TV presenter Samantha Brown shares what she needs for every trip
Travel host Samantha Brown shares her must-have items for every trip and explains why big bucket-list vacations are a little overrated.
The secret to getting cheap flights may be to avoid your usual airports.
When booking a trip, travel platform CheapOair’s 2026 trend forecast suggests that while some travelers may automatically assume they should fly from a major airport because they usually have more flight options, they may save more by flying to a secondary airport serving a metropolitan area. Think John Wayne Airport instead of Los Angeles International Airport, and London Gatwick Airport instead of London Heathrow Airport.
Smaller airports typically have lower landing fees and taxes per passenger, so ticket prices may be more affordable, but they offer fewer options than larger airports. As a bonus, airport security checkpoints may be less crowded and have shorter lines.
“These secondary airports offer more options and can offer lower fares compared to larger airports,” Yuvraj Dutta, CheapOAir’s chief supply and revenue officer, told USA TODAY in a statement. “These airlines often offer travelers a more efficient experience because they are often smaller, less crowded, and easier to travel. For many travelers, this means both lower costs and a more enjoyable journey.”
To find the biggest savings, travelers should expand their search to secondary airports, but also keep in mind that low supply can result in higher prices. You should also factor in hidden costs, such as longer drive times to smaller airports or higher parking fees, to determine where the best value is.
Here are some upcoming flights at secondary airports based on January 9 data.
John F. Kennedy International Airport versus Newark Liberty International Airport
Savings: $39.12 or 16.6%
From New York to Puerto Rico’s Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, a Spirit Airlines flight departing on February 21st and returning on February 28th costs $235.99, and a JetBlue flight from John F. Kennedy International Airport costs $196.87.
Hollywood Burbank Airport versus Los Angeles International Airport
Savings: $51.85 or 40.3%
A round-trip ticket from Los Angeles to Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas departing on January 19th and returning from Los Angeles International Airport on January 25th costs $128.84 on Spirit Airlines, but only $76.99 on Frontier Airlines from Hollywood Burbank Airport.
laguardia airport versus John F. Kennedy International Airport
Savings: $115.93 or 31.8%
From New York to Jose Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport in Guayaquil, Ecuador, departing on February 4 and returning on February 11, travelers can book a JetBlue flight from John F. Kennedy International Airport for $364.88 or a Spirit flight from LaGuardia Airport for $248.95.
Baltimore Washington International Airport Thurgood Marshall Airport versus Washington Dulles International Airport
Savings: $79.87 or 50.9%
A United flight from the Washington, D.C., area to Orlando International Airport departing on Feb. 4 and returning from Washington Dulles International Airport on Feb. 11 costs $156.86, while a Frontier flight from Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport costs $76.99.
