As airfare climbs 11% nationwide, Arizona travelers have reason to celebrate: Phoenix Sky Harbor offers below-average fares, while Phoenix-Mesa Gateway ranks among the nation’s most affordable airports.
Holiday travelers across Arizona may be feeling the pinch of rising airfare, but a new national study reveals that flying out of the Phoenix area could offer significant savings compared with other parts of the country.
According to a new analysis by ConsumerVoice.org, the average domestic airfare nationwide climbed 11% during the first half of 2026, reaching $440.92. That represents the second-largest annual increase in three decades.
However, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is bucking the national trend.
The average domestic ticket price at Sky Harbor is $417.70, approximately $23 below the national average. Even better, fares at Phoenix’s primary airport increased just 4% year over year, significantly less than the national increase.
But the biggest bargain for Arizona travelers may be found at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport.
The East Valley airport ranked No. 3 among the 200 busiest U.S. airports for the lowest average domestic airfare, with tickets averaging just $169.69.
That’s approximately 59% less than the average fare at Phoenix Sky Harbor, making Gateway an attractive alternative for budget-conscious travelers willing to consider different airlines, routes and departure locations.
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How Arizona airports compare
The study identified substantial differences in average domestic airfare among Arizona’s airports:
- Tucson International Airport: $483.47
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport: $417.70
- Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport: $169.69
While Phoenix-Mesa Gateway offers the lowest average fares among the three, its ticket prices increased 16% over the past year, compared with Sky Harbor’s 4% increase.
That illustrates an important distinction: Although smaller airports may offer significantly cheaper tickets, they aren’t necessarily immune to rising travel costs.
America’s cheapest airports
ConsumerVoice.org examined domestic ticket prices at the nation’s 200 busiest airports during the first half of 2026.
Phoenix-Mesa Gateway finished behind only two Florida airports in the national affordability rankings.
The five cheapest airports nationwide were:
- Orlando Sanford International Airport, Florida: $140.87
- St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport, Florida: $146.44
- Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, Arizona: $169.69
- Punta Gorda Airport, Florida: $171.02
- MidAmerica St. Louis Airport, Illinois: $172.52
The findings underscore the cost advantages often associated with secondary airports, where ultra-low-cost carriers can offer substantially cheaper fares than airlines operating from major hubs.
However, travelers should consider route availability, baggage fees, transportation expenses and flight schedules when comparing airports.
Most affordable major airports
Among the nation’s 50 busiest airports, several popular travel destinations also offered relatively affordable fares.
The five cheapest major airports were:
- Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport: $318.52
- Orlando International Airport: $319.82
- Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, San Juan: $322.93
- Harry Reid International Airport, Las Vegas: $339.87
- Chicago Midway International Airport: $360.22
At the opposite end of the spectrum, Washington Dulles International Airport had the highest average fare among major airports at $534.34, followed by Charlotte Douglas International Airport at $527.79 and Detroit Metropolitan Airport at $527.17.
Among all 200 airports studied, Tallahassee International Airport in Florida was the most expensive, averaging $667.08 per ticket.
What rising airfare means for holiday travelers
The study found that domestic airfare increased 11% nationally compared with the first half of 2025. Despite the increase, inflation-adjusted average fares remain approximately 31% lower than they were in 1995.
For Arizona travelers, the findings suggest that comparing departure airports could make a meaningful difference in holiday travel budgets.
While Phoenix Sky Harbor provides extensive airline service and fares below the national average, Phoenix-Mesa Gateway offers an especially affordable alternative for travelers whose destinations align with its available routes.
With the holiday travel season approaching, the takeaway is clear: Arizona travelers may be able to stretch their vacation budgets further simply by comparing airports before booking.
And with Phoenix-Mesa Gateway ranking among the three cheapest airports in America, the Valley has a particularly compelling option for travelers looking to save.
