10 Airports Seeing the Biggest Price Hikes on Flights

Air travel isn’t cheap for anyone, but what you pay can depend on where you live. Financial website SmartAsset recently examined the average domestic flight price from 72 major airports over one year and published the results.

The study used Bureau of Transportation Statistics data for average airfare prices at U.S. airports that saw 100,000 or more passengers in 2022, comparing data from the first quarter of 2023 with the first quarter of 2022. SmartAsset then ranked the airports by the percentage increase in fares.

The survey discovered that airfare costs increased by 16% on average across the U.S., with domestic airfare averaging $382. That’s up from $328 just a year earlier. Only one airport with 100,000 or more passengers in 2022 saw a price decrease – Hawaii’s Kahului Airport.

Here’s a look at the airports that saw the biggest price hikes on fares, beginning with No. 10. And don’t miss our tips on how to avoid travel fees.

10. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)

Average domestic airfare at this airport in early 2023: $391.48 (20.58% year-over-year increase)

Average domestic airfare at this airport a year earlier: $324.65

Reagan National is the smaller of the District of Columbia’s two airports, behind Dulles International, which is about 25 miles away. Reagan National may be smaller, but its main runway is the busiest in America, averaging 819 daily takeoffs and landings.

9. Tampa International Airport (TPA)

Average domestic airfare at this airport in early 2023: $330.52 (20.61% year-over-year increase)

Average domestic airfare at this airport a year earlier: $274.03

The Tampa Bay area holds a historic place in aviation history. Back in 1914, pioneer aviator Tony Jannus flew St. Petersburg Mayor Abe Pheil from his city over Tampa Bay to Tampa in a single-engine biplane. It is now considered the world’s first scheduled commercial flight, with a one-way fare of $5.

8. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)

Average domestic airfare at this airport in early 2023: $400.49 (20.85% year-over-year increase)

Average domestic airfare at this airport a year earlier: $331.40

While Reagan National’s main runway is the nation’s busiest, two of Newark Liberty’s runways also made that 2023 list. One of Newark’s runways came in at No. 3 and another at No. 5. And the airport’s new, 1 million-square-foot Terminal A opened in August, replacing the previous terminal that dated to 1973.

7. Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP)

Average domestic airfare at this airport in early 2023: $455.65 (21.16% year-over-year increase)

Average domestic airfare at this airport a year earlier: $376.07

Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, serving Minnesota’s Twin Cities, has four runways and two terminals. The two terminals are connected by light rail transit. And for travelers with time to shop, that same light rail system also runs to the nearby Mall of America, the largest shopping mall in the United States.

6. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

Average domestic airfare at this airport in early 2023: $424.33 (21.29% year-over-year increase)

Average domestic airfare at this airport a year earlier: $349.85

If you’re flying out of New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport these days, plan ahead. The airport is under heavy construction as the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey works on what it calls a “transformative” $19 billion-dollar redevelopment program. The plan is to build a new Terminal One, expand and modernize other existing terminals, streamline the roadways and add more retail and dining. Phase One of the project is expected to be completed in 2026.

5. Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)

Average domestic airfare at this airport in early 2023: $406.34 (21.53% year-over-year increase)

Average domestic airfare at this airport a year earlier: $334.34

Security lines can be a real headache for travelers. But Philadelphia International Airport has one of the shortest security-line waits in the country. A recent study reports that travelers departing PHL wait an average of 9 minutes, 12 seconds. Only three airports – Baltimore, Detroit, and Phoenix – have shorter average wait times.

4. Cleveland-Hopkins International Airport (CLE)

Average domestic airfare at this airport in early 2023: $348.82 (21.55% year-over-year increase)

Average domestic airfare at this airport a year earlier: $286.97

In a few years, travelers may not even recognize Cleveland-Hopkins International Airport. A $2 billion airport overhaul will include new concourses, consolidated security checkpoints, expanded ticketing areas, a new customs facility and more. Construction is expected to begin in 2025.

3. Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR)

Average domestic airfare at this airport in early 2023: $427.97 (22.52% year-over-year increase)

Average domestic airfare at this airport a year earlier: $349.29

Gerald R. Ford International Airport, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, bears the name of the former president who represented the Grand Rapids area in Congress from 1949 to 1973. In June, the airport opened its newly expanded Concourse A, including eight new gates, expanded gate space to accommodate larger aircraft, and new concession and retail. The renovation is part of a continuing $110 million project.

2. Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW)

Average domestic airfare at this airport in early 2023: $368.87 (25.81% year-over-year increase)

Average domestic airfare at this airport a year earlier: $293.19

Southwest Florida International Airport is located in the Sunshine State’s Fort Myers area. It opened in 1983, making it one of the newest airports in the nation. It’s well-known to baseball fans, as Fort Myers is the spring training home of the Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins baseball teams.

1. Miami International Airport (MIA)

Average domestic airfare at this airport in early 2023: $368.31 (31.05% year-over-year increase)

Average domestic airfare at this airport a year earlier: $281.04

Miami International Airport saw the biggest price hike by percentage, according to the report. According to a Business Traveler report from February, Miami International is also the busiest airport in Florida, surpassing two other Florida airports in the top 10, Tampa and Fort Myers, as well as theme-park destination Orlando.