America's Most Affordable Major Airport Is This Convenient Southeast Gem Surrounded By Iconic Destinations

Airfare in the United States climbed more than 25% between June 2025 and June 2026, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, impacted by soaring jet fuel costs and fleet shortages. But not all airports are feeling the squeeze. A 2026 report from LocalsInsider.com, a digital travel platform, highlights the most and least affordable major airports in the U.S., and the numbers show that where you fly can significantly impact your wallet. Earning the title of the country's cheapest major air hub is Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FLL), with average fares of $261.69 and a location convenient to several of the Sunshine State's iconic attractions. Right behind is Orlando International (MCO) and Harry Reid International (LAS) in Las Vegas. Meanwhile, the most expensive airfare was found at Washington-Dulles International (IAD), with flights averaging $439.39. Salt Lake City International (SLC) and Charlotte Douglas International (CLT) rounded out the top three spendy airports. 

The study analyzed federal airfare data from the country's 50 busiest airports and surveyed 1,500 Americans about their habits, budgets, and toughest travel scenarios. Its findings show that 66% of Americans say expensive airfare is the biggest travel stressor, and more than half blame rising costs for postponing trips. Tourists on the hunt for bargains may want to consider the Southeast for vacations: Florida snagged four of the top 10 spots for the most affordable major airports. Home to Walt Disney World and miles of coastline with affordable beaches for swimming, Florida is a magnet for tourism, attracting competitive low-cost carriers who can keep a lid on airfares. JetBlue, Breeze Airways, and Allegiant, for example, are some budget airlines expanding routes out of Fort Lauderdale, per CBS News. 

No doubt a stay in Fort Lauderdale – with its more than 165 miles of mesmerizing canals – can feel like you're on a tropical island, but this lush getaway still offers convenient access to must-see sights. This Venice of America is best explored with a hop-on, hop-off tour. Along the route, visit the Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, an outdoor mecca with bicycling, hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, and swimming. Or stroll along palm tree-lined Las Olas Boulevard, arguably Florida's most walkable street. On this shady thoroughfare, enjoy fine dining, casual cafes, and trendy boutiques.

It's hard not to visit splashy Miami as well when flying into Fort Lauderdale. In just a 40-minute drive from the airport, you can soak up the South Beach sun while riding boat and jet ski rentals in the warm turquoise waters or people-watch at cafes and snap photos of the pastel-hued Art Deco buildings along Ocean Drive. This colorful city also celebrates the arts with a number of innovative museums — both indoor, such as the contemporary Perez Art Museum Miami and the playful Museum of Sex, and outdoor, including Wynwood Walls, a legal graffiti park in a burgeoning arts district with dozens of galleries. When the sun sets, bask in the electric glow of Miami nightlife, pulsing from open-air beach clubs and those that never close, with beats from headliner DJs. A trip farther south will take you to the must-visit Florida island of Key Biscayne, where you can ride a boat to Biscayne National Park to explore the Florida Reef and a marine underworld filled with sea creatures, like manatees, turtles, sharks, and jellyfish, and even a possible shipwreck.