Airfare to Tampa Florida

Written By Julian .

Dreaming of palm trees, sparkling waters, and vibrant city life in Tampa? Finding the perfect flight deal can make your Florida adventure even more delightful. This guide equips you with the knowledge to pick the right airport to fly into, fly smart and save big on your trip to Tampa!

Navigating Your Tampa Arrival: Choosing the Right Airport

Tampa Bay boasts two major airports serving the region: Tampa International Airport (TPA) and St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE). Here's a breakdown to help you decide which best suits your needs:

  • Tampa International Airport (TPA): TPA is the larger and busier of the two airports, offering more flight options from various airlines, including major carriers and budget airlines. It's a good choice if you prioritize flight selection and potentially lower fares, especially for domestic travel. However, TPA can get busier, so factor in potentially longer wait times for baggage claim and ground transportation.

    • Airlines at TPA:

      • Major Airlines: United, American Airlines, Delta, Spirit Airlines (often with lower fares but be mindful of baggage fees)

      • Mid-Range Airlines: JetBlue, Southwest Airlines

      • International Carriers: Numerous international carriers connect through TPA, offering a wider range of options for overseas travelers.

  • St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE): PIE is a smaller, less crowded airport offering a more relaxed travel experience. It might have fewer flight options, but airlines like Allegiant and Sunwing often serve PIE, potentially leading to attractive fares, particularly for leisure travelers. Consider PIE if you prioritize a smoother arrival process and potentially lower fares for specific airlines.

    • Airlines at PIE:

      • Budget Airlines: Allegiant, Sunwing (often focusing on leisure destinations)

      • Mid-Range Airlines: Limited service by some mid-range carriers like Southwest Airlines

Once you've chosen your airport, here are some additional tips for finding the best flight deals to Tampa:

Sweet Spots for Savings: Shoulder Seasons Shine

Similar to Destin, Tampa's peak season (summer) coincides with higher airfare. Consider flying during the shoulder seasons (spring - March to May, fall - September to November) to enjoy pleasant weather and lighter tourist crowds. This sweet spot translates to sweeter deals on airfare!

Pro Tip: Be a weekday warrior! Flights arriving on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, or red-eye flights departing late at night, often boast the most attractive fares.

Average Flight Costs to Tampa: A Price Peek

Predicting airfare with pinpoint accuracy is tricky, but here's a general idea to set your budgeting sights:

  • Domestic Flights: Roundtrip flights from major US cities can range from $100 to $500, with prices surging during peak season (summer) and holidays.

  • International Flights: Flights from Europe or South America can range from $500 to $1,500, depending on the origin city and time of booking.

Pro Tip: Unleash the power of flight comparison websites! Kayak, Google Flights, and Skyscanner are your allies in finding the best deals.

Soaring on a Budget: Airlines Serving Tampa

Now that you know about the airports, let's explore the airlines serving Tampa to help you choose the best fit for your budget and travel style:

  • Budget Airlines: Buckle up for savings, but be mindful of additional fees for checked baggage, seat selection, and even carry-on luggage exceeding a specific size.

    • Spirit Airlines (https://www.spirit.com/) - Offers ultra-low fares, but be prepared for potential charges for baggage and amenities.

    • Allegiant Air (https://www.allegiantair.com/) (primarily at PIE) - Focuses on smaller airports and offers competitive fares, though their route network might be limited.

    • Sunwing Airlines (https://www.sunwing.ca/en) (primarily at PIE) - A Canadian airline known for attractive fares to leisure destinations in the Caribbean and Mexico.

  • Mid-Range Airlines: These airlines strike a balance between affordability and comfort, often including features like complimentary checked bags on some routes.

    • JetBlue Airways (https://www.jetblue.com/) (at TPA) - Provides a good balance with amenities like complimentary checked bags on some routes.

    • Southwest Airlines (https://www.southwest.com/) (at TPA and possibly PIE) - Renowned for their two free checked bags policy and generally reasonable fares.

  • Major Airlines: While pricier than budget options, major airlines offer a wider range of services and amenities, in-flight entertainment, comfortable seating options, and frequent flyer benefits.

Julian .
Previous

Airfare to Orlando
Next

Airfare to Miami Florida