How to Find Cheap Domestic Flights: Top Tips for Travelers

Finding affordable domestic flights doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you're planning a quick weekend getaway or visiting family across the country, there are many strategies and tools that can help you save money on airfare across the US. From knowing the best times to book to leveraging the right travel tools, here at Going, we are committed to teaching you everything you need to know about finding cheap flights, whatever the destination might be.

When are domestic flights the cheapest?

The Goldilocks Window for when cheap domestic flights are most likely to pop up is 1–3 months before your intended travel date. For peak seasons such as summer, winter holidays, or major events, we suggest booking earlier—around 3–5 months in advance.

One interesting quirk: Prices are also generally lower for flights departing on less popular days, like Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and at less convenient times, such as early mornings or late nights.

How to score the cheapest domestic flights? Expert tips and tricks

Being well-informed is key to finding the best travel deals. With our flight experts’ insights, we compiled a list of key strategies that can help any traveler learn how to save money on flights. 

Search one-way flights

Calculating the price of a roundtrip domestic flight is simple: the outbound flight price + the return flight price. So when you search roundtrip, you see the total between the two. However, even if an airline has the cheapest roundtrip price, that doesn’t necessarily mean that it has the cheapest one-way.

For example, take a flight on Delta that's $239 for the outbound and $185 for the return. When you search roundtrip, the price you'll see is $424. But say United has a flight that's cheaper on one leg: their outbound is only $150, but their return is $300, so the United roundtrip price is higher at $450.

However, by searching for two one-way tickets, you’ll get United's $150 outbound and Delta's $185 return for a total roundtrip price of $335—much cheaper than the initial low price of $424.

Sometimes Google Flights (or other flight search engines) will tip you off that fares are cheaper on different carriers, with a little “Separate tickets” note. But this is sporadic, and they often miss cheaper one-way options. Always double-check for yourself. And remember, this trick only works for domestic flights, not international ones, as two one-way international flights are usually a lot more expensive when compared to roundtrips. 

Scan for free date changes

Some airlines allow free changes on specific fare classes for domestic flights. Since 2020, Delta, United, Alaska, and JetBlue all joined Southwest in automatically waiving change fees on all new bookings.

Of course, if there is a fare difference, you’d still have to pay it. Still, you can take advantage of this policy to book your flights early and adjust your dates later if needed.

Check out several airlines

When searching for domestic flights, it’s crucial to compare airlines beyond just the initial ticket price. Budget carriers like Spirit, Frontier, and Allegiant may advertise ultra-low fares, but their additional fees for luggage, seat selection, and even carryons can significantly inflate costs. 

On the other hand, airlines like Southwest include perks such as two checked bags, no fees for carryons, and open seating (though this perk is on its way out)—often making them a better deal overall. Even legacy carriers, such as Delta or American Airlines, occasionally offer fares that rival budget airlines, especially on competitive routes. Therefore, it’s important to consider the overall travel experience when making comparisons. 

Also, remember that connecting flights might save you money, but they have their drawbacks. For instance, long layovers or increased delays can be a problem particularly at weather-prone hubs, such as Chicago, in winter. Direct flights, though potentially pricier, often save time and reduce complications. 

Stay flexible

Airlines price tickets based on demand. That’s why flying during shoulder seasons or mid-week days like Tuesdays or Wednesdays often cost less. Similarly, early morning or red-eye flights tend to be cheaper because they are less popular. To maximize your chances of snagging a deal, keep your travel dates flexible. Use flight search tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner to help you find the cheapest date by exploring prices over various months.

Check alternative airports

Keep in mind that a slightly longer drive to or from a less popular airport can save you a significant amount of money. Smaller regional airports often have lower fares, especially for budget carriers. For example, if you're flying to Los Angeles, you can compare prices for LAX with those for Burbank (BUR) or Long Beach (LGB) to find which offers a better deal. 

Book within the Goldilocks Window

Timing is everything when it comes to booking flights, that’s no secret. As we have mentioned, the Goldilocks Window—1–3 months before departure—is usually the sweet spot for domestic travel. If your trip falls during a peak season, such as Thanksgiving or spring break, we suggest extending that window to 3–5 months in advance to avoid skyrocketing prices due to the rising demand.

Consider points and promotions for savings

Many domestic flights require fewer points than international ones, which makes them a good opportunity to make the most out of rewards programs, such as Chase Ultimate Rewards or airline co-branded credit cards. These cards often waive baggage fees and offer additional perks that boost your savings.

At the same time, you should watch for airline flash sales and promotional periods like Black Friday or Cyber Monday. While these sale days can offer savings, don’t rely solely on them. In our experience, unadvertised deals and unexpected price drops are often cheaper, but they don’t last long. A smart strategy is to leverage both points and promotions for the ultimate cost-cutting approach.

Keep an eye out for fare matches

Airlines are notorious for playing Follow the Leader; when American Airlines puts out a $100 roundtrip fare to Chicago, it’s quite common to see the same fare show up within hours on United, Southwest, etc. So if you see a fare you like but hope for a different airline/routing/flight time, a little patience may pay off.

And if a better flight pops up after you booked, remember the 24-hour rule, a federal law that automatically gives travelers a 24-hour grace period after purchase to cancel for a full refund.

Track prices and set up alerts with Going

If you’re serious about saving, the Going app is a key resource. Our Limited members receive alerts for continental domestic flights, but Premium and Elite members gain access to a higher volume of deals, including alerts for mistake fares. Going’s Flight Experts monitor thousands of routes daily, ensuring you’re notified as soon as a great price becomes available.

Don’t miss more airfare deals. Download the Going app now!

Cheapest US destinations for domestic flights

1. Hawaii

• Airport: HNL
• Best time to travel: Choose spring or fall for fewer crowds and cheaper prices.
• Main attractions: Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay
• Average deal at Going: $237 roundtrip

2. New York City

• Airports: JFK, LGA, EWR
• Best time to travel: If you’re interested in holiday attractions, visit in December, or try September for mild weather.
• Main attractions: Central Park, Times Square, Broadway
• Average deal at Going: $144 roundtrip

3. Miami/Fort Lauderdale

• Airports: MIA, FLL
• Best time to travel: January–March in these destinations offers warm weather and fewer crowds.
• Main attractions: South Beach, Art Deco Historic District, Everglades
• Average deal at Going: $153 roundtrip

4. Los Angeles

• Airports: LAX, SNA, BUR, ONT, LGB
• Best time to travel: Visit LA between April–June to enjoy sunny weather and avoid crowds.
• Main attractions: Hollywood, Santa Monica Pier, Griffith Observatory
• Average deal at Going: $105 roundtrip

5. Washington, DC

• Airports: DCA, IAD, BWI
• Best time to travel: March–May in Washington is cherry blossom season, and you’ll find pleasant weather.
• Main attractions: National Mall, Smithsonian Museums, Capitol Building
• Average deal at Going: $142 roundtrip

6. San Francisco

• Airport: SFO, SJC, OAK
• Best time to travel: It’s best to travel to SF during spring and early fall for mild weather and fewer crowds.
• Main attractions: Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown
• Average deal at Going: $175 roundtrip 

7. Chicago

• Airport: ORD, MDW
• Best time to travel: Late spring or early fall brings pleasant weather and festivals to Chicago.
• Main attractions: Millennium Park, Art Institute of Chicago, Navy Pier, Willis Tower Skydeck
• Average deal at Going: $117 roundtrip

8. Denver

• Airport: DEN
• Best time to travel: Summer is the perfect time for hiking and outdoor activities in Denver. If you want to ski instead, visit during winter.
• Main attractions: Rocky Mountain National Park, Denver Botanic Gardens, Red Rocks Amphitheatre
• Average deal at Going: $180 roundtrip 

9. Orlando

• Airport: MCO
• Best time to travel: You’ll find cheaper flights to Orlando in early January or late April. There are also smaller crowds at theme parks at this time.
• Main attractions: Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Kennedy Space Center, Lake Eola Park
• Average deal at Going: $143 roundtrip

10. Seattle

• Airport: SEA
• Best time to travel: Summer in Seattle offers rare sunny weather, but if you want fewer tourists and better deals, visit during late fall.
• Main attractions: Pike Place Market, Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass, Mount Rainier National Park
• Average deal at Going: $174 roundtrip

Main national airlines for cheap domestic flights

While low-cost carriers like Spirit and Frontier may seem the cheapest upfront, consider the total cost of luggage, seat selection, and other add-ons. In many cases, legacy carriers can offer better value with fewer fees. Here are our top picks:

• Delta Air Lines: It offers competitive fares, particularly when booking in advance or during sales. It’s generally known for good service and fewer extra fees than budget airlines.
• American Airlines: It occasionally offers budget-friendly options, especially for major hubs like Dallas, Miami, and Chicago. Look to Basic Economy fares for savings.
• United Airlines: Deals on Basic Economy fares can make this a cost-effective option, though extra fees for seat selection and baggage can add up.
• Southwest Airlines: It’s a great option for domestic travel. It offers affordable fares that include two free checked bags and no change fees. 
• JetBlue Airways: It offers low-cost fares with better-than-average legroom and free in-flight entertainment.

Get the best flight deals with Going

Joining Going is one of the easiest ways to secure cheap domestic flights. With our app, you’ll receive personalized alerts for the best deals on your desired routes. With options for free and paid memberships, Going helps travelers save hundreds on routes across the US and international destinations too. Sign up today for our travel membership trial, and start saving on domestic flights!