Flying across the United States does not have to empty your wallet. With the emergence of new regional airlines, the addition of extra routes by old favorites, and the revelation of hidden fees only at the gate, regional flights have become more affordable than ever. Below is a complete article to the cheapest regional flights in America right now, airlines to trust, routes to watch, and the simple tricks that shave dollars off every ticket. Read once, bookmark, and book confidently next time the open road feels too far.
Understanding What Makes a Regional Flight Cheap
Regional flights cover short to medium distances, usually under 1,500 miles, and connect smaller cities or hubs to vacation spots. Airlines keep fares low by cutting extras, flying smaller planes, and focusing on point to point travel. The key to saving money is understanding the cost after bags, seats, and snacks. Knowing the difference between low cost and ultra low cost carriers helps you decide when a bargain is real and when a “deal” becomes a headache.
Top Ultra, Low Cost Carriers You Should Know
Avelo Airlines
Avelo launched in 2021 with a simple promise: fly from small airports to sunny destinations at prices like 1999. The airline bases its planes in Burbank, New Haven, and Orlando, then links them to cities like Eureka, Myrtle Beach, and Nashville. Fares start near $39 one way; bags cost $20 to $25 each way if you add them during booking. Avelo uses small regional jets, so overhead bins fill quickly, but the trade off is landing closer to beaches and national parks without the slog of big city traffic.
Breeze Airways
Breeze started in 2021 and keeps its route map short and sweet. The airline flies point to point from Charleston, Hartford, and New Orleans to spots like Tampa, Louisville, and West Palm Beach. Base fares hover around $49, and bags cost $25 to $29 each way. The airline offers three fare classes, but even the cheapest “Nice” ticket includes a personal item and the option to add snacks later. Breeze’s planes are new, seats are decent, and the airline rarely charges change fees if you book more than 60 days out.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest is not new, but it still wins hearts with two free checked bags, no change fees, and open seating that lets couples sit together without extra cost. The airline links almost every major city and many mid size ones, with frequent sales dropping fares below $59 one way. Southwest route map is massive, planes are roomy, and the companion pass lets one person fly free after 125,000 miles, making it the gold standard for couples who travel often.
JetBlue
JetBlue blends low fares with free Wi-Fi, snacks, and extra legroom on most flights. The airline connects New York, Boston, Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles, and dozens of smaller cities. Sales drop one way fares to $49 or $69 on routes like New York to Charleston or Boston to Tampa. JetBlue seats feel wider, and the airline rarely charges for seat selection on basic fares, so the final price stays close to the headline.
Routes That Always Stay Cheap
West Coast Wine Country Hop
Fly Burbank to Santa Rosa for $39 on Avelo and land thirty minutes from Sonoma vineyards. The flight takes an hour, car rentals are cheaper at the small airport, and the drive to Napa adds only forty minutes of scenery.
Southern Sunshine Loop
Hop Breeze from Charleston to Tampa for $49 and step off the plane into flip flop weather. The same route on legacy carriers often costs $150 or more, and Breeze’s small jets mean short security lines.
Mountain Escape Shortcut
Southwest links Denver to Bozeman for $69 during the shoulder seasons. Skiers save hours on the drive and land closer to the Big Sky slopes. The airline has two free bags to cover ski boots without extra fees.
Desert to Coast Dash
JetBlue flies from Las Vegas to Long Beach for $59, landing fifteen minutes from Orange County beaches. The route skips LAX traffic and baggage claim waits, making the extra twenty dollars feel like a bargain.
Hidden Fees and How to Dodge Them
Bag Fees
Most ultra low cost carriers charge for anything bigger than a laptop bag. Pack everything into a personal item under the seat or pay $25–$54 for a carry on. The trick is packing cubes and wearing your bulkiest layers on the plane.
Seat Selection
Basic fares often assign middle seats at check in. If you must sit together, pay the fee during booking; prices rise closer to departure. Couples can usually book aisle and middle seats for less than two window seats.
Snack Costs
You can bring an empty water bottle while entering through the security and fill it at the gate. Pack trail mix, fruit, and protein bars to skip $5 sodas and $8 sandwiches. A small cooler bag keeps snacks fresh on longer layovers.
Booking Sweet Spots
Best Days to Click
Sunday remains the cheapest day to book domestic flights in the USA, while Friday is the best day to fly. Choosing the right day can save six to ten percent, and shoulder months like August, between peak and off-peak seasons, can be up to thirty five percent cheaper than peak March travel.
Flexibility Pays
Use fare calendars to spot three day windows around your preferred date. These are the periods when the fares are typically lower due to less demand. Avelo and Breeze often drop Tuesday or Wednesday fares below weekend prices.
Apps and Alerts
Set price alerts on Google Flights, Hopper, or Going. Southwest sales typically drop on Tuesday mornings and sell out by Thursday night. Breeze and Avelo announce flash sales on Instagram first.
Airport Hacks for Regional Travel
Arrive Early at Small Airports
Regional airports often close security lines during slow hours. Arrive ninety minutes early to avoid missing the only flight of the day.
Park Cheap or Skip Parking
Many regional airports offer free or low cost parking compared to big hubs. Uber or Lyft from a nearby hotel can cost less than a week of parking fees.
Pack Light, Save Big
A single carry on backpack avoids bag claim waits and lets you walk off the plane and into adventure. Use compression cubes, which are packing aids that help you save space in your luggage, to fit a weekend’s clothes into a personal item.
Final Tips for Penny Pinching Travelers
Book Direct When Possible
Ultra low cost carriers sometimes charge extra for third party bookings. Always compare the airline’s own site before clicking “purchase.”
Join Loyalty Programs
Southwest Rapid Rewards and JetBlue TrueBlue give points on every flight, even the cheapest sale fares. Avelo and Breeze programs are newer but offer free drinks or seat upgrades after a few hops.
Track Your Miles
Use a simple spreadsheet or an app like Award Wallet to watch points grow. Regional flights add up quickly and can fund longer trips later.
Conclusion
Cheap regional flights in America are not myths, but hidden behind the right airline, day, and carry on. Learn the routes, pack smart, and treat fees as optional extras. When the boarding call comes and the fare is less than the ride to the airport, you will know the strategy worked.