Even though Miami is the city of sand and sun, everyone needs a vacation every once in a while — even locals! Fortunately, though, there are flight deals out of Miami that you, as a local, can take advantage of. And travel influencer Alicia Walter, who is one half of The Passport Couple alongside her husband Nate Stark, helped us find some.
From Cancun to Punta Cana there are so many exciting places you can go on a budget. Keep reading for a few we’re eyeing right now.
Miami Is a Hot Spot for Cheap Flights to the Caribbean
Because Miami International (and surrounding airports like FLL) have international flights, there are cheap flights to some seriously fun destinations (San Juan, anyone?). So there are lots of flights — and deals — for destinations further south.
“Miami is a popular international hub, so it’s great for getting deals to Latin America and the Caribbean,” Walter said. “However, flights are often delayed due to weather (especially during hurricane season), so always book buffer time if you have connections.”
Some flight deals we’re seeing right now, that Walter recommended we look into:
- Miami to Cancun (July 9 to July 16) for $256 roundtrip
- Miami to Bogotá, Colombia (June 13 to June 20) for $370 roundtrip
- Fort Lauderdale to San Juan, Puerto Rico (June 19 to June 28) for $139 roundtrip
- Miami to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (July 25 to July 30) for $234 roundtrip
- Miami to Panama City, Panama (Sept. 2 to Sept. 6) for $257 roundtrip
Best Places to Fly Out of Miami for Cheap Flight Deals
Even though there are several airports in South Florida, Miami International has the most outgoing destinations and is served by the most airlines. It also has the most direct routes, especially for international trips. For domestic trips, though, check out the smaller airports.
“We usually fly out of Miami International (MIA) for international trips — it offers more direct routes and better lounge access,” Walter said. “For budget domestic trips, Fort Lauderdale (FLL) often has cheaper options with budget carriers and is less busy.”
When You Fly — and When You Book — Makes a Difference
Flying early is often cheaper because fewer people want to fly before sunrise. It can also possibly prevent cancellations.
“Fly out early in the morning to avoid delays from afternoon thunderstorms,” Walter said. “This is common in South Florida.”
But when you book is important to note, too. If you’re flying domestic, it can be less in advance than for international flights.
“For domestic flights, booking one to two months out is ideal,” she said. “But aim for two to three months ahead for international trips, especially if you’re traveling during holidays or winter breaks.”
Walter’s Tips for Finding the Best Flight Deals
- Go to a larger airport like MIA for more flights (and cheaper ones) to international destinations.
- Check out smaller airports like FLL for domestic flight deals.
- Fly out early in the morning and midweek.
- Book one to two months in advance for domestic travel, and two to three months for international flights.
- Sometimes booking two one-way tickets can save you money, even on different airlines.
