Cheap flights out of Texas??? (Houston, Dallas: living in, price, airport)

[audrey2]

We're relocating to Austin from the Carolinas this August. We will be leaving behind a lot of friends and family. In my research so far, I've been able to find round trip airline tickets running at about 230 bucks at best. I use kayak.com to find the best deals when I fly. At least in my mind, this does not even beat airlines like Southwest--even with their rapid rewards programs.

Is there a better deal for flying that any of you know about and use? I have been spoiled by Allegiant Airs direct flights from my area to Florida at sometimes as low as 100 bucks per round trip! Is there anything remotely like that that would fly us from Austin (or even surrounding areas) to Charlotte, NC or nearby?

[Zzyzx]

This is one of the negatives of living in Austin. Not only are the flights pricey, but trying to get a direct flight is also an issue for many.

[mimimomx3]

Many people drive to Houston and fly from there, or even San Antonio. Austin does NOT generally have cheap fares.

[lolligrump]

One of the planes out of Austin, with a direct flight to RDU is called American Eagle. It's a pretty tiny, tight little plane, that has been referred to as a, "Soda Straw", but it can be less expensive sometimes. Nice that it's a direct flight. I believe it's affliated with American Airlines.

Hope you enjoy your new life in Austin. We moved from there to here in the Raleigh area in January. Will always love and miss Austin, but I do like it here too, more and more each day!

[tanyagail]

I second the recommendation to look into flying from San Antonio. Granted you have to drive an hour each way but we saved $200 per plane ticket when flying to the midwest.

[pvaustin]

Many people might not agree with me here. But Continental can give you some good deals at times out of AUS. I am a platinum member with Continental. Also, check out Frontier airlines, if you trying Colorado. JetBlue flies directly to Boston with good rates. And of course there is SouthWest.
Agreed, Austin is no Dallas or Houston. But being a 'road warrior', I can vouch that AUS is a very nice airport to deal with, if you know the airlines and the timings.

[another_hot-day]

I am flying to N.carolina in August. I used kayak, hotwire, expedia, and one other one I can't think of right now. All for the same price you mentioned.
It's odd how they can call this airport International....

[Trainwreck20]

It's odd how they can call this airport International....

It does fly to Mexico, and a few in the Caribbean. I guess the fact that you can enter from a foreign country and that there is a customs office makes it an international airport. But you sure can't get many places that are international.

[ausken]

Seems like most of the people in this thread are on the right track. I have found it tough to find direct flights out of Austin. If you are looking for a nonstop flight to NC I find that your best bet is to fly out of San Antonio. Check out ExpressJet It appears that it is around $150

[adtobias]

i dont know why the fares are cheaper out of san antonio but its only an hr away