Flights to Daytona Beach Florida - Hidden deals
Hey there, fellow travelers! It's Jay here, your trusted Florida travel blogger. With 20 years of exploring the Sunshine State, I’m excited to share everything you need to know about finding the best flights to Daytona Beach. Whether you're planning to bask in the sun on the world-famous beaches, enjoy the thrill of NASCAR, or explore the vibrant local culture, this guide has got you covered. Buckle up and get ready for an in-depth journey to Daytona Beach!
Discover Daytona Beach: Why Visit?
Daytona Beach is an iconic destination known for its 23 miles of stunning beaches, the famous Daytona International Speedway, and a lively atmosphere that combines relaxation with excitement. Here’s why Daytona Beach should be on your travel radar:
Beautiful Beaches: The hard-packed sands of Daytona Beach are perfect for sunbathing, beach sports, and even driving.
NASCAR Thrills: Home to the Daytona 500, the Speedway offers a unique experience for racing fans. https://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com/
Vibrant Nightlife: Enjoy a variety of dining, entertainment, and nightlife options along the Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Main Street Pier.
Cultural Attractions: Explore the Museum of Arts and Sciences, the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse, and historic downtown Daytona.
Finding the Best Flights to Daytona Beach
Choosing the Right Airport
When flying into Daytona Beach, your primary gateway is Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB). Conveniently located just a few miles from the beach and downtown area, DAB offers a hassle-free travel experience with easy access to all the main attractions.
Alternative Airports:
Orlando International Airport (MCO): Located about 70 miles southwest of Daytona Beach, MCO offers a wide range of flight options and might provide more flexibility in terms of airlines and schedules.
Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB): About 50 miles from Daytona Beach, SFB is another alternative, particularly for budget travelers.
Airlines Serving Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB)
Major Airlines:
American Airlines (aa.com) - Offers numerous flights with excellent services, loyalty programs, and a wide range of destinations.
Summer: $250 - $500
Winter: $200 - $450
Fall: $200 - $400
Spring: $220 - $450
Delta Air Lines (delta.com) - Known for its comprehensive network and high-quality service.
Summer: $270 - $520
Winter: $220 - $480
Fall: $220 - $420
Spring: $240 - $490
Mid-Range Airlines:
Silver Airways (silverairways.com) - Known for its regional flights within Florida and nearby destinations.
Summer: $200 - $450
Winter: $180 - $400
Fall: $180 - $350
Spring: $190 - $420
Budget Airlines:
Allegiant Air (allegiantair.com) - Focuses on smaller airports with competitive fares.
Summer: $120 - $350
Winter: $100 - $300
Fall: $110 - $250
Spring: $130 - $370
Tips for Finding the Best Flight Deals to Daytona Beach
1. Book in Advance
The Early Bird Gets the Worm: Airlines often release tickets up to a year in advance. Booking your flight at least 2-3 months ahead of your travel date can help you lock in lower fares.
Example: If you're planning to travel to Daytona Beach in March for Bike Week, start looking for flights as early as December or January. Use tools like Google Flights to monitor prices and book as soon as you see a good deal.
2. Be Flexible with Dates
Weekday Warriors: Flying on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays can often yield cheaper fares. Avoid flying on Fridays and Sundays when prices tend to spike.
Example: Use the flexible dates feature on Kayak or Skyscanner to see if flying a day earlier or later can save you money. For instance, if you originally planned to fly on a Friday, check if flying on Thursday or Saturday is cheaper.
3. Use Flight Comparison Websites
Powerful Allies: Utilize sites like Google Flights, Kayak, and Skyscanner to compare prices across multiple airlines and booking platforms.
Example: Enter your travel details into Google Flights, Kayak, and Skyscanner. Compare the results to see which platform offers the best price. Google Flights also allows you to track prices and receive email alerts when fares drop.
4. Look for Package Deals
Bundled Savings: Some travel websites offer discounts if you book your flight and hotel together. Check sites like Expedia and Travelocity for package deals.
Example: Check Expedia or Travelocity for package deals that bundle your flight and hotel together. For example, a package might include a roundtrip flight and a 3-night hotel stay at a discounted rate.
5. Join Frequent Flyer Programs and Loyalty Clubs
Earn Miles: Sign up for airline loyalty programs to earn miles that can be redeemed for future flights.
Example: Sign up for American Airlines AAdvantage or Delta SkyMiles. These programs allow you to earn miles for every flight you take, which can be redeemed for future flights or upgrades.
6. Utilize Points and Miles
Maximize Rewards: Use credit card points or airline miles to book flights. Look out for special promotions and transfer bonuses from credit card rewards programs.
Example: If you have a credit card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or American Express Platinum, use the points you've accumulated to book your flight. Look out for special promotions where you can get more value for your points.
7. Explore Budget Airlines
Budget-Friendly Options: Consider flying with budget airlines like Spirit and Frontier. Be mindful of additional fees, but the base fare savings can be substantial.
Example: Consider booking with Spirit Airlines or Frontier Airlines. Be sure to read the fine print regarding baggage fees and seat selection to avoid any surprise charges.
8. Check for Discounts
Student and Senior Discounts: Some airlines offer discounts for students, seniors, and military personnel. Check the airline's website or call their customer service for details.
Example: If you're a student, senior, or military personnel, check the airline's website for special discounts. American Airlines, for instance, offers a discount for military personnel that can be applied at checkout.
9. Opt for Red-Eye Flights
Late Night Savings: Red-eye flights (departing late at night) are often cheaper and can help you save on both airfare and an additional night's accommodation.
Example: When searching for flights on Google Flights or Kayak, filter your search for late-night or early-morning departures. These flights are often cheaper and can save you a night’s accommodation cost if you arrive early.
Navigating Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB)
After you land at DAB, navigating the airport is a breeze. Here’s some insider information to help you get through the airport smoothly and efficiently:
Arrival and Baggage Claim
Upon arrival, follow the signs to baggage claim. DAB is well-signposted and easy to navigate. Baggage claim is located on the lower level of the terminal.
Insider Tip: If you’re arriving during a busy travel period, like spring break or race week, head straight to the baggage claim to avoid the rush.
Finding Ground Transportation
Rental Cars: If you're renting a car, the rental car center is conveniently located on the lower level of the terminal. Major rental car companies such as Hertz, Avis, and Enterprise have desks here.
Insider Tip: Book your rental car in advance online to secure the best rates and availability. Check sites like Kayak and Expedia for the best deals.
Uber/Lyft: Request your ride via the app once you have collected your luggage. The designated rideshare pickup area is located outside baggage claim on the lower level.
Insider Tip: To avoid surge pricing, check both Uber and Lyft apps and compare prices. You can also use the fare split feature if you're traveling with friends to save money.
Airport Amenities
Stay Charged: DAB has plenty of charging stations available, so make sure your devices are fully charged before leaving the airport.
Insider Tip: Carry a portable charger in case you can’t find an available charging station. This ensures you stay connected, especially if you’re relying on rideshare apps for transportation.
Free Wi-Fi: Take advantage of the free Wi-Fi to catch up on emails or browse for local attractions while waiting for your ride.
Insider Tip: Use the free Wi-Fi to download maps, travel guides, and restaurant recommendations for offline use, ensuring you have access even without a data connection.
Dining Options: Grab a bite to eat at one of the dining options available in the terminal, ranging from fast food to sit-down restaurants.
Insider Tip: If you have a layover or need to wait for your transportation, check out the airport’s dining options, like the Junction Daytona Beach for a quick snack or a meal.
Best Time to Fly to Daytona Beach
Seasonal Insights: Daytona Beach sees a surge in visitors during major events like Bike Week in March, the Daytona 500 in February, and spring break. If you’re looking for lower fares and fewer crowds, consider flying during the shoulder seasons (April to May and September to November).
Example: Traveling in mid-April after the spring break crowds have left can offer pleasant weather and better flight deals. Plus, you'll have more space to enjoy the beach and local attractions.
Pro Tip: Always check the event calendar for Daytona Beach to avoid peak travel times if you prefer a quieter visit. Websites like DaytonaBeach.com provide comprehensive event listings.
Tips and Tricks for a Smooth Trip
1. Use the Right Booking Tools
Example: Websites like Google Flights, Kayak, and Momondo not only help compare prices but also provide insights into price trends and alternative airports.
Pro Tip: Set up fare alerts on multiple platforms to get notified of price drops. Combine this with tracking tools like Hopper which can predict the best times to book.
2. Optimize Your Packing
Example: Since budget airlines like Spirit and Frontier charge for carry-on bags, pack light to fit everything into a personal item that fits under the seat.
Pro Tip: Use packing cubes to maximize space and stay organized. Roll your clothes instead of folding to reduce wrinkles and save space.
3. Plan Your Ground Transportation
Example: Book your rental car in advance and check prices on different comparison sites. If using rideshare, compare Uber and Lyft prices at the airport.
Pro Tip: For shorter stays, consider using public transportation or hotel shuttles. Some hotels offer free airport transfers which can save you money.
4. Stay Connected
Example: Download offline maps from Google Maps and local travel apps. This ensures you have access to important information even without an internet connection.
Pro Tip: Save a digital copy of your itinerary, hotel reservations, and important documents in a cloud storage service like Google Drive or Dropbox.
Unique Local Insights
Explore Beyond the Beach
Example: While Daytona Beach’s shoreline is famous, there’s much more to explore. Visit the historic Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse for stunning views and a glimpse into maritime history.
Pro Tip: Take a day trip to nearby natural attractions like Blue Spring State Park where you can see manatees in their natural habitat during the winter months.
Savor the Local Cuisine
Example: Don’t miss the chance to try local seafood at spots like Aunt Catfish's on the River or enjoy a classic diner experience at The Brickyard Lounge and Grill.
Pro Tip: Check out local food festivals like the Daytona Beach Chili Tour for a taste of local flavors and fun community events.
Enjoy the Nightlife
Example: Daytona Beach’s nightlife is vibrant with options ranging from beachfront bars like Ocean Deck to live music venues like Main Street Station.
Pro Tip: For a unique experience, visit during Bike Week or Biketoberfest to enjoy live music, bike shows, and street parties.
Insider Information
Lesser-Known Attractions
Example: Explore the Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art which houses the largest collection of Florida art in the world. It’s a hidden gem that offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling beach.
Pro Tip: Visit during weekdays when it’s less crowded and take advantage of guided tours for deeper insights into the artwork.
Local Tips for First-Time Visitors
Example: The Daytona Beach Pier is a great spot for fishing and enjoying views of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s also a hub for family-friendly activities and events.
Pro Tip: Rent a bike and ride along the beach to experience Daytona Beach from a different perspective. Many rental shops offer hourly and daily rates.
Navigating the Daytona Beach Boardwalk
Example: The boardwalk is filled with attractions like arcades, amusement rides, and the iconic Daytona Beach Bandshell where you can catch live performances.
Pro Tip: Visit the boardwalk in the evening to enjoy the lively atmosphere and beautiful sunset views. Many attractions stay open late, providing entertainment for all ages.
Getting Around Daytona Beach
Public Transportation
Example: The Votran bus system serves Daytona Beach and Volusia County, offering an affordable way to get around town.
Pro Tip: Check the Votran website for schedules and routes. A day pass offers unlimited rides and is a cost-effective option for tourists.
Biking and Walking
Example: Daytona Beach is bike-friendly with many rental shops and bike paths. Walking is also a great way to explore the beachfront and downtown areas.
Pro Tip: Use the Daytona Beach Trail Network for scenic routes that take you through parks, along the river, and past historical sites.
Final Thoughts
With its mix of sun, sand, and speed, Daytona Beach is a destination that offers something for everyone. By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be well-prepared to find the best flight deals and enjoy a smooth travel experience. From navigating the airport to exploring local attractions, my goal is to make your trip as enjoyable and budget-friendly as possible. Safe travels and enjoy all that Daytona Beach has to offer!
