✈️ Where Can I Fly for $250?
A $250 flight budget can unlock dozens of trips if you’re flexible with dates and departure airports. This guide shows where you can realistically fly for $250 or less, plus how to find and book those deals before they disappear.
🔎 Overview
- Best for domestic U.S. trips and short-haul international routes
- Most common on midweek departures
- Frequently available from major hubs like LAX, JFK, ORD, ATL, DEN, SEA
🇺🇸 Domestic Destinations Under $250 (Roundtrip)
These routes regularly appear under $250 depending on season and availability:
- Los Angeles (LAX) → Las Vegas (LAS), Phoenix (PHX), San Diego (SAN), San Jose (SJC)
- San Francisco (SFO) → Seattle (SEA), Portland (PDX), Los Angeles (LAX)
- Chicago (ORD) → Denver (DEN), Nashville (BNA), Minneapolis (MSP)
- New York (JFK / LGA / EWR) → Boston (BOS), Washington (DCA), Orlando (MCO)
- Atlanta (ATL) → Tampa (TPA), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), New Orleans (MSY)
Sample prices: $98–$149 one-way or $148–$248 roundtrip during sales.
🌎 International Flights Near $250
Short international routes sometimes dip below $250 roundtrip, especially from southern U.S. airports.
- Los Angeles (LAX) → Mexico City (MEX): from $220–$250
- Miami (MIA) → Cancún (CUN): from $199–$249
- Houston (IAH) → San José, Costa Rica (SJO): from $229–$250
- New York (JFK) → San Juan (SJU): from $198–$248
📅 Best Times to Book $250 Flights
- Cheapest days to fly: Tuesday & Wednesday
- Best booking window: 3–8 weeks before departure
- Cheapest months: January, February, September, early December
🧠 Airline Hacks to Stay Under $250
- Book one-way fares separately for better combinations
- Check nearby airports within 100 miles
- Avoid checked bags to prevent fee blowups
- Use airline credit cards to offset baggage and seat fees
🧳 Watch Out for Baggage Fees
Ultra-low fares often exclude bags:
- Carry-on fees can add $35–$75 each way
- Checked bags may push a $199 ticket over $300
⚡ Last-Minute Flights Under $250
Last-minute deals are possible if airlines need to fill seats:
- Best for short domestic routes
- More likely within 7–10 days of departure
- Best searched during midweek
💡 Tip
If your dates are flexible, search by destination = “Anywhere” and set your max price to $250. You’ll see live deals you can book immediately.
Bottom line: With $250, you can reach most U.S. regions and even select international destinations if you’re flexible, book smart, and avoid unnecessary fees.