Air travel costs vary significantly across US airports, with some hubs charging far above the national average. This article ranks the top 10 most expensive airports for domestic flights in 2025, based on average airfare data, highlighting key trends and cost-saving tips for travelers.
Travelers flying from Dulles International Airport (IAD) or San Francisco International Airport (SFO) face the highest fares, while airports like Los Angeles (LAX) and Atlanta (ATL) also rank high. Reported by FinanceBuzz, these insights help budget-conscious flyers choose airports wisely to cut costs.
Photo: Los Angeles World AirportTop 10 Most Expensive US Airports
The following table ranks the 10 most expensive U.S. airports for domestic airfare in 2024, based on data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics.
| 1 | Dulles International (IAD) | 35 | $490.14 | $1.74 | 0 |
| 2 | San Francisco International (SFO) | 10 | $452.89 | $8.30 | 0 |
| 3 | Salt Lake City International (SLC) | 29 | $434.26 | -$4.08 | 0 |
| 4 | Detroit Metro (DTW) | 20 | $431.74 | $4.69 | -1 |
| 5 | John F. Kennedy International (JFK) | 13 | $427.07 | $6.51 | -2 |
| 6 | Newark Liberty International (EWR) | 6 | $426.52 | $20.23 | -4 |
| 7 | Charlotte/Douglas International (CLT) | 26 | $422.67 | -$14.13 | 3 |
| 8 | Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW) | 7 | $415.35 | -$5.87 | 2 |
| 9 | Atlanta International (ATL) | 4 | $409.34 | $13.12 | -5 |
| 10 | Los Angeles International (LAX) | 1 | $407.41 | $2.14 | -2 |
Dulles (IAD) holds the top spot, with fares over $120 above the national average of $365.64. San Francisco (SFO) follows, fueled by tech-hub demand.
Salt Lake City (SLC) remains third despite a slight fare drop, while Detroit (DTW) and JFK (JFK) complete the top five, driven by business travel and limited budget carrier options.
Washington Dulles International Airport; Photo- Wikipedia1. Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Dulles International Airport (IAD) tops the list with an average airfare of $490.14, over $120 above the national average of $365.64.
Serving the DC metro area, IAD handles significant business and international traffic, driving high demand. Limited low-cost carrier presence and high operational costs contribute to its consistent ranking as the costliest US airport for four years.
Travelers benefit from premium amenities, including the Capital One Lounge, offering free food and workspaces for eligible cardholders. To save, consider nearby Baltimore (BWI), with fares averaging $358.
Photo: San Francisco2. San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) ranks second with an average airfare of $452.89, up $8.30 from 2023.
As a major hub for tech and international travel, SFO faces high demand and limited competition from budget airlines.
Its proximity to Silicon Valley and robust business traffic keep fares elevated. SFO offers extensive dining, shopping, and lounges, enhancing layover experiences. Travelers can explore Oakland (OAK), where fares average $380, for potential savings.
Photo: Salt Lake City International Airport3. Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) holds third place with an average airfare of $434.26, slightly down $4.08 from 2023.
As a regional hub, SLC serves a wide area with limited airline competition, particularly from low-cost carriers. High landing fees and strong demand from business and leisure travelers contribute to costs.
Recent terminal upgrades have improved amenities, including dining and lounges. For savings, consider driving to nearby Provo (PVU) for budget carrier options.
Photo: By qwesy qwesy, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=589404564. Detroit Metro Airport (DTW)
Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) ranks fourth with an average airfare of $431.74, up $4.69 from 2023. As a major hub for Delta Air Lines, DTW sees heavy business travel and limited low-cost carrier presence, driving up fares.
Its central location in the Midwest makes it a key connector, but high operational costs add to ticket prices.
DTW offers modern terminals with diverse dining and lounges. Travelers might find cheaper fares at Flint (FNT), averaging $340.
Photo: Ferrovial5. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) ranks fifth with an average airfare of $427.07, a $6.51 increase from 2023. Serving as New York’s primary international gateway, JFK handles significant business and leisure traffic.
High landing fees and limited budget airline options keep fares elevated. JFK boasts extensive shopping, dining, and premium lounges, ideal for long layovers.
For savings, consider LaGuardia (LGA) or Islip (ISP), with lower average fares around $390.
Newark Liberty International Airport; Photo: Victoria Airport Parking6. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) ranks sixth with an average airfare of $426.52, up $20.23 from 2023, the largest increase among the top 10.
As a United Airlines hub, EWR faces high demand from New York metro area travelers and limited low-cost competition.
High operational costs and parking fees add to expenses. EWR offers modern terminals and lounges, but travelers can save by flying from nearby LaGuardia (LGA) or Philadelphia (PHL).
Photo: Gresham Smith7. Charlotte/Douglas International Airport (CLT)
Charlotte/Douglas International Airport (CLT) ranks seventh with an average airfare of $422.67, down $14.13 from 2023, the largest decrease among the top 10.
As a major American Airlines hub, CLT serves a growing region but has limited budget carrier options. Its fares reflect strong business demand and high operational costs.
CLT features efficient terminals and solid amenities. Travelers might find savings at Greensboro (GSO), with fares around $360.
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport; Photo- DFW Airport8. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) ranks eighth with an average airfare of $415.35, down $5.87 from 2023.
As a massive American Airlines hub, DFW handles high passenger volume but benefits from some low-cost carrier competition, moderating fares.
Its size and operational costs still drive prices above the national average. DFW offers extensive dining, shopping, and lounges. For savings, consider Dallas Love Field (DAL), averaging $375.
Photo: HOK Website9. Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
Atlanta International Airport (ATL) ranks ninth with an average airfare of $409.34, up $13.12 from 2023.
As the world’s busiest airport by passenger volume, ATL is a Delta Air Lines stronghold with limited budget carrier presence.
High demand and operational costs keep fares elevated, though competition slightly tempers prices.
ATL boasts diverse amenities and efficient transit options. Travelers can explore nearby Chattanooga (CHA) for lower fares around $350.
Photo: Delta10. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) ranks tenth with an average airfare of $407.41, up $2.14 from 2023.
As the busiest US airport by passenger volume, LAX serves a massive market with significant business and leisure demand.
Moderate low-cost carrier presence helps keep fares closer to the national average. LAX offers extensive dining, shopping, and lounges. For savings, consider Long Beach (LGB) or Burbank (BUR), averaging $380.
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport; Photo- WikipediaWhy Are Some Airports Expensive?
Airfare prices hinge on factors like airline competition, demand, and operational costs. In 2024, the national average airfare fell 2.3% when adjusted for inflation, a 0.6% rise in non-adjusted dollars, marking two consecutive years of inflation-adjusted declines.
Yet, certain airports remain costly due to limited low-cost carriers, high landing fees, or strong business and international demand.
Dulles International Airport (IAD) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) have topped the list for four years, with average fares of $490.14 and $452.89 in 2024, respectively. These hubs serve major metro areas with heavy corporate traffic, inflating prices.
Airports like Salt Lake City (SLC), Detroit (DTW), and New York’s JFK (JFK) also rank among the costliest, with fares between $427 and $434.
Limited competition and high operational costs drive these prices. For instance, Newark (EWR) and Charlotte (CLT) see elevated fares due to dominant carriers.
Travelers can save by exploring nearby airports or booking midweek flights, which are often cheaper.
Airline competition, or lack thereof, significantly impacts fares. At airports like Dulles (IAD) or Newark (EWR), dominant carriers charge premium rates.
High landing fees also contribute—LaGuardia (LGA) charges $17.72 per thousand pounds of aircraft weight, adding roughly $21.50 per passenger for a Boeing 737, compared to $8.18 at JFK.
Fuel costs, post-pandemic demand, and a 7.1% year-over-year ticket price increase in 2025 further elevate costs.
Ancillary fees for baggage, seats, and onboard services also inflate total travel expenses, making air travel a heavily inflation-impacted sector.
Photo: JFK Millennium PartnersFuture Outlook
The US air travel economy is expected to grow steadily, powered by infrastructure investments, a resurgence in international travel, and digital transformation.
Smart airport systems, sustainability initiatives, and alternative fuel research may reduce long-term operational costs while enhancing the passenger experience.
However, airfare volatility may persist due to fluctuating fuel prices, labor market shifts, and evolving consumer behaviors.
Airports that innovate in service and cost-efficiency will likely shape the travel landscape going forward.
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