I’ve spent way too many hours hunting for flight deals from Austin lately, and I have to say, I’m pretty excited about what I’ve found. Our airport keeps adding new routes, which means more competition and better prices. Last month, I grabbed a ticket to Denver that cost less than a night out on South Congress (seriously).
Let me share the best places to fly from Austin without destroying your savings account. I recently snagged an incredible deal to Mexico City, where I spent days stuffing my face with street tacos and wandering through the stunning Condesa neighborhood. From quick beach getaways in Cancun to wild weekends in Las Vegas, these 13 destinations prove you don’t need a tech salary to have an amazing adventure.
Southwest’s Free Bags Are Gone
Heads up if you’re leaning on Southwest for these routes: the old two free checked bags perk is over. Bags Fly Free ended May 28, 2025, and as of April 9, 2026 the first checked bag runs $45 and the second $55 per direction. Add bag fees to the fare before you assume Southwest is the cheapest, especially on gear-heavy trips. Southwest’s fee announcement.
✈️ How I catch these Austin fares before they sell out
Most of the sub-$150 roundtrips on this list, like Kansas City dipping to $39 each way or San José under $150, move fast and disappear. Going’s Premium plan ($49/year) is what pings my inbox the second AUS fares like these drop, and if you ever want business class to Europe or Latin America, Elite catches those cabin deals too.
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Best Destinations with Cheap Flights from Austin
Looking for the best flights from Austin? Austin to Monterrey offers a quick trip to Mexico’s industrial and cultural hub. Austin to Oklahoma City connects you to a city rich in Western heritage and modern attractions. Austin to Albuquerque takes you to a desert city known for its stunning landscapes and hot air balloons. Austin to Salt Lake City brings you to a vibrant destination with outdoor adventures and scenic mountain views. Whether for business or leisure, these are great flights from Austin.
1. Austin to Monterrey ($101-$180 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- 🛫 Airlines: Aeromexico, VivaAerobus, United (4+ daily flights)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: March to April 🌷 for mild weather before summer heat
- 🏆 Perfect for: Food lovers 🍽️, outdoor explorers 🏞️, quick international getaways 🌎
Monterrey is basically Mexico’s hidden gem. It’s a city where mountains meet skyscrapers, giving you that perfect mix of urban adventure and natural beauty without the tourist traps of Cancún or the chaos of Mexico City.
The historic Barrio Antiguo is where you’ll find all the cool colonial buildings and the best nightlife, while hiking up Cerro de la Silla gets you those Instagram-worthy panoramic views of the entire city. Don’t miss stuffing your face with authentic cabrito (roasted goat), exploring the massive former steel factory turned urban park at Parque Fundidora, or taking a quick trip to the mind-blowing García Caves. Even a short weekend here gives you a real taste of northern Mexico that most travelers completely miss out on.
March and April hit the weather sweet spot, where it’s warm enough for outdoor adventures but just before the summer heat cranks up to scorching. For incredible flight deals, VivaAerobus regularly runs flash sales if you can pack light and skip the add-ons.
2. Austin to Oklahoma City ($54-$110 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- 🛫 Airlines: Southwest, American Airlines, Delta (6+ daily flights)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to June 🌷 and September to October 🍂 for pleasant weather
- 🏆 Perfect for: History buffs 🏰, BBQ lovers 🍖, budget travelers 💰
Oklahoma City doesn’t get a lot of attention, but it should. It’s cheap, quick to reach, and way more fun than people expect.
Bricktown is the city’s entertainment hub where converted warehouses now house buzzing restaurants and a mile-long canal perfect for evening strolls, while the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum is actually super interesting even if you don’t care about cowboys (the art collection alone is worth it). Don’t miss catching an OKC Thunder basketball game if they’re playing, exploring the moving Oklahoma City National Memorial, or diving into the city’s legit BBQ scene that rivals Kansas City and Texas. Even a quick trip here gives you a perfect taste of the modern Midwest without breaking the bank.
Spring and fall are when OKC really shines. The weather’s perfect for exploring and hotel rates hover around $80-100 per night near downtown. Southwest usually has the best flight deals from Austin, with midweek fares sometimes dropping below $60 each way.
3. Austin to Albuquerque ($69-$140 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- 🛫 Airlines: Southwest, American Airlines, Alaska Airlines (5+ daily flights)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: October 🎈 for the Balloon Fiesta, or April to May 🌵 for mild desert weather
- 🏆 Perfect for: Outdoor adventurers 🏔️, culture seekers 🏺, scenic road-trippers 🚗
Albuquerque is where Breaking Bad was filmed, but the real scene-stealer is the desert itself. You’ve got big skies, insane sunsets, and a mix of Native culture, art, and high-altitude energy that’s hard to beat.
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Airfare keeps climbing, but I almost never pay full price. Going.com emails me roundtrips to Europe for under $350. With Elite, you’ll even see business class to Europe for ~$1,700 (deals you won’t find on Google Flights).
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Start in Old Town, where 300-year-old adobe buildings surround shops full of turquoise jewelry and local crafts. Ride the Sandia Peak Tramway up over 10,000 feet for views of the Rio Grande Valley that look like a movie backdrop. If you’re heading there in October, the Balloon Fiesta is a must. Hundreds of hot air balloons fill the sky at sunrise, and it’s something you won’t forget. For something trippy, check out Meow Wolf, or make a quick drive up to Santa Fe for galleries, green chile everything, and a total change of pace.
October is the busiest time, so book early if you’re chasing balloons. For fewer crowds and perfect hiking weather, go in April or May.
Southwest usually has the cheapest nonstop flights from Austin, especially if you book a Tuesday or Wednesday a few weeks out. American runs daily direct flights too, just expect to pay a bit more. If you’re flexible, Alaska Airlines sometimes undercuts both with a layover.
4. Austin to Salt Lake City ($102-$180 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- 🛫 Airlines: Delta, Southwest, American Airlines (6+ daily flights)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: December to March ❄️ for skiing, September to October 🍂 for hiking
- 🏆 Perfect for: Skiers 🎿, hikers 🥾, national park lovers 🏞️
Salt Lake City is basically an outdoor paradise without the Colorado crowds or prices. Snow-capped peaks surround the city, and you can spend the morning skiing powder and still make it back downtown for dinner and drinks.
The stunning Temple Square anchors downtown with its gleaming architecture and meticulous gardens, while just 30 minutes away, Big Cottonwood Canyon offers world-class hiking trails through alpine meadows and aspen groves. In winter, those same mountains transform into powder paradises where Brighton and Solitude ski resorts let you carve fresh tracks without the Aspen prices or pretension.
For winter ski trips, Delta rules this route with their SLC hub offering the most daily nonstops and often the best connections to mountain resorts. Southwest is still worth pricing out for ski trips, since it waives the oversize surcharge on skis and snowboards, so gear ships at the standard checked bag rate ($45 first bag each way) instead of the bulky-equipment fees some carriers tack on.
5. Austin to San Jose, Costa Rica ($129-$260 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 4 hours
- 🛫 Airlines: American Airlines, Southwest, Avianca (4+ daily flights)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: December to April ☀️ (dry season)
- 🏆 Perfect for: Adventure seekers 🧗♂️, eco-tourists 🌴, coffee lovers ☕
San José isn’t just a stopover. It’s a budget-friendly launch pad to volcanoes, rainforests, and beaches, all in one trip and usually cheaper than a weekend in Miami.
In Barrio Amón, colonial buildings sit next to some of the city’s best local cafés. The Teatro Nacional feels like it was lifted straight out of Europe. Outside the city, you’ve got day trips like La Paz Waterfall Gardens with trails and wildlife, Arenal Volcano where lava sometimes lights up the sky at night, and cloud forest zip-lining that feels like flying through another world.
For the best fares, watch for American Airlines seasonal sales. Midweek flights can dip below $150 roundtrip if you book two to three months ahead. Southwest is a good pick too, though bags are no longer free, so factor in $45 for your first checked bag each way when you compare fares.
- Read Next: Beautiful Places to Visit in Costa Rica
6. Austin to Guatemala City ($186-$290 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 3 hours
- 🛫 Airlines: American Airlines, Avianca, Volaris (3+ daily flights)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to April 🌞 (dry season)
- 🏆 Perfect for: History lovers 🏛️, backpackers 🎒, volcano trekkers 🌋
Guatemala is where ancient Mayan ruins emerge from misty jungles and colonial cities sit beneath towering volcanoes. This Central American gem offers the color and culture of Mexico with a fraction of the tourists and prices.
Zona 1 has all the historic sites like the impressive Metropolitan Cathedral and bustling markets, but most travelers quickly head to nearby Antigua Guatemala, a UNESCO town where colorful colonial buildings sit against a backdrop of three massive volcanoes. Travelers also wander through the rainbow-colored markets of Chichicastenango, exploring the ancient Mayan pyramids at Tikal, or taking a boat across stunning Lake Atitlán where traditional Mayan villages dot the shoreline. Even a week here barely scratches the surface of all there is to see.
November to April gives the perfect exploring weather without the daily rains that can wash out roads and trails. For flight deals, Avianca often has the best prices but typically includes a quick stopover in El Salvador. American runs a nonstop that’s worth the extra $30-40 if you value direct flights.
7. Austin to Tucson ($84-$170 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours
- 🛫 Airlines: American Airlines, Southwest, Alaska Airlines (4+ daily flights)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: October to April 🌵 (cooler weather)
- 🏆 Perfect for: Desert explorers 🏜️, stargazers ✨, foodies 🌮
Tucson is the desert paradise you didn’t know you needed. Think giant saguaro cacti, pink-and-orange sunsets, and a food scene that delivers some of the best Mexican flavors north of the border.
Saguaro National Park flanks both sides of the city with miles of cactus-lined trails, while Mission San Xavier del Bac stuns with bright white Spanish colonial architecture set against blue sky and red rock. Spend an afternoon wandering the shops along 4th Avenue, then grab a bacon-wrapped Sonoran hot dog and chase it with a margarita at a local taquería.
Visit between October and April for hiking weather that won’t roast you alive. American Airlines runs the most direct from Austin, but Southwest tends to offer better prices if you book a couple months ahead. Midweek flights can knock $40–60 off your roundtrip total, making this an easy win for a warm-weather escape.
8. Austin to Kansas City ($77-$160 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- 🛫 Airlines: Southwest, American Airlines, Delta (5+ daily flights)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to June 🌷 and September to October 🍂 for perfect weather
- 🏆 Perfect for: BBQ lovers 🍖, jazz fans 🎷, weekend travelers 🏙️
Kansas City is a place where legendary BBQ joints smoke meat 24/7, jazz history flows through the streets, and somehow everything costs about half what you’d pay in bigger cities.
The historic 18th & Vine Jazz District feels like stepping back in time. Saxophones echo from doorways, the scent of slow-cooked BBQ hangs in the air, and you can’t help but tap your foot as you walk. Over in Country Club Plaza, Spanish-style towers and walkable streets make it feel like Seville in the middle of Missouri, just without the price tags. Catch a Royals game where tickets still cost less than a cocktail back in Austin, or hit the Nelson-Atkins Museum, where you’ll actually enjoy the art even if you skipped every museum field trip in school.
KC nails the balance of big-city energy and small-town friendliness. Time your visit in spring or fall and you’ll get perfect weather without the summer humidity.
Southwest dominates this route with multiple daily nonstops and frequent sales dropping prices as low as $39 each way if you book during their seasonal promotions and fly Tuesday or Wednesday.
9. Austin to Sacramento ($225-$350 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 3.5 hours
- 🛫 Airlines: Southwest, American Airlines, Delta (4+ daily flights)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to June 🌷 and September to October 🍂 for mild weather
- 🏆 Perfect for: History buffs 🏛️, wine lovers 🍷, budget travelers 💰
Sacramento is California’s chill alternative. You get the Golden State vibe without the sky-high prices of San Francisco or the traffic meltdown that is LA.
Old Sacramento feels like a Gold Rush movie set with wooden sidewalks, riverfront views, and historic buildings turned into quirky shops and restaurants. The California State Capitol offers free tours and shady lawns made for mid-afternoon picnics. The State Railroad Museum is way cooler than it sounds, and if you’re into wine, Lodi is less than an hour away with tasting rooms and vineyard views minus the Napa markup. Back in town, Sacramento’s farm-to-fork food scene is the real deal, with local ingredients showing up everywhere from taco trucks to white-tablecloth spots that still keep things casual.
For flights, Southwest usually has the best schedule with at least one daily nonstop. If you don’t mind a short layover, American sometimes undercuts prices by $50–75 when routing through Dallas or Phoenix. Booking six to eight weeks ahead typically lands you the lowest fares, especially outside of state conference weeks when prices tend to spike.
10. Austin to Tampa ($108-$220 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- 🛫 Airlines: Southwest, American Airlines, Frontier (6+ daily flights)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to May 🌴 (dry season)
- 🏆 Perfect for: Beach lovers 🏖️, families 👪, sports fans 🏈
Tampa is Florida’s more laid-back and authentic coastal escape. You get white-sand beaches, sunshine almost every day, and a fun lineup of food, culture, and sports without the chaos of South Beach or the cost of Orlando.
Ybor City is the historic heart of Tampa’s Cuban culture, where hand-rolled cigars are still made the traditional way and Latin music spills out of colorful buildings at night, while St. Pete Beach and Clearwater offer some of Florida’s most pristine white-sand shorelines just a short drive away. Don’t miss the thrilling rides at Busch Gardens (way less packed than Orlando’s parks), catching a Tampa Bay Rays game for seriously cheap tickets, or taking the scenic ferry to Caladesi Island for untouched beaches that feel like your own private paradise. It’s the perfect escape when Austin’s weather turns gloomy.
Visit during MLB spring training in February/March, when you can catch your favorite baseball teams playing in intimate stadiums for a fraction of regular-season prices.
Southwest has the best nonstop schedule from Austin, with morning departures that get you on the beach by lunch. Frontier occasionally lists fares under $120 roundtrip if you book at least six weeks ahead and skip the extras.
11. Austin to Memphis ($71-$160 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- 🛫 Airlines: Southwest, American Airlines, Delta (4+ daily flights)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: March to May 🌷 and September to November 🍂 for pleasant weather
- 🏆 Perfect for: Music lovers 🎸, foodies 🍗, history buffs 🏛️
Memphis wears its soul on its sleeve. This is the birthplace of rock and blues, a city that hits you with live music, smoky BBQ, and deep American history before you even unpack your bag.
Beale Street lights up at night with neon signs and live music pouring from every doorway. Then there’s the National Civil Rights Museum, built around the Lorraine Motel, which turns a walk-through into a gut punch in the best, most necessary way. You can tour Graceland whether or not you care about Elvis, cheer on a parade of ducks at the Peabody Hotel, and eat your way through BBQ joints where people argue about rib styles like it’s religion.
Fall and spring are prime for wandering without sweating through your shirt. Southwest usually has the lowest fares from Austin, and midweek flights in shoulder seasons can dip under $100 roundtrip. Stay downtown and you’ll be within walking distance of everything worth seeing, and more importantly, worth hearing.
12. Austin to Portland ($205-$340 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 4 hours
- 🛫 Airlines: Alaska Airlines, Southwest, Delta (5+ daily flights)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: June to September ☀️ (dry, warm weather)
- 🏆 Perfect for: Outdoor lovers 🏔️, coffee aficionados ☕, foodies 🍽️
Portland is like Austin’s Pacific Northwest twin who ditched the heat, doubled down on trees, and somehow made weird totally work. Here, food trucks are a religion, trails start in the middle of the city, and bookstores feel like cathedrals.
Get lost inside Powell’s City of Books, a full city block of color-coded shelves and hidden reading nooks. Wander the forested switchbacks of Forest Park, one of the largest urban parks in the country. Refuel with dumplings, vegan soul food, or Thai fried chicken at one of the city’s legendary food cart pods. And when you need a breather from town, take a day trip out to the Columbia River Gorge or Mount Hood, where waterfalls and alpine hikes serve up jaw-dropping views.
Summer is the sweet spot. The rain dries up, patios open, and Portland hums with street fairs, rooftop movie nights, and biking locals who refuse to own cars.
Alaska Airlines runs the most direct flights from Austin, and roundtrip fares sometimes drop below $250 if you book a couple of months ahead. One more win? Oregon has zero sales tax.
13. Austin to Bogotá ($227-$390 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 5.5 hours
- 🛫 Airlines: Avianca, American Airlines (3+ daily flights)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: December to March ☀️ (dry season)
- 🏆 Perfect for: Culture seekers 🎭, history lovers 🏛️, budget travelers 💰
Bogotá is South America‘s high-altitude hidden gem where your dollars stretch twice as far. Sitting 8,600 feet up in the Andes, this sprawling capital mixes centuries-old churches with vibrant street murals and food markets that’ll make your Instagram followers wonder how they’ve never heard of this place before.
The historic La Candelaria district winds with colorful colonial buildings housing bohemian cafés and street art that rivals any city worldwide, while Monserrate mountain offers breathtaking panoramic views after a hike or cable car ride to its 10,000-foot peak. The incredible Gold Museum showcases pre-Hispanic treasures that survived Spanish conquest, with thousands of golden artifacts displayed in dramatic lighting.
Dry season runs December through March with cool, sunny days perfect for city hikes and plaza strolls. Avianca flies direct from Austin and often drops prices below $300 roundtrip if you book early.
One thing to note: Take it easy on your first day in Bogota to avoid altitude sickness.
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.
