Planning a trip to Orlando can be both exciting and challenging, especially when it comes to finding the best deals on flights. Orlando is a popular destination year-round with its world-renowned theme parks, vibrant nightlife, and numerous attractions. However, airfare prices can vary significantly depending on the time of year, the day of the week, and even the time of day you choose to fly.
Understanding these factors can help you save money and make your trip more affordable. In this guide, we’ll explore various strategies and tips to help you identify the optimal times to book your flights to Orlando, ensuring you get the most value for your travel budget.
When is the Cheapest Time to Fly to Orlando in 2024?
There are two ways to find the cheapest time to fly to Orlando in 2024:
- By Month: Generally, the cheapest months to fly to Orlando are September and October, followed by late May or early June (excluding Memorial Day weekend), late August, and early February. This is because these months fall outside peak tourist seasons, including summer vacation (June-August), spring break (March-April), Thanksgiving week, and Christmas and New Year’s holidays.
- By Day of the Week: According to Cheapflights.com, flyers can also find cheaper fares by flying on Tuesday mornings and avoiding Sundays at noon.
Cheapest Airlines that Fly to Orlando in 2024 with Average Prices
Here are 8 of the cheapest airlines that fly to Orlando, along with their average prices (based on data searches, so keep in mind these can fluctuate):
- Spirit Airlines (average price: $130-$200): Spirit Airlines is known for its budget-friendly fares, but be aware that they charge extra fees for most things, including checked bags, carry-on luggage,
- Frontier Airlines(average price: $140-$220): Frontier Airlines is another budget airline that offers competitive fares to Orlando. Like Spirit, it charges extra fees for most add-on services.
- JetBlue Airways(average price: $180-$250): JetBlue is a major airline that offers a nice balance between price and amenities. The base fare includes one checked bag and complimentary in-flight entertainment.
- Southwest Airlines(average price: $190-$280): Southwest Airlines is another major airline known for its affordable fares and two free checked bags included in its base price. However, it doesn’t offer assigned seating, so you’ll get a seat number when you check in for your flight.
- Allegiant Air (average price: $150-$230): Allegiant Air is a low-cost carrier that flies to smaller airports, so keep that in mind when considering them for your Orlando trip.
- Sun Country Airlines(average price: $160-$240): Sun Country Airlines is another budget airline that offers seasonal flights to Orlando.
- American Airlines(average price: $200-$300): American Airlines is a major airline that offers various fares to Orlando, including basic economy, economy, and business class. While not the cheapest option, they do offer a wider selection of flight times and connections.
- Delta Air Lines (average price: $210-$320): Similar to American Airlines, Delta Air Lines is a major carrier offering various fare classes to Orlando. They tend to be a bit more expensive than budget airlines but may offer more amenities and flexibility.
Pros & Cons of Flying to Orlando in the Cheapest Time
There are definitely advantages and disadvantages to consider when booking your Orlando trip around the cheapest flying times. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:
Pros:
- Save Money: The biggest perk is significant savings on your airfare. This can free up additional funds for other aspects of your trip, like park tickets, dining, or souvenirs.
- Fewer Crowds: Orlando can get very crowded during peak seasons. Flying during the off-season may mean shorter lines, smaller crowds at the parks, and a more relaxed overall experience.
- Potentially Lower Hotel Rates: Hotel rates often follow flight trends. Booking your flight during the cheaper season may also mean finding better deals on your hotel accommodation.
Cons:
- Limited Park Hours: Theme parks in Orlando may have shorter operating hours or be closed entirely on certain days during the off-season. Be sure to check park schedules before booking your flight.
- Weather: While Orlando enjoys a fairly warm climate year-round, the cheapest flying times often coincide with the shoulder seasons (spring and fall). These months can experience more unpredictable weather patterns with higher chances of rain.
- Less Entertainment Options: Some restaurants, shows, or special events may be limited during the off-season.
7 Additional Tips to Save Money When Booking Flights to Orlando
- Consider budget airlines: Budget airlines like Frontier, Spirit, and Allegiant often have significantly cheaper fares than major carriers. However, when comparing prices, be sure to factor in the cost of checked bags, seat selection, and other potential fees.
- Fly into alternate airports: Orlando has two main airports: Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Sanford International Airport (SFB). Sanford Airport is generally less busy and can offer cheaper fares, especially on budget airlines. If you’re staying in the tourist areas, just be sure to factor in the cost of ground transportation from Sanford to Orlando.
- Search for error fares: Error fares are airline mistakes that result in tickets being sold at much lower prices than intended. Websites specialize in tracking error fares but be aware that these fares are often non-refundable and can be canceled by the airline.
- Book during the off-season: Orlando’s peak season is typically from summer to early fall. Flights are generally cheaper during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall), and the absolute cheapest fares can be found during the off-season (winter).
- Sign up for email alerts: Many airlines and travel websites offer email alerts that will notify you when there are sales or fare drops on flights to Orlando.
- Consider a package deal: Travel websites and airlines sometimes offer package deals that combine flights and hotel accommodations for a discounted price. This can be a good option if you haven’t booked your hotel yet.
- Use a travel rewards credit card: Many travel rewards credit cards offer points or miles that can be redeemed for free flights. If you’re planning on traveling frequently, a travel rewards credit card can be a great way to save money on airfare. Just be sure to choose a card that has rewards that are transferable to airlines that fly to Orlando and that the annual fee doesn’t outweigh the value of the rewards you earn.
Frequently Asked Questions
To get the best deal on flights to Orlando, it's generally advisable to book 3-4 months in advance. This allows you to take advantage of early-bird discounts and avoid last-minute price surges.
Yes, flying to Orlando is usually cheaper on weekdays, particularly Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Mid-week flights often have lower demand compared to weekend travel, resulting in reduced fares.
Flight prices to Orlando often increase during special events and holidays, such as Christmas, New Year, and Spring Break. It's best to avoid booking flights during these peak times if you're looking for cheaper options.
Absolutely! Using flexible travel dates when searching for flights to Orlando can help you find cheaper options. Many travel websites and airlines offer tools to compare prices across a range of dates.
