Average Domestic Flight Costs in the US

Updated: November 19, 2024

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 A woman with luggage stands over the flight board and reads the flight information on the screen.

The average domestic flight cost in the U.S. in 2024 is $385, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), almost a 2% drop from $391 in 2023. Some cities, like Madison (MSN) in Wisconsin, have the highest fares at $505, while affordable options, such as Sanford (SFB) in Florida, offer fares as low as $121. Although airfare can vary widely depending on the origin city, other factors like competition, demand and timing also play significant roles in shaping these prices.

Knowing the best time to book and when to fly can lead to substantial savings. Strategically plan around peak travel times and understand how airports and airlines set prices to save significantly on your next domestic trip.

KEY TAKEAWAYS: AVERAGE COST OF FLIGHTS
  • Domestic flight prices in the U.S. have decreased by nearly 2% from 2023 to 2024, continuing a trend of lower airfares. This drop reflects stronger competition among airlines and improved operational efficiencies, offering travelers more budget-friendly options compared to recent years.
  • Anchorage (ANC) has one of the highest fares at $502, mainly due to fewer flights and higher operational costs. Meanwhile, Fort Lauderdale, Florida (FLL), offers lower fares at $262, thanks to strong competition from budget airlines.
  • Flying mid-week — particularly on Wednesdays — offers lower fares on average. Sunday is the most expensive day to fly.

Average Cost of Plane Tickets

In 2024, the average cost of a domestic flight in the U.S. is $385, a slight drop from $391 in 2023 and $403 in 2022. This marks the second consecutive year of decreasing airfares, but it’s still above the pandemic-induced low of $352 in 2020.

Airfare has fluctuated due to factors like fuel prices, competition and broader economic conditions. Fares peaked at $614 in 2000, the highest in recent decades, but increased airline competition and technological advancements in booking have led to a long-term decline.

Average Cost of Domestic Flights by Departure City

The average cost of a domestic flight in the U.S. varies significantly by origin city. In Q2 2024, major cities like Newark, New Jersey (EWR), and New York City (JFK) reported some of the highest fares, at $421 and $430, respectively. Meanwhile, more affordable options are available in destinations like Las Vegas (LAS) and Kona (KOA) in Hawaii, with average fares as low as $284 and $286.

Large metropolitan areas like Los Angeles (LAX) and Dallas (DFW) tend to have higher prices, driven by strong demand and operational costs, while even smaller cities like Madison, Wisconsin (MSN), with a fare of $505, rank among the highest, primarily due to limited competition and fewer available flights.

Average Domestic Airfares by Departure City (April to June 2024)

Top 100 Airports by Total Number of Domestic Passengers
Airport Code
City Name
State
Average Fare

LAX

Los Angeles

CA

$411

ORD

Chicago

IL

$366

DEN

Denver

CO

$345

ATL

Atlanta

GA

$404

EWR

Newark

NJ

$421

BOS

Boston

MA

$390

SEA

Seattle

WA

$409

DFW

Dallas

TX

$417

MCO

Orlando

FL

$273

SFO

San Francisco

CA

$473

PHX

Phoenix

AZ

$374

10 Most Expensive Airports by Departure City

Madison, Wisconsin (MSN), has the highest average fare among the top 100 busiest U.S. airports, with tickets costing around $505, making it the most expensive airport by origin city. Other high-cost airports include Anchorage (ANC) at $502 and Birmingham, Alabama (BHM), at $496, where limited competition and fewer flight options contribute to elevated fares. Even larger airports like Washington-Dulles (IAD) and San Francisco (SFO), with fares of $484 and $473, respectively, rank among the most expensive due to strong demand and higher operational costs.

Airport Code
City Name
State
Average Fare

MSN

Madison

WI

$505

ANC

Anchorage

AK

$502

BHM

Birmingham

AL

$496

IAD

Dulles

DC

$484

SFO

San Francisco

CA

$473

Note: Airports in this table are from the top 100 busiest airports in the U.S.

Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics

10 Most Affordable Airports by Departure City

The majority of the most affordable airports are located in Florida, including Sanford (SFB) with the lowest average fare at $121, St. Petersburg (PIE) at $130, Fort Lauderdale (FLL) at $262 and Orlando (MCO) at $273. Hawaii also contributes three affordable options: Lihue (LIH) at $273, Kona (KOA) at $286 and Kahului (OGG) at $288.

Many of these affordable airports are in popular vacation destinations, where competitive pricing and frequent flights from low-cost carriers help keep fares low.

Airport Code
City Name
State
Average Fare

SFB

Sanford

FL

$121

PIE

St. Petersburg

FL

$130

FLL

Fort Lauderdale

FL

$262

MYR

Myrtle Beach

SC

$270

LIH

Lihue

HI

$273

Note: Airports in this table are from the top 100 busiest airports in the U.S.

Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics

Tips to Save on Domestic Flights

Reduce your airfare by booking in advance, flying mid-week and using credit card reward points for discounts or upgrades. Apply these strategies to find the best deals and keep your travel budget under control.

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    Be Flexible With Your Travel Dates

    Flying mid-week, particularly on Wednesdays, can save you an average of $102 compared to Sundays, the most expensive day to fly. If possible, avoid weekends and peak travel periods like holidays to secure better fares. Winter is the most budget-friendly season for air travel. You can also check different departure dates when booking to see if shifting your trip by a day or two significantly reduces costs.

    money2 icon

    Book in the "Prime Booking Window"

    Secure your domestic flights three weeks to four months before departure, when prices are typically more favorable. Steer clear of last-minute bookings to prevent higher costs, as airlines often charge a premium for urgent travel. Watch for occasional last-minute deals during sales or off-peak times, which can still provide surprising discounts.

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    Use Fare Comparison Tools and Set Alerts

    Compare prices across different airlines via multiple fare comparison websites such as Kayak or Skyscanner. Set up fare alerts to receive notifications when prices drop for your desired routes or dates. Search in incognito mode or clear your browser cookies to potentially avoid price increases from dynamic pricing algorithms.

    points icon

    Leverage Points, Miles and Rewards Programs

    Turn your everyday spending into travel savings by joining airline loyalty programs or credit card rewards programs. Accumulate points or miles and redeem them strategically for discounted flights or upgrades. Take advantage of perks like free checked bags, priority boarding or lounge access to enhance your travel experience while cutting extra costs.

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    Consider Budget Airlines and Alternative Airports

    Choose budget airlines to find lower ticket prices, even if it means paying extra for services like luggage or seat selection. Search for flights from nearby alternative airports to get cheaper options or better deals, especially for less competitive routes. Ultimately, you want to balance the savings with any additional fees to make the most cost-effective choice.

FAQ: Flight Costs

Find quick answers to the most common questions about U.S. domestic flight costs to help streamline your travel planning and budgeting.

What is the average cost of plane tickets?

Why do plane tickets change prices?

How can I maximize credit card rewards for flights?

Is it cheaper to book directly through an airline or through third-party websites?

What is an error fare, and how can I take advantage of it?

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About Nathan Paulus


Nathan Paulus headshot

Nathan Paulus is the Head of Content Marketing at MoneyGeek, with nearly 10 years of experience researching and creating content related to personal finance and financial literacy.

Paulus has a bachelor's degree in English from the University of St. Thomas, Houston. He enjoys helping people from all walks of life build stronger financial foundations.


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