delta, Allegiant
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Look for airfare and hotel package deals when flying Southwest into HOU, and budget $45 for a checked bag.
William P. Hobby Airport is a solid pick if you want to experience Houston without stretching your budget. Roundtrip flights from US cities like Orlando, Minneapolis, or San Diego usually fall between $150 and $240. For the best savings, plan your trip between March and May when flight prices dip and the city comes alive with festivals.
Hobby is close enough that you can be in downtown Houston in under 25 minutes. The Space Center, Museum District, and Hermann Park are all within easy reach. And if you’re craving beach time, Galveston is only about an hour’s drive away and makes for a fun day trip.
Booking directly through Southwest and using their fare calendar often reveals hidden sales that aren’t listed on third-party sites.
Fun fact: HOU was the first 5-star airport in North America rated by Skytrax, with travelers praising its cleanliness and easy-to-navigate layout.
- Read next: Spots for Young Adults in Houston
- You may also like: Coolest Beach Houses in Galveston
- For more reading: Epic Adventures in Houston
5. El Paso International Airport (ELP)
- 🏠 Location: About 6 miles northeast of downtown El Paso
- 💰 Why It’s Cheap: Regional hub with competitive pricing from low-traffic volume
- ✈️ Best Airlines: Southwest, American, Alaska Airlines
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Pair your ELP arrival with a return flight from Albuquerque for better one-way fare options.
El Paso Airport is often overlooked, which works out great if you’re trying to save on airfare. Roundtrip flights from cities like Phoenix, Chicago, or Los Angeles typically range from $170 to $260. If you fly in between September and November, you’ll avoid summer heat and tap into lower off-peak fares.
You’ll be in the city within 15 minutes, giving you quick access to places like the El Paso Museum of Art, the historic Mission Trail, and some of the best Tex-Mex food in the state. Franklin Mountains State Park offers a solid mix of hiking and views just minutes from town. If you’re up for a road trip, White Sands National Park and Las Cruces are within a few hours and worth the detour.
Flying into El Paso and continuing by car through the Southwest often beats the cost of multiple flights and gives you more freedom to explore.
Fun fact: ELP is the farthest west of all major Texas airports, which makes it a great entry point for travelers exploring both West Texas and southern New Mexico.
- Read next: Spots in El Paso for Young Adults
- You may also like: Awesome Things to Do in Albuquerque
- For more reading: Must‑See Destinations in New Mexico
6. Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport (LBB)
- 🏠 Location: About 6 miles north of downtown Lubbock
- 💰 Why It’s Cheap: Smaller regional airport with low demand and frequent domestic sales
- ✈️ Best Airlines: Southwest, American, United
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Check flights into Lubbock during arts festival season, when airfare and hotel rates often drop at the same time.
Lubbock Airport might not be the first place that comes to mind when flying to Texas, but it’s one of the cheapest options if you’re headed to West Texas. Roundtrip flights from cities like Dallas, Phoenix, or St. Louis typically cost between $160 and $240. From April to June, the city sees mild weather and lower flight prices, especially around local events.
Landing here puts you close to downtown, where you’ll find the Buddy Holly Center, quirky murals, and a growing food and craft beer scene. It’s also an easy base for exploring West Texas. You can drive to Abilene, Midland, or even Palo Duro Canyon without spending much, especially if you split a rental car with a travel buddy.
If you’re flexible, flying midweek and booking flight-hotel bundles can stretch your travel budget even further.
Fun fact: Lubbock’s airport is named after a former Texas governor and is just minutes from Texas Tech University, making it a go-to for college sports fans and touring musicians.
7. Corpus Christi International Airport (CRP)
- 🏠 Location: About 6 miles west of downtown Corpus Christi
- 💰 Why It’s Cheap: Smaller airport with lower demand and limited competition
- ✈️ Best Airlines: Southwest, American, United
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Booking a roundtrip flight with flexible dates often reveals steep discounts, especially during weekdays
Flying into Corpus Christi is a solid budget move for anyone chasing Gulf Coast sun without paying coastal city prices. Fares from cities like Houston, Denver, or Kansas City often range from $150 to $240, and that’s roundtrip already. The best time to catch deals is during May or early September, when crowds thin out and hotel prices dip alongside airfare.
You’ll touch down just minutes from downtown, where you can walk along the marina, explore the USS Lexington, or unwind at the Texas State Aquarium. The beaches of North Padre Island are about 30 minutes away, and if you’re up for a day trip, San Antonio and Austin are both within a few hours by car.
Flying midweek and using airline reward points for shorter regional hops can unlock additional savings and stretch your budget further.
Fun fact: CRP is one of the few airports in Texas where you can spot the Gulf Coast within minutes of leaving the terminal, it’s a preview of your beach escape before it even starts.
8. McAllen Miller International Airport (MFE)
- 🏠 Location: About 2 miles from downtown McAllen
- 💰 Why It’s Cheap: Low competition and steady demand for regional connections
- ✈️ Best Airlines: American, United, Allegiant
- 🧠 Pro Tip: McAllen fares are often cheapest when booked as part of a multi-city trip through southern Texas
McAllen Miller International is a hidden gem for travelers flying into South Texas. You can often find roundtrip fares between $140 and $220 when flying in from cities such as Dallas, Atlanta, or Phoenix. Spring months from March through May offer the best value, with warm weather and festivals lighting up the region.
From the airport, it’s just a quick drive into downtown, where you can explore Quinta Mazatlan, shop local boutiques, or enjoy authentic Tex-Mex cuisine. The city is also a launchpad for visiting places like Brownsville, South Padre Island, or even dipping into Mexico if your passport is handy.
For a smarter itinerary, bundle your flight into McAllen with a car rental and plan a loop through the Rio Grande Valley. It can save you money compared to flying into bigger hubs and adds more variety to your Texas trip.
Fun fact: MFE is one of the fastest-growing airports in the region and recently added new gates to handle rising travel demand in the borderlands.
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9. Midland International Air and Space Port (MAF)
- 🏠 Location: About 10 miles west of downtown Midland
- 💰 Why It’s Cheap: Low traffic volume and deals tied to regional airline service
- ✈️ Best Airlines: Southwest, American, United
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Look for roundtrip fares paired with hotel deals during September and October, especially around airshow season
Midland Airport is one of the most affordable places to land in West Texas, especially for travelers looking to avoid the bigger city rush. Flights from places like Phoenix, Houston, or Denver are frequently available for $150 to $240 roundtrip. The fall months of September through November tend to offer the lowest fares and mild weather perfect for sightseeing.
Odessa is just 20 minutes away and makes a great pairing for arts and food, while Big Bend National Park is within driving range for those craving desert landscapes. The airport is small, easy to navigate, and rarely crowded, which makes arrivals and departures quicker and less stressful.
Traveling midweek or using fare comparison tools can help you snag unadvertised deals, especially on one-stop routes through Dallas or Houston.
Fun fact: MAF is the first commercial airport in the United States licensed for spaceflight, making it both a launchpad for travelers and a future hub for aerospace tourism.
✈️ Let the fare alerts do the Texas airport hunting for you
Every airport on this list swings $140 to $260 roundtrip depending on the month, and I’ve stopped trying to time that by hand. Going’s Premium plan ($49/year) is what pinged me on that $159 Boston to Austin roundtrip, and it catches the same kind of drops into DFW, SAT, and Hobby. If you’d rather sit up front on the longer hauls, Elite ($199/year) adds business and premium economy alerts on top.
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Global Viewpoint is a personal blog. All content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional financial, medical, or legal advice.
