We're pretty lucky here in the U.S.: We don't have to leave American soil to find some of the finest beaches in the world. And better yet, we've recently seen fares dropping to crazy lows to get you oceanside as winter approaches and temperatures drop.
From this fall to the next, our Thrifty Traveler Premium flight deal analysts have found great flight deals to beaches in the U.S. or its territories – no passport required. That includes tried-and-true deals like sub-$200 fares to Hawaii or Florida … but also dirt-cheap prices to the isles of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands too.
For those looking for cheap flights to somewhere warm, we've rounded up some of the best fares to get to the warmth and sandy shores in the U.S. If you're looking for your own escape, be sure to consult our guide on how to find cheap flights, including the best ways to use tools like Google Flights. And if you've got a passport in hand and are on the hunt for cheap international flights, we've got you covered there, too.
But for now, let us help you find your way to the beach so you can sip a cool drink in the hot sun this winter for less.
Cheap Flights to Hawaii … Under $200!
It may be a six-plus-hour flight away, but Americans are still blessed to have one of the world's best beach destinations at their disposal: Hawaii.
We recently sent Thrifty Traveler Premium members an alert with fares from all over the U.S. to Hawaii from just $304 roundtrip.
The best part about this deal is the peak season availability in January, February, and March. That'd be a welcome reprieve from freezing temperatures up north and an escape to beauty anywhere else in the country, too.
Plus, this deal included some smaller, regional airports around the U.S. like Des Moines (DSM), Kalispell (FCA), and Medford (MFR).
We find flight deals from 200-plus U.S. and Canadian airports!
But the deals to Hawaii can get even cheaper – especially when Southwest gets into the mix. This 30% sale from Southwest brought fares to paradise as low as $181 roundtrip from the West Coast, with fares in the $200s and $300s from dozens of other cities across the country.
But if those price tags are still a little high for some travelers, we've got an even better way: Using points and miles. Nonstop Delta flights, anyone? That's exactly what the chefs at Thrifty Traveler Premium have on the menu for this winter.
Instead of paying $1,000 or more roundtrip or forking over more than 100,000 Delta SkyMiles, you can book these Delta flights with Virgin Atlantic points (which you can transfer from credit card points like Amex, Capital One, Chase, and others) for less than half that. A well-timed transfer bonus to Virgin Atlantic makes these rates even cheaper!
This deal is spectacular: You can't beat those rates flying nonstop from the Midwest or East Coast to Hawaii.
But it's not the most comfortable way to get to Hawaii. That distinction goes to Hawaiian Airlines and its brand-new business class seats. I mean suites.
Launching this winter, Hawaiian's new lie-flat suites could be the perfect way to kickoff a luxurious Hawaiian retreat. This has “honeymoon” written all over it.
Cheap Flights to Florida
You can head to the beach even closer to home, too. Having the beaches of Florida so close to home is a pretty sweet advantage for U.S. travelers.
Florida has tons of great beach options, but few are better than Key West. Whether you're looking for a week laying in the sun or some scuba or snorkeling adventure, Key West (EYW) can deliver anything you want from a beach getaway this winter.
While getting down to Key West is typically more expensive than other destinations in Florida, Thrifty Traveler Premium subscribers have received a few different alerts with low, low fares down to these outermost islands.
The lowest fare on this flight deal to the Keys was nonstop from Chicago-O'Hare (ORD) for just $177 roundtrip!
But the mainland of Florida has plenty to offer, too. In Southwest Florida, Fort Myers (RSW) is the perfect jumping off point to destinations like Naples, Bonita Beach, and much more. The Gulf of Mexico side of the state is beautiful and makes for an easy escape.
Especially at prices like these…
With prices like this, you might just have to add a Florida trip to your calendar this winter.
But the Atlantic Coast of Florida has its own special spots. Many travelers love the quieter central coast of Florida near Daytona Beach (DAB).
For other travelers, the panhandle of Florida is the easiest escape. And with flight prices the way they are to airports like Destin (VPS), a quick roundtrip to the beach might be your cure for the winter blues.
In this low fare, American Airlines targeted Delta's hub of Detroit (DTW) with a super cheap connecting fare down to the Panhandle.
From the Keys to the Panhandle, Florida is the quickest, cheapest flight to the beach you'll likely find this winter.
Cheap Flights to Los Angeles
The beach is just one of hundreds of attractions in the City of Angels, but Los Angeles (LAX) cannot be overlooked!
These urban, Pacific Coast beaches like Venice Beach and Hermosa Beach are big, expansive, sunny spots where you can spend a day relaxing or playing in the surf. Plus, the people watching at these spots is second to none!
Whether it's for the beach or just to eat your heart out, a visit to L.A. is always worth it. Plus, if you can dial in a low fare, it's even better!
One of the best parts about Los Angeles (LAX) is how many options you've got to get there. For travelers, that means you can easily skip a connection to get there in one quick, nonstop flight.
Los Angeles flight deals are back! Make sure to grab yours for one of the most unique beach experiences in the U.S.
Cheap Flights to U.S. Islands, Too
It's not on the mainland of the United States, but the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico and its capital of San Juan (SJU) offers some great beaches at low, low fares.
Over the last year, we've seen fares to Puerto Rico tumble. Plus, you don't need a passport to get there!
These incredibly low fares are gone now, but many Thrifty Traveler Premium members were able to book a trip to the beaches of Puerto Rico.
These fares are long gone! Get the next great deal with Thrifty Traveler Premium!
The same passport-free policy applies to the U.S. Virgin Islands, too. We're looking for flight deals to St. Thomas (STT) and St. Croix (STX) all the time. Just a few weeks ago, some amazing fares popped up.
The lowest fare on this deal was from Raleigh (RDU), where fares to the U.S. Virgin Islands typically top $700 or more roundtrip. Not this time!
The U.S. territories in the Caribbean are just another reason why we're so lucky. Some of the best beaches in the world are so close and so cheap, you're running out of excuses to book your winter escape.
Bottom Line
If you need a beach getaway but don't want to go through the hassle of crossing international borders, you have plenty of options that keep your passport in the drawer at home.
Thrifty Traveler Premium members get the best deals sent to their inboxes from their home airports right when we find them. That's the best time to book so you can save hundreds of dollars. With those savings, you can splurge for beachside drinks, fancier accommodations, or a night on the town.
