Ready to escape Memphis without breaking the bank? After spending way too many late nights hunting for flight deals (and actually flying these routes myself), I’ve found some seriously incredible prices that’ll get you somewhere amazing in 2026. Just last month, I scored a $180 roundtrip to Phoenix, where I spent mornings hiking Camelback Mountain and afternoons digging into the food scene around Old Town Scottsdale.
These are hands down the best places from Memphis to visit if you want your money to go further. From watching the sunset over South Beach in Miami (found tickets under $200!) to wandering through New Orleans French Quarter without emptying your wallet, I’ve discovered some unreal deals. Here are 13 destinations you can actually afford to fly to this year because life’s too short to stay home just because of expensive flights.
Spirit Shut Down May 2026
Spirit Airlines ceased all operations on May 2, 2026 after its second bankruptcy fell apart, so it is no longer an option on any Memphis route. That pulled a chunk of ultra low cost capacity out of MEM to Miami, Baltimore, Detroit, Las Vegas and Austin, and Frontier and Breeze are now the budget options worth checking first. Southwest is no longer the free bag airline either, so run the all in price with luggage before you book. Full rundown on the shutdown.
✈️ How I find these Memphis fares before they disappear
Almost every route on this list swings 40 to 60 percent depending on when you book, and Going’s Premium plan ($49/year) is what tells me when MEM fares hit the bottom of that range. It’s how I’ve caught sub-$100 hops to Kansas City and cheap Frontier runs down to Miami without checking Google Flights every morning. If you’d rather sit up front on a long haul, Elite ($199/year) covers business, first, and premium economy drops too.
Try Going Elite free for 14 days — use code JON25 for 25% off if you keep it.
Best Destinations with Cheap Flights from Memphis
Looking for cheap flights from Memphis? Visit Minneapolis for its scenic parks and vibrant arts scene, explore the sunny beaches of Miami, admire the desert landscapes of Phoenix, or experience the historic charm of Baltimore. Whether you’re after nature, nightlife, or culture, these destinations offer affordable escapes from Memphis.
1. Memphis to Minneapolis ($101–$160 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- 🛫 Airlines: Delta (about 3 daily flights)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: June to August 🌞 and September to October 🍂 for ideal weather
- 🏆 Perfect for: Outdoor enthusiasts 🏞️, food lovers 🍔, arts and culture fans 🎭
Minneapolis is where Midwest charm meets surprising urban cool. This Twin Cities hub gives you incredible parks, amazing food scenes, and vibrant arts communities without the crowds or prices of coastal cities.
The Chain of Lakes gives you urban beaches and waterfront paths that locals pack during the warmer months. Mall of America is way more than just shopping, it has an entire indoor theme park complete with roller coasters. Minneapolis totally transforms with the seasons, like how summer brings outdoor concerts and kayaking right through downtown, while winter creates this magical snow-covered playground with ice skating and cross-country skiing in city parks.
July and August bring perfect weather for exploring the city’s abundant lakes and outdoor spaces, while October offers gorgeous fall colors in places like Minnehaha Park. For flights, Delta is the only carrier flying this nonstop, with roughly three departures a day. Book 6-8 weeks ahead and travel midweek for the lowest fares.
- Read Next: Cheapest Places to Fly from MSP
2. Memphis to Miami ($77–$140 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- 🛫 Airlines: American (about 1 daily flight)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to April 🌴 and May 🌞 for fewer crowds
- 🏆 Perfect for: Beach lovers 🏖️, nightlife seekers 🎉, food enthusiasts 🍽️
Miami is where tropical vibes meet non-stop energy. This Florida hotspot serves up stunning beaches, incredible Latin-influenced food, and legendary nightlife without needing your passport.
South Beach is exactly as gorgeous as it looks in photos with its white sand, turquoise water, and famous Art Deco buildings lining Ocean Drive. Wynwood Walls turns an entire neighborhood into an outdoor art gallery with massive murals covering warehouse buildings. What makes Miami special is its unique cultural mix, where Latin American influences blend with beach town vibes to create a city that feels totally different from anywhere else in the US.
American is the only carrier flying this nonstop and runs about one departure a day, so book early because there is no backup flight if it fills. Delta and Southwest connect through their hubs and sometimes come in cheaper if you can absorb the extra travel time. January through March gives you perfect 75-80 degree days while your friends back home are freezing, though hotel prices peak during this winter escape season. May offers the perfect balance of great weather, smaller crowds, and better hotel rates before the humid summer arrives.
2026 heads-up: Hard Rock Stadium is hosting multiple FIFA World Cup matches including a quarterfinal and the third-place game between June 11 and July 19, so flights and hotels will spike on match days but the city’s energy will be unmatched.
✈️ How I Fly for a Fraction of the Price (Even Business Class)
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).
Planning a big trip? Elite members save up to $2,000 on a single international business-class ticket. I’ve seen nonstop biz to Scotland for $1,250.
👉 Try Going Elite free for 14 days. Cancel anytime, and use code JON25 for 25% off.
Just want the cheap economy deals? Start free in 10 seconds, no credit card required.
It’s the best money-saving tool I’ve used in 10+ years of travel.
👉 Try Going Elite free →- Read Next: Cheap Flights to Miami
3. Memphis to Phoenix ($133–$190 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- 🛫 Airlines: American, Southwest (about 5 flights weekly)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: October to April 🌵 and December to February ☀️ for perfect weather
- 🏆 Perfect for: Outdoor adventurers 🏜️, golf enthusiasts ⛳, sun seekers 🌞
Phoenix is where desert beauty meets urban comforts. This Arizona metropolis gives you amazing mountain hikes, world-class golf, and perfect winter weather without the insane prices of California.
Camelback Mountain offers incredible hiking trails with epic city views just minutes from downtown hotels. Desert Botanical Garden shows off the surprising beauty of desert plants with stunning night light displays during winter months. The food scene is seriously underrated. Cities like Scottsdale and Tempe are packed with creative restaurants serving everything from authentic Mexican to farm-to-table Southwest fusion.
Finding affordable flights is easiest if you target specific airlines. American and Southwest split the nonstops here, roughly five a week between them, so your date flexibility matters more than your airline choice. Southwest usually posts the lower base fare, though checked bags now cost $35 for the first and $45 for the second.
4. Memphis to Baltimore ($89–$150 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- 🛫 Airlines: Southwest (about 4 flights weekly)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to June 🌸 and September to October 🍂 for pleasant weather
- 🏆 Perfect for: History buffs 🏛️, seafood lovers 🦀, sports fans ⚾
Baltimore is where gritty authenticity meets unexpected charm. This harbor city gives you rich history, incredible seafood, and vibrant neighborhoods without the overwhelming crowds or prices of nearby Washington DC.
The Inner Harbor area has been completely revitalized with attractions like the National Aquarium and historic ships you can actually tour. Fells Point neighborhood keeps its colonial-era cobblestone streets and waterfront pubs where locals down Maryland craft beers and the freshest steamed crabs. The city proudly embraces its quirky side, from the weird and wonderful American Visionary Art Museum to colorful painted screens on rowhouse windows in neighborhoods like Hampden.
Budget-conscious travelers should target Southwest flights from Memphis, which frequently post the lowest base fares on this route. Just remember bags are no longer free, so a carry on only trip is where the savings hold up. May brings perfect temperatures and the famous Preakness Stakes horse race, while October offers gorgeous fall colors in places like Patterson Park plus significantly cheaper hotel rates than summer months.
- Read next: Cheapest Places to Fly from Baltimore
- You may also like: Hidden Gems in Maryland
5. Memphis to Detroit ($94–$155 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours
- 🛫 Airlines: Delta (about 3 daily flights)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to October 🌞 and January ❄️ for auto show
- 🏆 Perfect for: Car enthusiasts 🚗, music lovers 🎵, urban explorers 🏙️
Detroit is where industrial heritage meets creative renaissance. This Michigan city delivers incredible architecture, world-class museums, and an authentic Midwest vibe without tourist hordes or inflated prices.
The Detroit Institute of Arts houses one of America’s finest art collections including the mind-blowing Diego Rivera murals depicting the city’s auto industry history. Eastern Market is a massive historic farmers market where locals shop for fresh produce alongside street art tours and food trucks on weekends. The music legacy here runs deep. From Motown to techno, the city’s influence on American sound is unmistakable at spots like the Motown Museum in the original recording studio.
For flights, Delta operates a hub at Detroit Metropolitan Airport and runs about three nonstops a day from Memphis, which is your only nonstop option on this route. Summer and early fall are perfect for exploring the city and nearby Great Lakes beaches, while January brings the massive North American International Auto Show.
- Read Next: Cheapest Places to Fly from Detroit
6. Memphis to Las Vegas ($105–$180 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
- 🛫 Airlines: Allegiant, Southwest (about 6 flights weekly)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: March to May 🌵 and October to November 🍂 for mild weather
- 🏆 Perfect for: Entertainment seekers 🎰, food enthusiasts 🍽️, desert adventurers 🏜️
Las Vegas is where desert landscapes meet over-the-top entertainment. This Nevada playground delivers world-class shows, incredible dining, and epic nightlife without the need for a passport or language skills.
The famous Strip packs an insane amount of entertainment into a 4-mile stretch, with hotels recreating everything from ancient Rome to the Eiffel Tower. Beyond the casinos, Fremont Street in downtown gives you a more affordable, slightly gritty version of Vegas with light shows and street performers. Red Rock Canyon is just 20 minutes away with hiking trails through stunning red sandstone formations.
Budget airlines make this route surprisingly affordable from Memphis. Allegiant and Southwest are the only nonstops now, about six a week combined, and Allegiant usually carries the lower base fare if you can travel light and book 6-8 weeks ahead. March through May offers perfect desert temperatures before summer heat makes outdoor activities unbearable.
- Read Next: Best Airports in Las Vegas
7. Memphis to Kansas City ($58–$120 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 30 minutes in the air, but expect 4+ hours with a connection
- 🛫 Airlines: American, Delta, Southwest (via connections)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to June 🌸 and September to October 🍂 for ideal weather
- 🏆 Perfect for: BBQ enthusiasts 🍖, jazz lovers 🎷, sports fans 🏈
Kansas City is where Midwest friendliness meets surprising cultural depth. This underrated city delivers incredible food, vibrant arts districts, and passionate sports culture without the crowds or prices of larger metro areas.
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is completely free and houses an impressive collection inside a beautiful neoclassical building with giant shuttlecocks on the lawn. Country Club Plaza offers Spanish-inspired architecture filled with shops and restaurants, while areas like Crossroads burst with galleries, breweries, and creative energy. Sports fans go absolutely wild for the Chiefs and Royals, with tailgating elevated to an art form on game days.
There is no nonstop from Memphis right now, so plan on a connection through Chicago, Dallas or Denver. Southwest usually posts the lowest connecting fare, though its free checked bags policy ended in 2025 and bags now run $35 and $45. May brings perfect weather and the city’s many fountains flowing at full display, while September offers comfortable temperatures and exciting tailgate culture as football season kicks off.
2026 bonus: Arrowhead Stadium is hosting six FIFA World Cup matches between June 16 and July 11, including a quarterfinal, so expect higher fares and hotel rates during those windows but a once-in-a-generation atmosphere if you can swing it.
- Read Next: Scenic Places to Visit in Missouri
8. Memphis to Austin ($127–$175 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours
- 🛫 Airlines: American, Southwest, Delta (about 6 flights weekly)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: March to May 🌸 and September to November 🍂 for pleasant weather
- 🏆 Perfect for: Music lovers 🎸, food enthusiasts 🌮, outdoor adventurers 🏊
Austin is where Texas tradition meets creative energy. This buzzing capital city delivers incredible live music, amazing food scenes, and beautiful outdoor spaces without the overwhelming size of other Texan metros.
Barton Springs Pool is a massive natural limestone swimming hole in the middle of the city where locals escape the heat in crystal-clear 68-degree water year-round. South Congress avenue packs quirky shops, amazing food trucks, and perfect skyline views into a walkable stretch popular with both visitors and locals. Events are iconic here, from massive festivals like SXSW to intimate venues like The Continental Club where you can catch rising stars for the price of a few beers.
Visit in spring and fall for the best weather. Three carriers split about six nonstops a week here, so there is real competition on price even though the schedule is thin. Southwest added a nonstop on this route in 2026 and typically posts the lowest base fare, though bags now cost extra. American and Delta frequently match on price, so compare the total once luggage is added.
- Read Next: Cheapest Places to Fly from Austin
9. Memphis to San Antonio ($116–$170 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- 🛫 Airlines: Breeze Airways (2 nonstops weekly)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: March to May 🌸 and October to November 🍁 for ideal temperatures
- 🏆 Perfect for: History buffs 🏛️, Tex-Mex lovers 🌮, riverfront explorers 🚶
San Antonio is where Texas history meets vibrant culture. This laid-back city offers incredible historical sites, authentic Tex-Mex, and beautiful riverside scenes without the traffic or prices of larger Texas metropolises.
The famous River Walk winds through downtown with restaurants and shops lining both sides of the waterway, creating a festive atmosphere that’s especially magical when lit up at night. The Alamo may be smaller than most visitors expect, but standing where Texas history was made hits different than typical tourist spots. Market Square offers the largest Mexican market in the US with colorful shops selling everything from handcrafted goods to fresh churros.
Breeze Airways started the only nonstop on this route in May 2026, flying twice a week with fares that have opened as low as $49 one way. American still connects through Dallas daily if the Breeze days do not line up.
10. Memphis to Oklahoma City ($139–$190 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- 🛫 Airlines: American (nonstop), plus connections on United and Southwest
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to June 🌷 and September to October 🍂 for pleasant weather
- 🏆 Perfect for: American history enthusiasts 🏛️, cowboy culture fans 🤠, food lovers 🍖
Oklahoma City is where cowboy heritage meets surprising urban renewal. This underrated Midwestern city delivers fascinating museums, incredible food, and genuine American history without big city prices or pretension.
Bricktown district has transformed from abandoned warehouses into a lively entertainment zone with a canal running through it, lined with restaurants and water taxis. The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum is way more impressive than you’d expect, with amazing art collections and exhibits that go way beyond cowboy stereotypes. The Oklahoma City National Memorial offers a powerful and moving tribute to victims of the 1995 bombing that changed the city forever.
American now flies this nonstop, which cuts the trip to under two hours. Connections through Dallas are still the fallback if the nonstop times do not work, and Southwest routes through Nashville as another option. For the lowest fares, book 5-7 weeks ahead and target Tuesday or Wednesday departures, when connecting fares occasionally dip below $145 roundtrip. The best time to visit is in May or October, when the weather is just right for exploring places like Scissortail Park or catching a sunset from the SkyDance Bridge.
- Read Next: 22 Things to Do in Oklahoma City at Night
11. Memphis to Milwaukee ($152–$200 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- 🛫 Airlines: Southwest, Delta, American (via connections)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: June to September 🌞 and January ❄️ for different experiences
- 🏆 Perfect for: Beer enthusiasts 🍺, festival goers 🎭, lakefront explorers 🌊
Milwaukee is where Midwest authenticity meets surprising cultural depth. This lakeside city delivers incredible breweries, stunning architecture, and vibrant waterfront scenes without the crowds or prices of Chicago just 90 miles south.
The Milwaukee Art Museum is worth visiting for the building alone, with its massive movable wings that open and close daily, resembling a bird taking flight over Lake Michigan. Historic Third Ward district packs cool boutiques, restaurants, and the amazing Milwaukee Public Market into a walkable former warehouse area.
This route usually requires a connection. Southwest through Chicago Midway often delivers the best value on base fare, though the two free checked bags perk is gone, while Delta via Detroit is another solid option. Booking 5-7 weeks ahead generally yields the best connecting fares, with Basic and Choice fare prices sometimes dropping below $160 roundtrip if you avoid peak summer weekends. July and August offer ideal weather for outdoor patios, beer gardens, and lake views, while January transforms the city into a snowy, cozy haven with ice skating and local taverns perfect for warming up.
- Read Next: 12 Magical Wisconsin Getaways
12. Memphis to Omaha ($59–$125 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- 🛫 Airlines: American, United, Delta (via connections)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to September 🌞 and June 🏆 for College World Series
- 🏆 Perfect for: Sports fans ⚾, food enthusiasts 🥩, budget travelers 💰
Omaha is where Midwestern charm meets unexpected sophistication. This Nebraska city offers incredible steakhouses, a world-class zoo, and vibrant neighborhoods without the tourist crowds or high prices of larger destinations.
The Henry Doorly Zoo consistently ranks among the world’s best with massive indoor rainforest and desert environments plus the largest indoor jungle in North America. Old Market district preserves historic brick streets and warehouses now filled with restaurants, galleries, and shops where you can actually watch glass blowers and artists at work.
There is no nonstop from Memphis anymore, so every routing involves a connection. American typically has the most options through Chicago or Dallas, and booking 6-8 weeks out for midweek travel keeps fares down. June is when Omaha shines, with the College World Series turning the city into a baseball haven.
- Read Next: Beautiful Places to Visit in Nebraska
13. Memphis to Albuquerque ($188–$250 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 5+ hours with a connection
- 🛫 Airlines: American, United, Delta (via connections)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: September to October 🎈 and April to May 🌵 for ideal weather
- 🏆 Perfect for: Desert explorers 🏜️, hot air balloon enthusiasts 🎈, Breaking Bad fans 🧪
Albuquerque is where Southwestern culture meets high desert beauty. This New Mexico gem delivers stunning mountain views, authentic Native American and Hispanic influences, and unique outdoor experiences without the crowds or prices of Santa Fe.
The Sandia Peak Tramway takes you on North America’s longest aerial tram ride to the top of the mountains with breathtaking views of the Rio Grande Valley. Old Town dates back to 1706 with adobe buildings housing shops, restaurants, and the beautiful San Felipe de Neri Church.
Most flights from Memphis connect through Dallas or Denver, with American offering the most frequent options. Southwest often matches prices, but bags are no longer included, so compare the total once you add luggage. For the cheapest fares, book 6-8 weeks ahead and target Tuesday or Wednesday departures, with connecting fares occasionally dropping below $200 roundtrip outside Balloon Fiesta week. Visit in October for the International Balloon Fiesta, when hundreds of hot air balloons fill the sky at sunrise, or go in spring for warm, dry weather perfect for hiking and exploring.
- Read Next: 12 Most Beautiful Locations in New Mexico
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.
