When you’re looking for the cheapest places to fly from Philadelphia, you have to consider your perfect placement on the East Coast. You’re within flying distance to so many fun and interesting destinations. Are you planning to head north? Canada’s largest city of Toronto is just waiting for you. How about south? Philly is just a short flight away from warm places such as Atlanta and Miami. Maybe you prefer somewhere in between, like beautiful Memphis. It’s all easily reachable with a cheap flight from Philadelphia.
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) serves about 25 million passengers every year. It’s not one of the absolute busiest airports in the United States, but it sees its fair share of flight action. All the efficiency of operations here means that securing cheap flights from Philadelphia is actually relatively easy. Of course, that depends on knowing how to find those flights.
Here in this post about the cheapest places to fly from Philadelphia, I’m going to show you first what I do to find crazy-low prices on airfare. Then, I’ll take you through a handful of the diverse destinations you can fly to from Philadelphia on a budget.
If you’re ready to leave the City of Brotherly Love behind for a bit, let’s hit the skies. Here are seven of the cheapest places to fly from Philadelphia.
My #1 tip for finding the cheapest places to fly from Philadelphia
The cheapest flights from Philadelphia could be to many types of destinations, both domestic and international. Those flights are out there, but I’m guessing not a lot of people know about them. I’m going to share with you my #1 tip for finding the best available cheap flights.
The secret is Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights). No, the secret isn’t on the move. It’s literally called Going, and it has saved me thousands over the years. Here’s how it all works.
You just sign up for a free account with Going and input your point of origin and where you want to go. Once Going has all that information, it will start sending you free email alerts. Those emails will have tons of cheap flights that correspond to your intended routes. The flights from Going are mistake fares and other heavily discounted ticket prices. Trust me, you’ll be shocked at how inexpensively you can get from place to place. I recently got a cheap flight from Philadelphia to Atlanta for under $50. That’s an insanely good deal.
If you really want to start cashing in on the deals, Going has a premium version. The $49/year upgrade gives you more flights more often. That way, you can get on those tickets before anyone else can. The premium version of Going will likely be best for those who travel most frequently and just can’t afford to wait on these prices.
In the last few years, Going has cumulatively saved me thousands of dollars on flights. If you’re looking for the cheapest flights from Philadelphia, this service will be your best bet.
Want to save money on airfare? Use my discount code Jon20 to save 20%!
Other considerations when finding the cheapest places to fly from Philadelphia
Now, even with an awesome program like Going, you have to put in some of your own work to find the best flights. If you’re new to traveling on a budget, you should know that there are certain factors that influence flight prices from day to day. Some of them are outside of our control as travelers. Others we can use to our advantage.
For example, if you want truly cheap flights from Philadelphia, stick to flying Monday through Wednesday. As you approach the weekend, and certainly on weekends themselves, flights become much more expensive. It’s all about convenience. It’s easier for people to fly on days off from work than during the week. However, if you’re able to fly on a Monday or Tuesday, you can enjoy cheaper prices.
Flights also tend to be more expensive over the summer. It’s just because summers are busy traveling seasons for many families and others. It’s all about supply and demand. If you have the luxury of doing so, try to travel in spring or fall to get the best flight prices.
Finally, I mentioned above that Philadelphia is perfectly placed to fly to a whole range of destinations. That geographic proximity really matters here. Closer flights will obviously cost less. So keep this in mind as you’re searching for the best trips.
Cheapest places to fly from Philadelphia in 2023: the best flight deals
Okay, so what are some of your options for the cheapest places to fly from Philadelphia? Here in this article, I’m going to lay out seven of them for you. I’ll show you the crazy-cheap prices and explain some of the most fun and interesting things to do at the destinations once you arrive. So, if you’re ready to take the liberty of leaving Philly for a bit, let’s head out.
1. Philadelphia to Atlanta, Georgia ($49 roundtrip)
First up, let’s head south to warm and sunny climes: Atlanta, Georgia. Also called the Big Peach, Atlanta is a city of wonders that I always love visiting. It’s a metropolis in the true sense of the word, given its size and the many things to do here. Atlanta makes this list of cheap flights from Philadelphia because you can fly there now for a $49 roundtrip. Trust me; that’s a bargain.
Exploring the Big Peach
Once you fly into Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), you’ll probably be off to the races. That’s because there is so much you could cram into a vacation here that your head will spin. If you’re coming out of the colder temperatures of Pennsylvania, you may first want to explore Atlanta’s great outdoors. I’d recommend the Atlanta Botanical Garden as a first stop. You can wander 30 peaceful acres of greenery and architecture, taking in all the relaxing sights as you go. After that, why not stroll through the urban Piedmont Park, located right next to Atlanta’s Midtown?
If you’re hungry by this point, then it’s probably time to take in some Southern comfort food. Atlanta’s food scene has much to offer. Since you’re in the South, you might want to jump head-first into some BBQ ribs, Southern-fried chicken, cornbread, or mac and cheese. It’s soul food that feeds the body and mind – believe that!
After eating, if I want to chill out indoors for a bit, I like to head to some of Atlanta’s centers of history and culture. In this vein, there’s the Atlanta History Center, the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park, and the High Museum of Art. Then there are Atlanta-specific attractions that you should definitely stop by while you’re here. The World of Coca-Cola museum, Jimmy Carter Library and Museum, and Mercedes-Benz Stadium are all good ideas.
Atlanta summers tend to be quite hot and humid, and hotel room rates are higher. I usually recommend traveling to Atlanta in the spring or fall. That’s when the climate is best for outdoor activities.
2. Philadelphia to Orlando, Florida ($56 roundtrip)
If you want to talk about the cheapest places to fly from Philadelphia, we have to mention Orlando, Florida. Orlando is a popular tourist city, and for good reason. There are so many fun things to do and see on a vacation here, from theme parks to the Kennedy Space Center.
From Philadelphia, you can get a $56 roundtrip flight to Orlando International Airport (MCO). That’s a truly cheap flight if I ever saw one. Now, a visit to Orlando can be crazy busy or more relaxing. It all depends on what kind of vacation you usually like to have.
Planning your trip to Orlando
To address the obvious, Orlando offers you two major theme park resorts: Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando. If the parks are part of your Orlando traveling plans, you’ve likely done your research into how to plan your visits there. You honestly could spend an entire week or more at any of the individual resorts at either place. From Disney’s Epcot to Universal’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter, these theme parks are fun for the entire family.
However, in case you aren’t planning to fly to Orlando just for theme parks, the city offers more than enough other activities for a vacation. One of the top attractions in the city is the John F. Kennedy Space Center and the associated Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The facility itself is one of NASA’s launch centers. Of primary interest to tourists, though, will be the visitor complex. There, you can see displays and artifacts dedicated to the history of U.S. spaceflight.
If you want to continue your study of science while in town, why not check out the Orlando Science Center? Or relax in the serene and tropical Harry P. Leu Gardens, where you can enjoy 50 acres of gardens, lakes, and fountains. For a more modern experience, check out International Drive. That’s a popular shopping and eating area of the city that’s great for spending an afternoon.
The best times to visit Orlando are mid-winter or fall. You want to avoid the end-of-year holidays and blazing-hot summers. If you travel to Orlando in February or anytime between September and November, you can enjoy milder weather and fewer crowds.
3. Philadelphia to Nashville, Tennessee ($58 roundtrip)
The list of cheap flights from Philadelphia includes a number of amazing Southern locations. Not the least of which is Nashville, Tennessee, the Music City itself! You can get to Nashville International Airport (BNA) on a roundtrip ticket for only $58. You just can’t complain about that when you consider all the city has to offer.
Getting around in Nashville
The one thing that’s always in the background when visiting Nashville is live music. It’s basically what built the city. There are tons of clubs and bars offering thumping live music of all genres. Whether you like jazz, blues, country, or rock, there’s something for everyone in Memphis.
The city carries its love of music even outside the bars and restaurants. You can visit the Grand Ole Opry for some good live country music. Or take a walk around the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum to get a sense of how American music has developed over time.
If you want to get away from all the urban hubbub, you’re really going to love Centennial Park. There, you can walk, run, bike, sit, or eat in a variety of calming green spaces. Make sure to visit the Nashville Parthenon while you’re there! For a solemn taste of Southern history, visit the Belle Meade Historic Site and Winery. There, you’ll learn about the background of this historic plantation and its place in the region.
Whether you’re checking out the busy Broadway area of the city or visiting Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage, you will have plenty to love about Nashville. Summer in Nashville is best for weather, but it may not be the cheapest time to visit. You would do better heading there during the shoulder seasons of spring or fall. Nashville winters aren’t too cold, so that’s an option, too.
4. Philadelphia to West Palm Beach, Florida ($58 roundtrip)
I love that some cheap flights from Philadelphia take us from the chilly Northeast to the warm and beautiful South. What a world of difference you encounter after one short flight! In this case, I’m talking about the cheap flight to West Palm Beach, Florida. You can get from Philly to Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) for just $58 roundtrip.
Basking in sunny West Palm Beach
West Palm Beach is a tropical climate that stays warm and humid basically all year. That means you will definitely want to hit up some of the gorgeous beaches in the surrounding areas. Some of the most popular ones include Lake Worth Beach (safe with plenty of lifeguards) and Gulfstream Park (good for snorkeling to see the reefs).
If you’re like me and don’t want to head inside too much when the weather is so nice, then there are still plenty of outdoor activities you can try. You can head to adjacent Palm Beach to shop on the high-end Worth Avenue. Or take a relaxing walk along the West Palm Beach waterfront. The city is located on the Intracoastal Waterway, which runs from Massachusetts down to the Gulf of Mexico. It offers plenty of pretty views and photo ops.
If the humidity ever gets to be too much, though, you have indoor options. For you, that could mean visiting the Cox Science Center and Aquarium, the Norton Museum of Art, or the Tanger Outlets Palm Beach.
West Palm Beach is a true paradise, but it gets busy and expensive during the summer. Not to mention hot. For the cheapest rates and smallest crowds, head there in spring or fall.
5. Philadelphia to Detroit, Michigan ($73 roundtrip)
Let’s pivot away from the South for a minute. Philadelphia is also reasonably close to the Midwest from a plane. So now, we head over to the Motor City itself, Detroit, Michigan. This city has seen a lot of ups and downs over the years, but things appear to be on an upward swing.
Cruising around Detroit
You can fly roundtrip to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) for $73, a truly cheap flight from Philadelphia. Now it’s time to start your engines, because Detroit really wants you to know its history as a center of American car manufacturing. You can learn all about it at several museums in the region. Those include the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation (Dearborn), the Gilmore Car Museum (Hickory Corners), and the Automotive Hall of Fame (Dearborn). At all of these places, you will be educated in how American innovation helped Detroit and other places to become powerhouses of industry.
If you want to get out and see the city of Detroit itself, you’re covered there, too. The Detroit International Riverfront offers gorgeous views of the Detroit River and city skyline. You can then head to Eastern Market for some fresh food and to see some local arts.
For some other Detroit-specific cultural outlets, you may want to catch some Lions or Tigers games or grab a Coney Island hot dog. The Detroit way to dress up hot dogs is with chili, onions, and mustard. That sounds amazing right about now, actually!
Unless cold is your thing, head to Detroit from spring to fall. Temperatures in those seasons range from the 50s to the 80s, while winters are quite cold.
6. Philadelphia to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina ($79 roundtrip)
For how beautiful it is in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, you might be surprised to learn it’s one of the cheapest places to fly from Philadelphia. For a $79 roundtrip, you can head to one of the most popular tourist spots in the country. The beauty here is unmatched, and trying to decide what to do first can seem overwhelming. Don’t worry, though. I’m here to help.
How to have fun in Myrtle Beach
Upon flying into Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR), you may be struck at first by the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel in the city skyline. This giant observation wheel offers stunning views of the city and the Atlantic Ocean beyond it. I definitely recommend trying this out.
While you’re in town, you’ll definitely want to relax on some of Myrtle Beach’s white, sandy beaches while taking in the warm Atlantic waters. If you just can’t get enough of the waterfront, take the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade. There, you can walk along the water while also dipping into the shops and restaurants located right there. For the diehard shoppers, there is also Broadway at the Beach, which offers more than 100 stores to check out.
Don’t worry, though. Myrtle Beach also has plenty of fun out of the sun. Visit Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach, the Hollywood Wax Museum, or the Wheels of Yesteryear car museum for a good dose of culture and science.
Myrtle Beach is most popular during the summer. Rates on everything are also at their highest. If you want to experience all of Myrtle Beach on a discount, head there between fall and spring. You’ll experience smaller crowds, too.
7. Philadelphia to Cancun, Mexico ($185 roundtrip)
The final item in this listicle of the cheapest flights from Philadelphia takes us international. This time, we’re going to Cancun, that famous Caribbean resort on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. You can fly to this amazing tropical destination right now for about $185 roundtrip, a real bargain.
Making the best of your time in Cancun
Like many tropical resort cities, Cancun offers so much to do that just seems like it’s out of a different world completely. Even just lazing around on the white-sand beaches or dipping into the gorgeous blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico is enough to satisfy my need for a vacation.
If you can’t get enough of the water, try snorkeling or scuba diving to check out the Mesoamerican Reef. Or go exploring in the cenotes, swimming holes in bedrock, found in Cancun’s natural areas.
When you get tired of all the physical activity, relax in the city of Cancun itself. The resort city knows its audience. That means you’ll have plenty of nightclubs, bars, and shopping areas to enjoy during the day and certainly at night. If you want to see more blue Caribbean water, take a ferry over to Isla Mujeres. There, you can enjoy more beaches, snorkeling and scuba diving, and other resorts.
The best time to visit Cancun is anytime between December and April. You’ll find the most pleasant warm weather during that time.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the cheapest places to fly from Philadelphia
You may still have a few questions about finding cheap flights from Philadelphia. If that’s the case, here are a few other useful points that I hope fill in the picture for you.
What are the cheapest airports near Philadelphia?
There are two main airports serving Philadelphia and that are actually located in the city. Those are Philadelphia International Airport and Northeast Philadelphia Airport (PNE). By far, Philadelphia International is the cheapest airport to fly out of in the Philadelphia area. That’s because it is served by all major domestic airlines, so you have as many options as you could want.
With the breadth of operations that you see at Philadelphia International, it’s no wonder it’s the airport that offers the cheapest flights from Philadelphia.
How can you save the most money on flights from Philadelphia?
As we’ve seen, you can get plenty of cheap flights out of Philadelphia. However, there are some insider tips and tricks you need to know as a traveler to save the most amount of money on Philly flights.
One of those tips is to fly outside of the peak travel seasons. Summer is big for travel. You’ll see inflated airfare through the season, basically from Memorial Day to Labor Day. If you can schedule your trips during the spring and fall, you will be better off as far as pricing.
Also, avoid weekend travel if you can. Stick to Mondays through Wednesdays, and you should do much better.
What are the cheapest places to fly from Philadelphia?
Flight prices change all the time, even from the same origin points to the same destinations. Right now, though, the cheapest flights from Philadelphia include:
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Chicago, Illinois
- Orlando, Florida
- Nashville, Tennessee
- West Palm Beach, Florida
- Miami, Florida
- Fort Myers, Florida
- Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Detroit, Michigan
- Charlotte, North Carolina
- Durham, North Carolina
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
There’s not a flight on this list that costs more than $80 roundtrip right now. Talk about cheap flights!
