Cheap Flights to Austin Compare & Book Affordable Airfare
About Austin City
Austin does not simply match up to the rest of Texas - it outshines them all. The city of the Lone Star State is a true capital in every way possible, as it is the capital of Texas, the capital of live music, and the capital of coolness as well. As a city of almost 1 million people, Austin has retained its unique, quirky atmosphere while experiencing rapid growth and development, becoming one of the fastest-growing metropolises in the United States of America. With its laid-back Hill Country atmosphere, rapidly developing tech sector, tacos on every corner, constantly growing skyline, and plenty of places like Sixth Street, Lady Bird Lake, State Capitol grounds, and Barton Springs Pool, Austin offers its guests Texas, as it really is – with cowboy boots and cold brew.
- Cheapest Month to Fly: January (or early February)
- Best Time to Book: 30 to 60 days before flight
- Cheapest Day to Fly: Tuesday or Wednesday
- Best Airline: Southwest Airlines, Frontier Airlines (for the budget airline
Austin Area Airports
The access point to Austin lies within easy reach of the city center and is considered one of the easiest-to-reach mid-sized airports for those who travel for business or pleasure.
Best Time to Get Cheap Airfare to Austin
Travelers should aim to book their tickets in January since fares drop significantly when the holidays pass by. Early February is also another good time before the spring festivals begin.
Calendar planning is particularly essential in Austin compared to other cities in Texas. This is because the famous South by Southwest (SXSW), which happens in March each year for two weeks, is known to increase flight prices for traveling in and out of Austin by 40-60%. Other events that cause an increase in flight prices include the Austin City Limits (ACL) Music Festival and the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, both of which happen in October each year.
The increased prices tend to affect flights from Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, and Nashville to Austin. If your schedule is flexible, you could save a lot of money by not traveling in the periods when the famous events are happening.
During summer, there is a constant flow of family travel and graduation visits, which means that 30-45 days is a good window for looking for low prices.
Comparing the Airlines Operating in Austin (AUS)
Austin Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) has turned into a proper mid-sized airport that provides non-stop flights to over 90 destinations, and even includes some international ones to Mexico, Canada, the UK, and many other places. Below you can find how the major carriers perform:
Southwest Airlines:
- All prices have 2 checked bags included and provide free changes/cancellations.
- Southwest has the biggest fleet of aircraft flying out from AUS, covering all major destinations in Texas and central USA.
American Airlines:
- All Main Cabin prices include a carry-on and a personal item.
- American is a good option for connecting with DFW and CLT airports, as they serve East Coast travelers well.
United Airlines:
- All Economy prices include a carry-on and a personal item.
- Houston (IAH) and Denver (DEN) hubs make the airline popular with both domestic and international destinations.
Delta Air Lines:
- Main Cabin fares include 1 carry-on and 1 personal item.
- A reliable choice from the Southeast and the Northeast, with SkyMiles benefits and usually solid on-time departures.
Alaska Airlines:
- Main Cabin fares include 1 carry-on and 1 personal item.
- Gaining popularity among West Coast fliers, with increasing non-stop flights from cities such as Seattle, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.
Frontier Airlines:
- All fares include 1 personal item. Checked baggage and extra carry-ons will be charged.
- Ultra-low fares make Frontier an attractive choice; however, always add up the costs before booking!
Hidden Fees: What You Need to Know Before Booking
Austin sees lots of Basic Economy ticket purchases due to the number of budget airlines flying into the city; this makes it possible to run into surprise fees when flying out of Austin. This is especially true with Frontier and Spirit Airlines, with their ultra-low fares
Make sure, before clicking the "book" button:
- Your fare code provides for a full-size overhead carry-on baggage allowance, rather than just a personal item that will fit under the seat in front of you.
- The seat selection charges of some low-cost carriers are close to a second airfare to secure a good seat.
- Cancellation/Change policy – non-refundable is pretty much always the rule with Basic Economy airfares of full-service airlines.
- Travel protection/trip insurance is included in the total airfare or clearly listed as an opt-out charge.
Comparing airfares between multiple travel websites helps to ensure you are paying the total airfare with all the additional fees included.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the questions visitors commonly ask before travelling:
