Summary: A Savings.com analysis of 200 major U.S. airports using Bureau of Transportation Statistics data shows departure airport can materially affect flight prices. The average U.S. domestic airfare in 2025 was $391, but fares from some hubs like Washington Dulles averaged about $475 while several secondary and regional airports reported much lower rates.

Most travellers assume airlines set ticket costs mainly by route and schedule, but a new analysis shows that your departure airport is a major driver of flight prices. The study, which examined 200 major U.S. airports, reveals persistent fare disparities tied to airport size, competition and carrier dominance.

Study scope and data sources

Savings.com analysed fare data from 200 large U.S. airports using figures from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS). The findings show that while the national average domestic fare in 2025 was $391 USD, that figure masks broad variation depending on where travellers begin their journey.

Airports with the highest fares

The analysis highlights several large hubs that consistently produce above-average fares. Washington Dulles (IAD) topped the list, with average fares around $475 USD, followed by Salt Lake City International (SLC) at $461 USD and Charlotte Douglas International (CLT) at about $445 USD.

These elevated prices typically reflect limited competition and strong market power by dominant carriers. For example, Salt Lake City International is heavily served by Delta Airlines, a dynamic that can reduce pricing pressure on domestic routes.

Where travellers can find cheaper fares

By contrast, several major and secondary airports recorded substantially lower average fares. Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International (FLL) emerged as the most affordable among major airports, with average fares near $281 USD. Orlando International (MCO) and Harry Reid International (LAS) followed at roughly $289 USD and $291 USD respectively.

  • High-fare examples: IAD ~ $475, SLC ~ $461, CLT ~ $445
  • Major affordable hubs: FLL ~ $281, MCO ~ $289, LAS ~ $291
Airport terminal with passengers and departure boards illustrating differences in flight prices by airport
Departure airports can show wide fare differences; hub dominance and low-cost carriers shape pricing at different airports

The role of ultra-low-cost carriers and regional airports

Secondary and smaller regional airports often report much lower average fares. The study notes airports such as St. Petersburg–Clearwater (PIE), Orlando Sanford (SFB) and Punta Gorda (PGD) had average domestic fares under $150 USD, largely due to service from ultra-low-cost carriers (ULCCs) like Spirit Airlines and Allegiant Air.

Those budget carriers reduce overall fare levels where they operate, but travellers should weigh the base fare savings against additional fees for luggage, seat selection and other add-ons that can erode the headline discount.

Choosing between airports in multi-airport regions

In metro areas served by multiple airports, selecting an alternative departure point can produce meaningful savings. New York City examples include JFK, LaGuardia (LGA) and Newark (EWR), where domestic fares can differ even though they serve the same region. Travellers should factor in transport costs, parking and travel time when comparing total trip expenses.

Practical tips for travellers

  • Compare fares from all nearby airports, not just the nearest one.
  • Account for ground transport, parking and extra fees when calculating savings.
  • Watch for ULCC routes if you can travel light and accept à la carte pricing.
  • Set fare alerts and be flexible with dates to capture lower prices.

Ultimately, the airport you choose can add or subtract hundreds of dollars from your ticket. Understanding which airports are dominated by a single carrier, which host ULCCs, and how multi-airport regions compare will help travellers make smarter cost decisions.

So what? For travellers, small changes—opting for a different nearby airport or trading convenience for an ULCC route—can materially lower travel expenses. For the industry, the findings underline how market structure and carrier presence at specific airports shape pricing power and fare competition.