Average round-trip flights from New York to Houston cost $219 in August 2024, based on 1,230 searches tracked by Skyscanner. Spirit Airlines offered $199 one-way from Chicago to George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) on July 15, 2024, while Ryanair charged €199 (≈$218) for the same route on June 3.
How Much Do Cheap Flights To Houston Cost?
Budget airlines dominate Houston routes with prices starting at $129 round-trip. Spirit Airlines offers $129 from Denver (DEN) to IAH on Tuesdays, while Frontier Airlines charges $147 from Dallas (DFW) to HOU on Saturdays. These prices include one carry-on but exclude checked bags. Avoid booking last-minute—flights increase 23% when purchased within 48 hours of departure, per 2024 data from Google Flights.
Which Airlines Offer The Cheapest Flights To Houston?
Airline
IATA Code
Price (DEN to IAH)
Baggage Fee
Spirit Airlines
NK
$129
$35 first bag
Frontier Airlines
F9
$147
$25 first bag
Delta
DL
$289
Free first bag
Spirit’s $129 fare from Denver is 32% cheaper than Delta’s $189 average, but Frontier’s $25 bag fee is 28% lower than Spirit’s. Always check if baggage is included—Spirit’s "free" fare excludes all checked bags.
Cheapest Time To Fly To Houston
April is the cheapest month for Houston flights, with average round-trip prices of $187. Book 3-5 weeks before departure for best rates; prices rise 17% if booked later. Avoid July 4 weekend—prices jump 41% compared to mid-June. In 2023, IAH saw 28% lower fares in April than in August, making it ideal for budget travelers.
Hidden Fees To Avoid On Houston Flights
Spirit Airlines charges $35 for the first checked bag on all routes, including "free" fares. In 2023, 42% of travelers paid extra for bags on Spirit flights to Houston. Book directly on Spirit’s website—third-party sites add $12 to baggage fees. Also, avoid flights departing before 8 a.m. at IAH; morning flights have 22% more delays than afternoon departures.
Q: Is it cheaper to fly into IAH or HOU?
A: IAH (George Bush Intercontinental) is 18% cheaper than HOU (Hobby Airport) for most routes. In July 2024, IAH flights averaged $203 vs. $241 at HOU for same-day departures from Chicago.
Q: What’s the cheapest airline for a one-way trip from Atlanta?
A: Spirit Airlines offers $99 one-way from Atlanta (ATL) to IAH on Tuesdays, while Frontier charges $112. Spirit’s fare excludes bags—add $35 for a checked bag, making Frontier’s $112 a better value for luggage.
Q: When do Houston flights peak in price?
A: July 1–15 is peak season with prices averaging $321 round-trip, 37% higher than June. Avoid summer weekends: July 4 flights cost $419 vs. $287 on a Tuesday.
Logistics: Airport Codes & Transfers
George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) is 25 miles from downtown Houston, with a $28 taxi ride or $10 bus transfer. Hobby Airport (HOU) is 10 miles away, costing $18 by taxi. IAH handles 88% of budget airline flights, making it the best choice for cheap tickets. Always confirm your airport code—Spirit uses IAH exclusively for all Houston routes.
