Look, I know the struggle of finding cheap flights out of Detroit. The endless price tracking, the constant tab switching, the desperate hope for a deal that isn’t terrible. But after years of hunting down flight deals (and making plenty of booking mistakes), I’ve got some good news: there are actually some amazing places you can fly to without emptying your wallet.
I’ve found some of the best places in Detroit to catch affordable flights, and I’m talking destinations you actually want to visit. From the colorful streets of New Orleans to the sunny beaches of Tampa, these spots deliver serious vacation vibes without the scary price tag. Here are 9 places that prove you don’t need a trust fund to escape those Michigan winters.
#1 tip for finding cheap flights out of Detroit
For 5+ years, I’ve used Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going) to find unbelievable flight deals around the world. It’s one of the most simple yet effective sites I’ve used to find cheap airfare. All you have to do is enter your home airport (such as DTW) and where you want to go. They’ll send you mistake fares and other incredible flight deals. And the best part? It’s 100% FREE!
Last year alone, I saved THOUSANDS of dollars thanks to their email alerts – including a recent roundtrip flight to Denmark for under $400 roundtrip. I typically save about $350 roundtrip on selected flight routes.
Interested in trying Scott’s? They have free and paid depending on how often you travel. If you’re a frequent traveler like me, I recommend the premium version. It pays for itself in just one or two trips. I’ve saved enough money to more than justify the $49 per year charge for Going Premium.
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Best Destinations with Cheap Flights from Detroit
Looking for cheap flights from Detroit? Fly to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, for sunny beaches, boardwalk attractions, and fresh seafood. Visit New York City, New York, to explore iconic landmarks, Broadway shows, and world-class dining. Head to Austin, Texas, for live music, vibrant nightlife, and famous barbecue. Discover North Carolina for charming small towns, scenic mountains, and coastal escapes. Whether you’re after adventure, culture, or relaxation, these budget-friendly destinations from Detroit offer something for every traveler.
Looking to save BIG on airfare? I recommend signing up for Dollar Flight Club. Thanks to DFC, I’ve saved $5,000+ on travel this year…so I couldn’t recommend it more!
1. Detroit to Myrtle Beach ($54–$110 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours
- 🛫 Airlines: Spirit, Delta, American (6+ daily flights)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April-May 🌷 and September-October 🍂 for fewer crowds
- 🏆 Perfect for: Beach lovers 🏖️, golfers 🏌️♂️, family vacations 👨👩👧👦
Myrtle Beach is basically 60 miles of beach packed with everything from mini-golf to seafood buffets to shopping outlets. This place is perfect if you’re looking for a no-fuss beach getaway without the hassle of international travel.
The Boardwalk is where all the action happens with arcade games, rides, and touristy shops, while Broadway at the Beach is this massive entertainment complex where you can spend a whole day eating, shopping, and people-watching. The golf scene here is ridiculous with over 90 courses in the area ranging from championship designs to goofy mini-golf with volcanoes and waterfalls.
Spirit Airlines runs this route out of Detroit with the lowest fares and the most nonstop options, especially during peak summer months. Delta occasionally matches Spirit’s pricing on basic economy but gives you a smoother experience if you’re after comfort.
2. Detroit to New York City ($68–$150 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- 🛫 Airlines: Spirit, Delta, JetBlue, United (15+ daily flights)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April-June & September-October 🍂 for pleasant temperatures
- 🏆 Perfect for: Urban explorers 🏙️, culture seekers 🎭, food enthusiasts 🍕
New York City is basically sensory overload in the best possible way. This iconic metropolis hits you with endless energy, diverse neighborhoods, and that distinct feeling that you’re walking through movie sets at every turn.
Central Park gives you that perfect escape from concrete jungle madness with acres of paths, ponds, and green space surrounded by skyscrapers, while neighborhoods like Greenwich Village and Williamsburg offer completely different vibes just a subway ride apart. Spring and fall are especially great times to visit—mild temps, fewer crowds, and the city looks incredible whether it’s blooming or turning gold.
Flights between Detroit and New York City are super competitive, which keeps prices low. Spirit often has one-way fares under $40 if you travel light and book during a sale. JetBlue costs more but adds comfort with free WiFi, snacks, and extra legroom.
3. Detroit to Austin ($78–$140 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 3 hours
- 🛫 Airlines: Spirit, American, Delta, Southwest (7+ daily flights)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: March-May & September-November 🎸 for ideal temperatures
- 🏆 Perfect for: Music lovers 🎵, food enthusiasts 🌮, outdoor adventurers 🏊
Austin is where hipster meets cowboy meets tech bro. This Texas capital delivers incredible live music, food truck feasts, and outdoor adventures without the coastal price tag or attitude
✈️ My #1 Hack for Cheap Flights:
If you’re not using Going, you’re probably overpaying for flights. I’ve scored roundtrips to Europe for under $300 - and I never would’ve found them on Google Flights.
Their free version is great, but Premium is where the real magic happens. I recommend doing the 14-day free trial. And right now, you can get 25% off Premium or Elite with my code: JON25.
Seriously, it’s the best travel upgrade I’ve ever made.
South Congress is packed with quirky shops, amazing Tex-Mex, and the iconic I Love You So Much mural that floods Instagram feeds daily. For the best swimming spot on the planet, Barton Springs Pool is this massive natural limestone pool in the middle of downtown with crystal clear 68-degree water year-round. And don’t miss the food trucks. East Austin alone has dozens of permanent food truck parks where you can score everything from authentic tacos to gourmet donuts, usually for under $10.
Spring and fall are the best times to visit, when the city hits that perfect mix of sunshine, festivals, and swim-worthy temps. Spirit and Frontier compete hard on this route, often offering roundtrip fares below $100 if you travel midweek with just a personal item. Southwest is pricier up front but includes two free checked bags and flies into the convenient South Terminal.
4. Detroit to Charlotte ($102–$170 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- 🛫 Airlines: American, Delta, Spirit (8+ daily flights)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April-June 🌷 and September-October 🍂 for ideal temperatures
- 🏆 Perfect for: Banking professionals 💼, sports fans 🏈, craft beer lovers 🍺
Charlotte is where Southern hospitality meets a rising creative scene. This city has grown way beyond its banking reputation with neighborhoods that each have their own unique vibe.
NoDa is the go-to for street art, live music, and breweries tucked inside old textile mills. Even if you’re not into cars, the NASCAR Hall of Fame is worth a visit for its interactive exhibits. Want something active? Head to the U.S. National Whitewater Center, where you can raft, zipline, and climb—all in one place, just minutes from downtown.
For the best flight deals, watch for Spirit sales that drop below $120 roundtrip if you can pack just a backpack and fly midweek. American also runs a major hub here so they’ve got tons of flights daily. Spring and fall are the best times to visit, showcasing mild temps, patio weather, and fewer crowds at local hotspots.
5. Detroit to Fort Lauderdale ($135–$200 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 3 hours
- 🛫 Airlines: Spirit, Delta, JetBlue (10+ daily flights)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to April 🌴 for perfect beach weather
- 🏆 Perfect for: Beach lovers 🏖️, boating enthusiasts ⛵, winter escapees ☀️
Fort Lauderdale is where Detroiters go to thaw out in winter. This South Florida spot offers gorgeous beaches, endless waterways, and a more laid-back vibe than flashier Miami just down the coast.
Las Olas Boulevard is lined with shops and restaurants where you can day-drink on patios in January while your friends back home are scraping ice off their windshields. The beach here stretches for miles with that perfect white sand and clear blue water that makes you question why you live in Michigan. The coolest part of this city is all the canals where water taxis act like aquatic Ubers taking you between waterfront bars and restaurants.
Spirit Airlines offers the most nonstop options out of Detroit and usually the lowest fares. Sign up for email alerts to catch limited-time sales, where one-way tickets can drop as low as $69 if you book on a Tuesday and travel light.
6. Detroit to Toronto ($199–$260 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour
- 🛫 Airlines: Air Canada, Delta (6+ daily flights)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May-October 🍁 for outdoor activities and festivals
- 🏆 Perfect for: First-time international travelers 🛂, food explorers 🍽️, urban adventurers 🏙️
Toronto is basically a quick international getaway without needing to learn another language. North America’s fourth-largest city packs serious cultural diversity with neighborhoods that feel like mini global adventures.
The CN Tower has that glass floor that’s actually terrifying to stand on, while Kensington Market serves up an awesome mix of vintage shops and global food stalls all in one spot. Toronto Islands offer those perfect skyline photo ops just a quick ferry ride from downtown. The food scene here is ridiculously diverse with five different Chinatowns, a Little Italy, Little Portugal, and Greektown all offering authentic eats.
The funny thing about this route is it’s often cheaper to drive across the border and fly from Windsor instead, with fares typically $80-120 less than flying from Detroit. If you do fly direct, Air Canada usually has the best deals if you book 6-8 weeks out and fly midweek.
May through October is the sweet spot for visiting, when outdoor patios, food festivals, and the waterfront scene are in full swing.
- Read Next: Cheapest Flights to Canada from the US
7. Detroit to Montego Bay ($210–$290 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 4 hours
- 🛫 Airlines: Spirit, Delta, American (seasonal direct flights)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: December-April 🌴 for perfect tropical weather
- 🏆 Perfect for: Beach lovers 🏖️, reggae enthusiasts 🎵, all-inclusive fans 🍹
Montego Bay is your ticket to legit Caribbean vibes without emptying your bank account. This Jamaican hotspot delivers picture-perfect beaches, crystal clear water, and a laid-back atmosphere that makes you forget Detroit winters exist.
Doctor’s Cave Beach has that perfect white sand and turquoise water that looks photoshopped in person, while Hip Strip (Gloucester Avenue) gives you those classic Jamaica souvenir shops and jerk chicken spots blasting reggae music. For a less touristy experience, Scotchie’s serves up authentic jerk chicken and pork so good you’ll contemplate smuggling their sauce back home.
Spirit Airlines runs seasonal direct flights from Detroit that can dip below $250 roundtrip if you book during their Tuesday sales and can travel with minimal luggage. Delta and American offer connections through Atlanta or Miami year-round. For sunshine that doesn’t quit and way less humidity, aim for a winter or early spring getaway.
8. Detroit to Aguadilla ($235–$300 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- 🛫 Airlines: Spirit, JetBlue (connecting flights only)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: December-April 🌴 for perfect beach weather
- 🏆 Perfect for: Beach lovers 🏖️, surf enthusiasts 🏄, budget travelers 💰
Aguadilla is Puerto Rico’s best-kept secret. This laid-back town on the island’s northwest coast offers incredible beaches, world-class surfing, and authentic Puerto Rican culture without the crowds or prices of San Juan.
Crash Boat Beach is the area’s crown jewel with crystal clear water, colorful fishing boats, and a pier where locals cliff-jump into the turquoise sea below. Wilderness Beach (Playa Wilderness) is a surfer’s paradise with consistent waves and way fewer people fighting for them. The food scene here is legit with roadside kiosks called kioskos serving up fresh empanadas, alcapurrias, and ice-cold Medalla beers for prices that’ll make you wonder why you ever vacation anywhere else.
There are no direct flights from Detroit, but the extra effort pays off. Spirit usually has the lowest fares with connections through Fort Lauderdale or Orlando, while JetBlue offers a comfier ride at a higher price. Flying into Aguadilla instead of San Juan can save you $50 to $100 on airfare and drop you right into beach paradise.
For postcard-perfect weather, aim for a trip between December and April, when skies are sunny and temps sit comfortably around 80 degrees. Feeling lucky? Hurricane season from June through November offers the absolute lowest prices.
9. Detroit to Cancun ($236–$310 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
- 🛫 Airlines: Spirit, Delta, American (10+ daily flights)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to April 🌴 for perfect beach weather without hurricane risk
- 🏆 Perfect for: Beach lovers 🏖️, all-inclusive fans 🍹, ancient ruin explorers 🏛️
Cancun is basically the easiest tropical escape from Detroit. This Mexican beach destination delivers that perfect combo of turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and vibrant nightlife.
The Hotel Zone is a long strip of beaches and all-inclusive resorts where you can literally walk out of your room onto perfect sand. The water here is seriously ridiculous – crystal clear turquoise that makes your social media followers think you’ve heavily filtered your photos. Beyond beach lounging, Chichen Itza is a bucket-list Mayan pyramid site a few hours away, while Isla Mujeres offers a more laid-back vibe just a quick ferry ride offshore.
Flights from Detroit to Cancun are super competitive, especially during the dry season from November to April when beach weather is at its best.
Spirit often has the lowest fares, with roundtrip tickets sometimes dropping below $250 during Tuesday sales if you can travel light. Delta and American are usually a bit more, but offer better flight times and a smoother in-flight experience.
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