The 13 Cheapest Flights from Kansas City to Anywhere in 2025

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Look, I know flight prices are wild these days, but flying from Kansas City doesn’t have to drain your bank account. I’ve spent way too many hours hunting down deals (seriously, my browser history is just flight searches), and I’ve found some absolute steals for 2025 that’ll get you somewhere awesome without making your wallet cry.

From weekend trips to Nashville that cost less than a fancy dinner (that hot chicken at Hattie B’s is worth the flight alone!) to those surprise Mexico City deals under $250, these are the best places from Kansas City to visit without breaking the bank. Ready to pack your bags? Here are 13 flight deals I’m personally excited about—because life’s too short for expensive tickets.

#1 tip for finding cheap flights from Kansas City

Looking for cheap places to fly from Kansas City? Before jumping into all the coolest cities and airports to fly into, I want to share a quick tip to save money on airfare.

For the past 5 years, I’ve used Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going) to find cheap flight deals. It’s free and super easy to use. All you have to do is enter in your home airport (i.e. MCI) and where you want to go, and they’ll send you mistake fares and other ridiculously cheap flight deals.

In 2024 alone, I saved thousands of dollars thanks to their email alerts. This includes most recently, a $227 roundtrip fare from Boston to Barcelona. On average, I save about $300 roundtrip on selected flight routes. So, I’m a huge fan and couldn’t recommend them more!

If you’re a frequent flier, consider getting their premium version. It costs $49 per year, but it will easily save you hundreds (or thousands) of dollars if you fly just 1-2 times. I recommend signing up for the free trial (which you can cancel at any time) to test it out for yourself. And if you like it, use my coupon code JON20 to save 20%!

Best Destinations with Cheap Flights from Kansas City

Looking for cheap flights from Kansas City? Visit Denver for its stunning mountain scenery, explore the vibrant city life of Dallas, admire the iconic architecture of Chicago, or experience the cultural attractions of Minneapolis. Whether you’re after adventure, history, or urban excitement, these destinations offer affordable escapes from Kansas City.

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Looking to save BIG on airfare? I recommend signing up for Dollar Flight Club. Thanks to DFC, I’ve saved $5,000+ on travel in 2024…so I couldn’t recommend it more!

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1. Kansas City to Denver ($39–$120 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: Frontier, Southwest, United (10+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: May-October 🏔️ for outdoor adventures and April for skiing deals ⛷️
• 🏆 Perfect for: Mountain lovers 🏔️, craft beer enthusiasts 🍺, outdoor adventurers 🥾

Denver makes for the perfect weekend escape from KC life. This mountain-backed city trades your barbecue for green chile, flat landscapes for epic peaks, and gives you outdoor adventures that don’t involve ticks or humidity.

Union Station isn’t just a transportation hub but a food and drink destination where the historic train terminal has been transformed into a hangout spot with some of the city’s best restaurants and bars. Larimer Square gives you that perfect downtown vibe with string lights crossing over a street lined with Victorian buildings now housing trendy shops and restaurants. For day trips that’ll blow your mind, Garden of the Gods near Colorado Springs offers those iconic red rock formations that look fake in photos.

Snagging cheap flights from KC to the Mile High City is almost too easy. Frontier basically gives tickets away with fares sometimes dropping below $40 one-way during their weekly sales. September hits that perfect sweet spot with summer crowds gone but before any serious snow

• Read Next: Cheap Places to Fly from Denver

2. Kansas City to Dallas ($62–$140 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: American, Southwest, Spirit (10+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: March-May & September-November 🍂 for pleasant temperatures
• 🏆 Perfect for: Urban cowboys 🤠, food enthusiasts 🍖, sports fans 🏈

Dallas is where Kansas City’s Midwestern charm meets Texas-sized ambition. This sprawling metroplex delivers bigger hats, bolder flavors, and shopping that makes the Country Club Plaza look like a garage sale.

Deep Ellum is the city’s historic entertainment district with live music venues, street art, and trendy restaurants housed in converted industrial buildings. For culture that doesn’t involve cowboy hats, the Dallas Museum of Art is completely free and actually impressive, while the Klyde Warren Park is this cool green space built over a freeway where food trucks gather daily. 

This route is dominated by American Airlines since Dallas is their main hub, but Southwest competes with similar prices and their free checked bags policy. Spirit often has the absolute cheapest base fares, sometimes dropping below $70 roundtrip during their Tuesday sales. Spring and fall are perfect for visiting, with perfect temps for patio dining and exploring outdoor spots like the Dallas Arboretum with its stunning seasonal displays. 

• Read Next: Cheapest Places to Fly from Dallas

3. Kansas City to Chicago ($71–$160 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: United, American, Southwest (15+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: May-October 🌆 for outdoor activities and lake fun
• 🏆 Perfect for: Architecture fans 🏙️, food lovers 🍕, big city explorers 🚶

Chicago is KC’s bigger, louder cousin with better pizza and worse winters. This lakeside metropolis delivers world-class museums, iconic architecture, and deep dish so thick you’ll need a knife, fork, and possibly a shovel.

Millennium Park is home to the famous Bean (officially called Cloud Gate but literally no one calls it that) where you’ll definitely take the same tourist selfie as everyone else. The Riverwalk offers that perfect urban escape with bars, restaurants, and boat tours along the water. For the best views in America, head up to the Willis Tower Skydeck or step out onto the glass ledge at 360 CHICAGO where you can see four states on a clear day.

Scoring cheap flights from KC to the Windy City is super straightforward with multiple daily options. United and American both hub out of Chicago offering tons of options, while Southwest typically has the best overall value with their free checked bags policy. Summer brings perfect weather for outdoor activities and unlimited fun.

• Read Next: Budget-Friendly Flights from Chicago

4. Kansas City to Minneapolis ($91–$170 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: Delta, Sun Country, United (8+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: June-September 🌲 and December-February ❄️ for seasonal activities
• 🏆 Perfect for: Lake lovers 🏊‍♀️, food explorers 🍽️, outdoor enthusiasts 🌲

Minneapolis is what happens when you take Kansas City’s Midwest friendliness and add 10,000 lakes, world-class arts, and a food scene that puts it in an entirely different league.

The Chain of Lakes gives you legit beaches and rental kayaks within biking distance of downtown, and the Stone Arch Bridge area is perfect for that skyline shot everyone posts. First Avenue is this legendary music venue where Prince got his start, and you’ll find purple tributes to him all over town. The food scene here is surprisingly awesome with everything from Scandinavian-inspired fine dining to the infamous Jucy Lucy (a burger with cheese INSIDE the patty) at spots like Matt’s Bar where the cheese burns your mouth but you keep eating anyway.

Flight deals to the Twin Cities won’t break your budget with Sun Country frequently offering fares under $120 roundtrip when booked a few weeks ahead. Summer here is absolutely prime time when the city goes nuts for outdoor everything.

• Read Next: Top Budget-Friendly Flights from Minneapolis

5. Kansas City to Las Vegas ($84–$160 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 3 hours
• 🛫 Airlines: Frontier, Spirit, Southwest (10+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: March-May & October-November 🎲 for milder temperatures
• 🏆 Perfect for: Entertainment seekers 🎭, pool partiers 🏊, gambling enthusiasts 🎰

Las Vegas is where KC’s Midwest sensibility gets left at the airport. This desert playground trades your barbecue joints for all-you-can-eat buffets, jazz clubs for mega nightclubs, and reasonable behavior for, well, Vegas.

The Strip is lined with those iconic themed hotels each trying to outdo each other with attractions like the dancing fountains at Bellagio or the replica Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas. Beyond gambling, the entertainment here is next level with resident performers like major music artists and shows like Cirque du Soleil where impossibly flexible humans do things that seem to defy physics. For the best views of the chaos, head up to the High Roller observation wheel or a rooftop bar like at the Cosmopolitan where you can sip cocktails while watching the city light up at night.

Frontier and Spirit battle for the budget crown with basic fares sometimes dropping below $100 roundtrip if you can travel light and book during their frequent sales. Time your visit in March or November when temperatures usually hit 70s-80s without the brutal summer heat.

• Read Next: Best Airports in Las Vegas

6. Kansas City to Atlanta ($101–$180 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours
• 🛫 Airlines: Delta, Southwest, Frontier (10+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: March-May & September-November 🍂 for pleasant temperatures
• 🏆 Perfect for: Urban explorers 🏙️, food enthusiasts 🍗, culture seekers 🎭

Atlanta is where Midwestern politeness meets Southern hospitality with a side of big city hustle. This sprawling metropolis offers neighborhoods that feel like completely different cities, food that’ll make you rethink barbecue, and enough attractions to fill a week-long trip.

The BeltLine is this awesome urban trail that connects the coolest neighborhoods in the city where you’ll find locals jogging, biking, and hopping between breweries and food halls all day long. Little Five Points gives you those alternative vibes with vintage shops and dive bars where you might spot a famous rapper casually hanging out. 

Finding affordable flights to the ATL is a breeze since Delta uses it as their massive hub, creating tons of daily options and competitive pricing. Southwest typically offers the best value with their free checked bags policy, while Frontier occasionally drops basic fares below $120 roundtrip during their sales. 

• Read Next: Cheap Flights from Atlanta

7. Kansas City to Houston ($66–$140 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours
• 🛫 Airlines: United, Southwest, Spirit (8+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: February-April & October-November 🌆 for pleasant temperatures
• 🏆 Perfect for: Food enthusiasts 🍽️, space nerds 🚀, museum lovers 🖼️

Houston is what happens when Texas ambition meets international diversity. This sprawling metropolis delivers incredible food from every corner of the world, NASA-level innovation, and enough sprawl to make you grateful for Kansas City traffic.

Space Center Houston lets you geek out over actual NASA mission control and touch real spacecraft that have been to space and back. The Museum District packs 19 different museums into a walkable area, with the Menil Collection housing world-class art in a building so gorgeous you’ll want to move in. 

This route is dominated by United since Houston is one of their major hubs, but Southwest competes with similar prices and those two free checked bags. Spirit often runs flash sales with fares dipping below $70 roundtrip if you can travel with just a personal item. February through April brings wildflowers and perfect temperatures in the 70s before summer heat kicks in. 

• Read Next: Cheap Flights from Houston

8. Kansas City to Phoenix ($139–$200 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: American, Southwest, Frontier (8+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: October-April 🌵 for perfect desert temperatures
• 🏆 Perfect for: Outdoor enthusiasts 🥾, golf lovers 🏌️‍♂️, winter escapees ☀️

Phoenix is basically the anti-Kansas City. This sprawling desert metropolis trades your BBQ for cactus tacos, thunderstorms for 300+ days of sunshine, and gives your winter coat a much-needed vacation.

Roosevelt Row is downtown’s arts district where colorful murals cover buildings and First Friday art walks draw thousands each month to galleries, food trucks, and pop-up markets. Papago Park offers those iconic red sandstone formations right in the city limits, including the famous “Hole in the Rock” that frames perfect sunset photos. Sports fans can catch spring training games at multiple stadiums scattered throughout the Valley

Flights from KC are straightforward with Frontier occasionally offering bare-bones fares below $150 roundtrip during their sales. Southwest might cost a bit more but includes two free checked bags so you can bring all your hiking gear. February is absolute prime time with perfect 70°F days, desert wildflowers beginning to bloom and sports activities are rich.

• Read Next: Cheap Flights from Phoenix

9. Kansas City to Los Angeles ($210–$290 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: Spirit, United, American, Southwest (10+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: March-May & September-November 🌞 for pleasant temperatures
• 🏆 Perfect for: Beach lovers 🏖️, entertainment seekers 🎬, food enthusiasts 🌮

Los Angeles is where Kansas City’s Midwestern modesty gets a California makeover. This sprawling metropolis offers perfect beaches, mountain hikes, and celebrity sightings all under reliable sunshine that makes you question why you live somewhere with actual seasons.

Venice Beach gives you that classic SoCal experience with boardwalk performers, muscle beach workouts, and prime people-watching, while Griffith Observatory offers those iconic city views with the Hollywood sign in the background.

Despite the cross-country distance, flights from KC to LA won’t completely destroy your budget. Spirit frequently offers the lowest base fares, sometimes dropping below $230 roundtrip if you can pack light and book during their Tuesday sales. May and October hit that sweet spot with perfect temperatures without summer smog or tourist crowds.

• Read next: Breathtaking Places to Visit in Los Angeles
• You may also like: Budget-Friendly Flights from LAX

10. Kansas City to Orlando ($92–$160 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: Frontier, Southwest, Spirit (10+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: January-April & September-November 🎢 for lower humidity
• 🏆 Perfect for: Theme park enthusiasts 🎢, family vacations 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦, winter escapees ☀️

Orlando is where adults can legitimately act like kids again without judgment. This theme park capital delivers way more than just mouse ears with incredible attractions, surprisingly good food, and perfect weather when Kansas City is freezing.

Disney World is obviously the big draw with four separate parks that could each eat up a full day, but Universal Studios is where the real magic happens for anyone who’s graduated from princesses to butterbeer and Harry Potter vibes. Beyond the parks, Winter Park is this gorgeous neighborhood with oak-lined streets, boat tours through canals lined with mansions, and restaurants that don’t serve food shaped like cartoon characters.

This route from Kansas City is stacked with budget options. Frontier and Spirit frequently offer fares below $120 roundtrip if you can travel light and book during their Tuesday sales. January through March gives you perfect 70s weather without the brutal summer humidity or peak tourist crowds. 

• Read Next: Best Airports in Orlando

11. Kansas City to St. Louis ($65–$130 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 55 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: Southwest, American (6+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: April-June & September-October 🍂 for ideal temperatures
• 🏆 Perfect for: Sports fans ⚾, architecture buffs 🏛️, budget travelers 💰

St. Louis is basically Kansas City’s arch-rival (pun intended). This river city offers major attractions without big city prices or attitude, all just a quick flight away.

The iconic Gateway Arch isn’t just for looking at you can actually ride a tiny tram to the top for insane views of the city and Mississippi River. Forest Park is bigger than Central Park and completely free, housing the awesome St. Louis Zoo (also free) which locals will tell you is among the best in the country. The City Museum isn’t your typical boring museum, it’s this wild 10-story playground built from salvaged materials where adults can climb through tunnels and slide down massive slides with zero judgment.

Southwest typically offers the best overall value with their free checked bags policy and often the most flight options. Fall visits during September and October offer gorgeous changing leaves in Forest Park and comfortable temperatures perfect for walking the city.

12. Kansas City to Salt Lake City ($103-$180 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: Delta, Southwest, Frontier (6+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: June-September 🏔️ for summer adventures & December-March ❄️ for skiing
• 🏆 Perfect for: Ski enthusiasts 🎿, outdoor adventurers 🥾, national park explorers 🏞️

Salt Lake City is what happens when mountains meet Mormons. This Utah capital offers some of the world’s best skiing, incredible outdoor adventures, and a surprisingly cool food and drink scene that defies the city’s buttoned-up reputation.

Park City is just 40 minutes away with some of America’s best ski resorts that hosted the Winter Olympics and the famous Sundance Film Festival that transforms the town every January. Antelope Island offers this surreal landscape where buffalo roam freely on a massive island in the middle of the Great Salt Lake with salt flats that stretch to the horizon. July and August bring perfect mountain weather with warm days, while December through March delivers the legendary Utah powder that brings skiers from around the world.

Delta dominates this route since SLC is their western hub, but Southwest competes with their free checked bags policy that’s perfect for bringing ski equipment. Frontier occasionally offers basic fares below $120 roundtrip if you can travel with minimal luggage.

13. Kansas City to San Antonio ($122–$190 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: Southwest, American, United (8+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: March-May & October-November 🍂 for pleasant temperatures
• 🏆 Perfect for: History buffs 🏛️, Tex-Mex lovers 🌮, riverfront explorers 🚶

San Antonio is Texas with training wheels. This laid-back city offers all the Lone Star charm without the overwhelming sprawl of Houston or the pretentiousness of Austin.

The River Walk winds through downtown with restaurants and shops lining both sides of the San Antonio River, creating a pedestrian paradise that’s equally popular with tourists and locals. The Alamo is smaller than you’d expect but packed with Texas history and surprisingly free to visit. 

Southwest typically offers the most flight options and best overall value from KC with their free checked bags policy. March is absolutely perfect for visiting when the weather is ideal and the Fiesta San Antonio transforms the city with parades, music, and food festivals lasting nearly two weeks. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Cheapest Flights from Kansas City

Looking to expand your knowledge about the cheapest destinations from Kansas City? Here are some common questions I get a lot about cheap flights from Kansas City to anywhere.

What are some of the cheapest places to fly from Kansas City?

Some of the cheapest places to fly from Kansas City include Denver, Dallas, Minneapolis, Chicago, Las Vegas, Atlanta, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, St. Louis, Orlando, San Antonio, and more. Don’t forget to check out the cheapest places to fly from MKC as well!

How can I find the cheapest flights from Kansas City to anywhere?

To find the cheapest flights from Kansas City to anywhere, do the following: (1) consider using flight comparison websites, (2) set fare alerts, (3) be flexible with your travel dates, and (4) check for deals directly with airlines.

Which airlines offer the best deals from Kansas City?

Airlines like Southwest, Delta, Spirit, and American Airlines often offer cheap flights from JCI and other Kansas City airports, including cheap flights from OJC.

Are there any non-stop cheap flights from Kansas City?

Yes, many airlines offer non-stop cheap flights from JCI and other Kansas City airports to various destinations, ensuring a quicker and more convenient travel experience.

Which countries are typically cheaper to fly to from Kansas City?

When considering cheap countries to fly from Kansas City, destinations like Mexico, Canada, and some Central American countries often offer competitive fares.

When is the best time to book to get the cheapest flights from Kansas City?

Generally, booking a few months in advance can help you snag some of the cheapest flights from Kansas City. However, keep an eye out for airline sales and last-minute deals.

Are there any nearby alternative airports to consider when flying from Kansas City?

Yes, besides the main Kansas City International Airport (MCI), there are other airports like Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport (MKC) and Johnson County Executive Airport (OJC) that might offer cheap flights depending on your destination.

Why are some destinations cheaper to fly to from Kansas City than others?

Flight prices can be influenced by factors like airline competition, demand, seasonal trends, and the distance between the origin and destination. Thus, some cheap destinations from Kansas City might be due to these factors.

How can I stay updated on the cheapest places to fly from Kansas City?

To stay updated on the cheapest places to fly from MCI or other Kansas City airports, consider subscribing to airline newsletters, joining frequent flyer programs, and setting fare alerts on travel websites.