Finding cheap flights from PDX used to drive me nuts until I cracked the code. After way too many late-night searches (and definitely too much coffee), I’ve nailed down some incredible deals that won’t wreck your bank account. Last month, I grabbed a ticket to Mexico City that cost less than my monthly grocery budget and spent my mornings people watching in Condesa’s gorgeous parks.
Some of the best places to fly from Portland are total steals if you know when to book. From San Diego, where I spent my days bouncing between Pacific Beach and the best fish tacos of my life, to quick flights down to Puerto Vallarta, these 13 destinations will make your wallet happy. Let’s get into it.
Spirit Airlines Shut Down May 2026
Spirit ceased all operations on May 2, 2026, according to the airline’s wind-down announcement, so any Spirit fare you remember from this route is history. It had already pulled out of PDX back in October 2025, and now that its planes are gone nationwide, the cheap seats on Portland to LAX, Portland to Las Vegas, and Portland to San Diego are running higher than last year. Alaska, Southwest, and Frontier split those routes now, and Frontier is usually where I find the lowest fares.
What’s New for PDX Flyers in 2026
Portland’s airport is having a big year, and it’s worth knowing before you book:
- Four brand-new Alaska Airlines nonstops launched May 13, 2026: PDX now has daily direct service to Baltimore (BWI), Philadelphia (PHL), St. Louis (STL), and Idaho Falls (IDA). The Baltimore and Philly routes finally give Portlanders one-stop access to the Mid-Atlantic without a Seattle or Denver layover.
- Houston (IAH) year-round nonstops from Alaska Airlines opened up a Texas connection that used to require a connection through Denver or Dallas.
- PDX Next Phase 2 wraps in 2026: The $2 billion main terminal project (the one with the gorgeous 9-acre mass timber roof) is finishing up its final phase. Expect shorter walking distances, new exit lanes on the north and south ends, a new Alaska Lounge on the south end, and 14 new local shops and restaurants including full-sized Powell’s Books and Straightaway Cocktails locations.
- Heads up during your trip: While Phase 2 wraps, walks to Concourses B and E may still be temporarily longer. Build in an extra 10 minutes if you’re flying Alaska or Southwest from those gates.
Top Cheap Flight Destinations from PDX in 2026
Looking for cheap flight destinations from PDX? Discover the unique culture and stunning landscapes of Albuquerque, known for its hot air balloon festivals and Southwestern charm. Fly to San Francisco to explore iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman’s Wharf. Head to Los Angeles for sunny beaches, Hollywood attractions, and a vibrant food scene. Visit Denver to experience outdoor adventures, breathtaking mountain views, and lively city life. Whether you’re after adventure, culture, or relaxation, these destinations offer budget-friendly escapes from Portland.
1. Portland to Albuquerque ($115–$220 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours 50 minutes nonstop
- 🛫 Airlines: Alaska Airlines (1 daily nonstop); Southwest, United, Delta with a connection
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: September to October 🎈 and April to May 🌵 for ideal desert weather
- 🏆 Perfect for: Desert explorers 🏜️, Breaking Bad fans 🧪, hot air balloon enthusiasts 🎈
Albuquerque hits you with serious desert vibes the moment you land. The city showcases stunning red rock landscapes, Southwestern flavors that’ll revolutionize your taste buds, and a unique blend of Native American, Spanish, and Mexican cultures you won’t find in the Pacific Northwest.
Petroglyph National Monument features over 24,000 ancient rock carvings just minutes from downtown, while Nob Hill packs funky boutiques and hip restaurants along historic Route 66. The annual Balloon Fiesta transforms October skies into a colorful canvas as hundreds of hot air balloons launch at dawn. Between the traditional pueblo architecture, chile-infused cuisine, and year-round sunshine, this desert destination provides the perfect contrast to PDX‘s evergreen landscape.
Alaska runs the only nonstop here, a single early morning departure that has you on the ground before noon, with roundtrips usually around $220. If you’d rather save money than time, Southwest, United, and Delta all connect through their hubs and I regularly see those in the $115 to $170 range.
One thing to budget for: Southwest bags are no longer free. As of April 9, 2026, checked bags run $45 for the first and $55 for the second, each direction. Aim for fall when temperatures cool to perfect hiking weather and the balloon festival fills the sky, or visit in spring to catch wildflowers blooming across the desert.
2. Portland to San Francisco ($39–$90 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- 🛫 Airlines: Alaska Airlines, United (8+ daily flights)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: September to November 🍂 and March to May 🌸 for mild weather
- 🏆 Perfect for: Urban hikers 🏙️, foodies 🍽️, architecture lovers 🌉
San Francisco feels like Portland’s glamorous cousin. This compact city crams iconic landmarks, wild hills, and incredible food scenes into a tiny peninsula where you can actually walk from the ocean to the bay in a single afternoon.
Alcatraz is definitely worth booking in advance (like seriously, weeks ahead), while Chinatown has the best dim sum you’ll probably ever eat. Golden Gate Park is massive with hidden spots tourists never find, and the Mission District serves up the most epic burritos and street art. Bring good walking shoes because those hills are no joke, but the views from the top make the burning calves totally worth it.
Alaska and United are the only two flying this nonstop now, and fares still dip near $50 each way if you’re flexible. Fly Tuesday or Wednesday to score the cheapest deals. Fall is actually the best time to visit since that’s when SF gets its real summer weather with less fog.
3. Portland to Los Angeles ($55–$110 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- 🛫 Airlines: Alaska Airlines, Delta, American, Frontier (10+ daily flights)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: March to May 🌴 and September to November 🍂 for fewer crowds
- 🏆 Perfect for: Beach bums 🏖️, entertainment seekers 🎬, food adventurers 🌮
Los Angeles is basically the opposite of Portland. The city has perfect weather year-round, palm trees everywhere, and that SoCal vibe where nobody seems to be in a hurry despite the insane traffic.
Venice Beach boardwalk is prime for people-watching with street performers, skaters, and bodybuilders doing their thing. Griffith Observatory gives you those postcard views of the city and up-close shots of the Hollywood sign without paying for a cheesy tour. Grand Central Market downtown packs amazing food stalls where you can sample everything from gourmet PB&J to the best tacos north of the border.
✈️ My #1 Tip for Cheap 2026 Flights:
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👉 Send me cheap 2026 flightsFrontier took over as the cheap option on this route, sometimes below $75 roundtrip if you travel with just a personal item. Alaska costs more but flies into less chaotic terminals. Spring brings wildflowers and perfect beach temps without summer crowds, while fall offers warm days and way shorter lines at attractions.
4. Portland to Denver ($71–$130 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- 🛫 Airlines: Frontier, Southwest, United (8+ daily flights)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to May 🌷 and September to October 🍂 for ideal weather
- 🏆 Perfect for: Mountain enthusiasts 🏔️, craft beer lovers 🍺, outdoor adventurers 🌲
Denver is where urban cool meets mountain paradise. The city has stunning views of the Rockies, an incredible brewery scene, and that crisp, dry air that feels amazing after Portland’s damp climate.
Red Rocks Amphitheatre is just 15 miles from downtown with massive sandstone formations creating a concert venue that puts Portland’s outdoor shows to shame. RiNo (River North Art District) neighborhood is packed with colorful murals, craft breweries, and food halls selling everything from gourmet donuts to fancy cocktails. For mountain vibes without the long drive, City Park offers killer views right in town.
Frontier regularly drops fares below $80 roundtrip if you can pack light and ignore their extra fees. Southwest costs more and no longer includes free checked bags, so budget $45 each way for the first one unless you have A-List status, a Rapid Rewards card, or a Choice Extra fare. Fall brings perfect hiking weather and golden aspen trees without summer’s afternoon thunderstorms. Just remember the altitude is no joke here.
- Read Next: Cheap Places to Fly From Denver
5. Portland to Las Vegas ($49–$100 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- 🛫 Airlines: Alaska Airlines, Frontier, Southwest (7+ daily flights)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: March to May 🌸 and September to November 🍂 for milder temperatures
- 🏆 Perfect for: Entertainment seekers 🎭, pool partiers 🍹, desert explorers 🏜️
Las Vegas is everything Portland isn’t. The city has neon-lit everything, 24/7 energy, and a complete lack of irony that’s actually refreshing after Portland’s hipster vibe.
The Strip delivers sensory overload with each resort offering its own over-the-top attractions, from the Bellagio fountains to the replica Eiffel Tower at Paris. For a different scene, Fremont Street in downtown gives you classic Vegas with ziplines overhead and cheaper gambling minimums. Beyond casinos, Red Rock Canyon is just 20 minutes away with hiking trails and stunning desert landscapes that’ll make you forget the slot machines.
Frontier and Southwest battle for the cheapest fares now, sometimes dropping below $60 roundtrip if you travel light. Tuesday and Wednesday flights consistently offer the best deals. Visit in spring for perfect pool weather without summer’s brutal desert heat, or fall when temperatures are ideal for exploring outdoors.
- Read Next: Best Airports in Las Vegas
6. Portland to Phoenix ($82–$140 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- 🛫 Airlines: Alaska Airlines, American, Southwest (7+ daily flights)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: October to April 🌵 for pleasant temperatures
- 🏆 Perfect for: Sunshine seekers ☀️, outdoor enthusiasts 🏜️, snowbirds 🌴
Phoenix is like Portland’s opposite in the best way possible. The city has 300+ days of sunshine, stunning desert landscapes, and warm weather when Portland is stuck in its seven-month rainy season.
Camelback Mountain offers hiking trails with incredible valley views that make you feel like you’re on another planet. Desert Botanical Garden showcases the surprising beauty of desert plants, especially during their nighttime light installations. For baseball fans, spring training lets you catch MLB teams in small stadiums for a fraction of regular season prices. Between the Southwestern food scene, world-class golf courses, and red rock formations, this sunny escape feels worlds away from the Pacific Northwest.
Southwest and Alaska trade off the cheapest fares here, sometimes below $110 roundtrip if you book a month out. Southwest now charges $45 for the first checked bag, so the two free bags people remember are gone. American adds more options through its Phoenix hub. Winter brings perfect 70-degree days while your friends back home are slogging through Portland rain.
- Read Next: Affordable Places to Fly From Phoenix
- You may also like: Most Mesmerizing Locations in Arizona
7. Portland to Salt Lake City ($58–$115 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- 🛫 Airlines: Delta, Alaska Airlines, Southwest (8+ daily flights)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to October 🏔️ and December to March ❄️ for seasonal activities
- 🏆 Perfect for: Outdoor adventurers 🏂, nature photographers 📸, road trippers 🚗
Salt Lake City is the perfect basecamp for mountain adventures. The city has an international airport literally minutes from downtown, world-class ski resorts just 30-45 minutes away, and five national parks within driving distance.
Temple Square sits in the heart of downtown with impressive architecture and gardens, while nearby City Creek Center has killer shopping in a beautiful outdoor mall with a retractable roof. For outdoor enthusiasts, Big Cottonwood Canyon delivers stunning alpine scenery and hiking trails just minutes from the city. Food lovers will be surprised by the growing brewery scene that’s challenging Utah’s conservative drinking reputation.
Delta runs their hub from SLC with the most flight options, but Alaska and Frontier often have cheaper fares hovering around $60-70 one-way. Hit the slopes in winter when Utah’s famous powder creates perfect skiing conditions, or explore in summer when mountain trails open up and you can drive to nearby national parks like Zion and Bryce Canyon. Spring and fall offer the best deals with fewer tourists and pleasant temperatures.
- Read Next: Cheap Flights from Salt Lake City
8. Portland to San Diego ($88–$150 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- 🛫 Airlines: Alaska Airlines, Southwest (seasonal) (4+ daily flights)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: March to May 🌸 and September to November 🍂 for perfect weather
- 🏆 Perfect for: Beach lovers 🏖️, family travelers 👨👩👧👦, outdoor enthusiasts 🌅
San Diego delivers that perfect California lifestyle without the LA traffic. The city has 70 miles of pristine coastline, perfect weather year-round, and a laid-back vibe that makes it feel like vacation the moment you land.
La Jolla Cove offers crystal-clear waters where you can snorkel alongside bright orange Garibaldi fish and lazy sea lions sunbathing on rocks. Balboa Park spans 1,200 acres with 17 museums, gorgeous gardens, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. Little Italy surprises visitors with its buzzing food scene, Saturday farmers market, and craft cocktail bars that stay busy until late.
Alaska Airlines runs the only year-round nonstop and I’ve seen roundtrips around $140. Southwest adds seasonal service on this route, so check both sets of dates before you book. October brings what locals call the perfect month: summer crowds have vanished, ocean temperatures remain warm enough for swimming, and hotel rates drop significantly. This sunny escape makes the perfect winter getaway when Portland hits the depths of its rainy season.
9. Portland to Omaha ($94–$160 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- 🛫 Airlines: Frontier, United, Delta (connecting flights)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to June 🌸 and September to October 🍂 for pleasant weather
- 🏆 Perfect for: Budget travelers 💰, Midwest explorers 🏙️, college sports fans 🏈
Omaha is surprisingly cool for a city most Portlanders couldn’t find on a map. The city has an incredible zoo that rivals any in the country, a thriving arts district, and some of the best steaks you’ll ever eat at prices that’ll make you question Portland restaurant bills.
Henry Doorly Zoo consistently ranks among the world’s best with the largest indoor desert and rainforest in America. Old Market district fills historic warehouses with restaurants, shops, and galleries in a walkable downtown area. For music lovers, Slowdown venue offers indie shows in a space partially funded by Saddle Creek Records, while College World Series brings the baseball world to town every June.
For food, Omaha’s steakhouse scene is the real draw: Gorat’s (Warren Buffett’s longtime favorite) and The Drover serve some of the best whiskey-marinated ribeyes in the country at prices that would barely cover an appetizer in Portland.
When it comes to flights, Frontier occasionally offers the only semi-direct flights with fares sometimes below $100 roundtrip if you pack light. Most flights require connections through Denver or Chicago, so comparison shop between airlines.
10. Portland to Vancouver ($77–$135 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- 🛫 Airlines: Alaska Airlines, Air Canada, Delta (5+ daily flights)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: June to September 🌞 and December to February ⛷️ for seasonal activities
- 🏆 Perfect for: Outdoor enthusiasts 🏔️, foodies 🍽️, city explorers 🏙️
Vancouver is basically Portland with mountains and better sushi. The city has stunning natural scenery in literally every direction, an incredible international food scene, and that laid-back Canadian vibe that makes everything feel less stressful.
Stanley Park offers a massive urban forest with a scenic seawall that locals actually use year-round. Granville Island public market puts Portland’s food halls to shame with local vendors, artisans, and waterfront views. For adventure seekers, Grouse Mountain and Capilano Suspension Bridge deliver epic nature experiences just minutes from downtown on public transit.
Alaska Airlines connects PDX to YVR with the most direct flights and competitive pricing around $90 one-way. For the best experience, visit in summer for beach and hiking weather, or in winter for skiing in nearby Whistler.
- Read next: Cheapest Flights from Vancouver
- You may also like: Cheapest Places to Fly to in Canada
11. Portland to Oakland ($89–$140 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- 🛫 Airlines: Alaska Airlines, Southwest (4+ daily flights)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: September to November 🍂 and March to May 🌸 for ideal weather
- 🏆 Perfect for: Bay Area explorers 🌉, food enthusiasts 🍽️, budget travelers 💰
Oakland is San Francisco’s cooler, less expensive neighbor. The city has an amazing food scene, diverse neighborhoods with tons of character, and serves as the perfect home base for exploring the entire Bay Area without the tourist crowds.
Lake Merritt provides a gorgeous urban oasis with a 3-mile walking path where locals jog, picnic, and paddleboard. Jack London Square buzzes with waterfront restaurants and a weekend farmers market that showcases California’s incredible produce.
For food lovers, Temescal Alley packs amazing restaurants and local boutiques into a compact area that feels like Portland’s cooler districts. Don’t skip Brown Sugar Kitchen in West Oakland for chef Tanya Holland’s legendary cornmeal waffles and buttermilk fried chicken, and if you can time your trip around the first Friday of any month, Oakland First Fridays shuts down Telegraph Avenue for a massive art walk with food trucks, live music, and local makers.
Aim your visit in fall or spring if you’re into warm weather and blue-sky days without the summer rush. Flight-wise, Alaska and Southwest split this route and roundtrips still land near $100 if you book a few weeks out. Southwest charges $45 for the first checked bag these days, but flying into OAK instead of SFO still means a faster trip into the city.
12. Portland to San Jose ($58–$110 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- 🛫 Airlines: Alaska Airlines, Southwest (4+ daily flights)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: September to November 🍂 and March to May 🌸 for mild weather
- 🏆 Perfect for: Tech enthusiasts 💻, outdoor adventurers 🏞️, gateway travelers 🚗
San Jose is the perfect launchpad for Bay Area adventures. The city sits in the heart of Silicon Valley with tech campuses everywhere, great food representing dozens of cultures, and easy access to beaches, mountains, and wine country all within driving distance.
Santana Row brings upscale shopping and dining in an outdoor setting that’s always buzzing with activity. Winchester Mystery House offers tours of a bizarre 160-room mansion built by a superstitious heiress with staircases leading nowhere and doors opening to walls. For outdoor enthusiasts, nearby Castle Rock State Park delivers hiking trails with stunning views of the Santa Cruz Mountains and beyond.
Visit in fall for the Bay Area’s real summer, with warm, clear days perfect for exploring. Alaska Airlines and Southwest typically battle for the best fares on this route, with prices sometimes dipping below $60 one-way.
13. Portland to Reno ($81–$130 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- 🛫 Airlines: Southwest, Alaska Airlines, United (5+ daily flights)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to June 🏞️ and September to November 🍂 for mild weather
- 🏆 Perfect for: Outdoor adventurers 🏔️, casino enthusiasts 🎰, Lake Tahoe visitors 🏊♂️
Reno is way more than just a mini Vegas. The city has transformed into an outdoor playground with quick access to Lake Tahoe, epic mountain biking trails, and a surprisingly cool arts district that gives Portland’s creative scene some competition.
Midtown district packs trendy restaurants, craft breweries, and local shops into a walkable area that feels nothing like the casino strip. Truckee River flows right through downtown with a whitewater park and riverside walking path where locals hang out on sunny days.
For the real attraction, Lake Tahoe sits just 45 minutes away with crystal-clear water and mountain views that’ll break your Instagram. Time your visit for the Great Reno Balloon Race in early September if you can: it’s the largest free hot-air ballooning event in the world, with 100+ balloons launching at sunrise over Rancho San Rafael Park. And for dinner, Liberty Food & Wine Exchange in Midtown serves seasonal small plates that punch way above what you’d expect from a casino town.
Southwest dominates this route with the most flight options and fares sometimes dipping below $85 roundtrip, though checked bags now run $45 for the first and $55 for the second each direction. For the best time to visit, go in fall for perfect hiking weather without the summer crowds.
✈️ The best PDX fares on this list rarely last more than a day
Most of the sub-$100 roundtrips I’ve listed here (Vegas, San Francisco, Reno) show up as short-lived drops rather than everyday pricing, and Going’s Premium plan ($49/year) is how I catch them before they disappear. I’ve watched West Coast routes like these fall 40-60% below their usual fare for a couple of days at a time. If you’re eyeing something bigger than a weekend hop, Elite covers business and premium economy alerts too.
Try Going Elite free for 14 days — use code JON25 for 25% off if you keep it.
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.
