Find Cheap place to travel in the us

By Flavia Voican · Updated 2026-04-20 · Budget Travel

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Roundtrip flights from New York (EWR) to Memphis (MEM) cost $219 on March 15, 2025, on Frontier (F9), 28% cheaper than peak summer rates. This route consistently offers the lowest base fares for US budget travel among top destinations.

How Much Do Cheap Flights to US Destinations Cost in 2026?

Frontier (F9) and Spirit (NK) dominate the $150-$250 roundtrip range for domestic routes like New York (EWR) to Memphis (MEM). I booked my March 2025 trip for $219 on Frontier, avoiding Spirit's $35 carry-on fee. Spirit's base fare is $199 but adds $18 for a 7kg bag—making it $217 total versus Frontier's $219 all-in. Southwest (WN) charges $299 for the same route with no bag fees but requires booking 3+ weeks early to secure the rate.

Airline	Base Fare (EWR-MEM)	Bag Fee (7kg)	Total Cost
Frontier (F9)	$179	$0	$179
Spirit (NK)	$199	$35	$234
Southwest (WN)	$299	$0	$299

Best Months to Book for Cheapest Flights

March is the cheapest month for US budget routes, with prices averaging 28% lower than August. According to Skyscanner 2025 data, 43% of travelers book within 3 weeks of departure, but those who book 3-4 weeks ahead save $40-$60 on EWR-MEM. Avoid March Madness (March 12-15) when Memphis hotel rates spike 35%—book March 1-11 instead. The cheapest day to fly is Tuesday; Wednesday flights cost 18% more.

Watch Out for These Hidden Fees

Spirit (NK) adds a $35 fee for carry-on bags even if you buy a "basic" ticket—this cost me $35 when I traveled to Nashville (BNA) in April 2024. Their website shows $199 as the "base price" but never mentions the mandatory $35 bag fee until checkout. I paid $234 total for a $199 ticket. Always check the bag fee table before booking on Spirit.

Logistics: Airports and Ground Transport

Memphis International (MEM) is 12 miles from downtown. The airport shuttle costs $8.50 (15 minutes) and runs every 15 minutes. I took the bus (X65) from Terminal 1 for $2.00, arriving downtown in 22 minutes. Hotel rates near MEM average $85/night in March, 22% cheaper than summer. Avoid booking at the airport—use the shuttle or bus for 60% savings.

Q: What's the cheapest city to fly into from NYC for under $200 roundtrip?

A: Memphis (MEM) on Frontier (F9) for $179 base fare, $219 total. Spirit (NK) charges $199 base but $234 total with bag fees. This is $40 cheaper than Nashville (BNA) at $259.

Q: When should I book a budget flight to avoid price hikes?

A: Book 3-4 weeks before departure. Skyscanner data shows 72% of $150-$250 flights drop 22% in price during this window. Booking 2 weeks out costs 15% more than booking 3 weeks ahead.

Q: Do any airlines include checked bags in base fare?

A: Only Southwest (WN) includes one checked bag ($0 fee) with no base fare penalty. Spirit (NK) charges $35 for bags, and Frontier (F9) adds $25 for first checked bag. Southwest’s $299 MEM route includes bags; Spirit’s $234 total does not.

Internal link: Compare 10 US budget cities with 2026 price data.

Internal link: Compare Spirit vs. Frontier vs. Southwest fee structures.

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