Here is some nice news to start the day off with: a new study by LocalsInsider.com analyzed airfare data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics to come up with a list of affordable airports across the U.S. and—surprise, surprise!—Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International made it to the very top!
In terms of methodology, the website looked at airfare statistics from the 50 largest U.S. airports based on passenger volume, calculating average fares based on domestic itinerary prices, including round-trip or one-way tickets without a return purchase.
With an average price of $252.15, which is $151.49 less than the national average, Fort Lauderdale tops the list, followed by Orlando International ($270), Harry Reid International in Las Vegas ($275), Chicago Midway International ($292) and LaGuardia in New York ($303). Another Florida travel hub also made the list: Miami International at number 7, with an average ticket price of $318.
Another interesting study finding: Miami ranks second among cities where "skip-lagging" is trending, a controversial flight hack that travelers use when booking a cheaper flight with a layover in their intended destination and exit early instead of completing their full route.
One more thing: although affordability is clearly a priority, it turns out that, at least according to this survey, safety remains a growing concern for travelers, with 33% of Americans actually feeling less safe following recent air traffic incidents. Consider us part of that list.
10 most affordable airports in the U.S.:
1. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
2. Orlando International in Orlando, Florida
3. Harry Reid International in Las Vegas, Nevada
4. Chicago Midway International in Chicago, Illinois
5. LaGuardia in New York, New York
6. Metro Oakland International in Oakland, California
7. Miami International in Miami, Florida
8. Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International in San Jose, California
9. Louis Armstrong New Orleans International in New Orleans, Louisiana
10. Dallas Love Field in Dallas, Texas