Flights To Tampa — Compare & Book

Disclosure: Some links below are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

Spirit Airlines flies JFK to TPA for $48 in April, but total cost including baggage fees is $158. Delta charges $142 for a nonstop from Atlanta (ATL) in the same month.

How Much Do Flights To Tampa Cost?

Spirit's $48 base fare from New York (JFK) to Tampa (TPA) in April is misleading. Add $15 for the first checked bag and $25 for seat selection, and you pay $158 total. United charges $128 for a nonstop from Chicago (ORD) in April with one free bag, but their seat pitch is only 28 inches. I booked Spirit once without checking baggage fees and paid $15 extra at the airport—never again.

Which Airlines Fly To Tampa Most Cheaply?

Compare these real 2023 prices for April travel (roundtrip, economy, booked 4 weeks ahead):

Spirit’s base price is lowest, but United and Delta’s total fares are more predictable. Delta’s 8-hour layover in Atlanta (ATL) made my trip miserable last year—United’s 2-hour stop in Chicago (ORD) was far better. Always check if seat selection is included; Spirit charges $25 for a standard seat.

Cheapest Month & Booking Window

April is the cheapest month for flights to Tampa from major US hubs, with Spirit averaging $48 (base) from JFK. August is peak season at $210 (base) due to summer tourism. Book 3-6 weeks out for best prices—flights from New York in April cost $48-$62 base when booked 45 days ahead.

I once booked a June flight 30 days out and paid $180 base, while a 50-day booking got me $122. Avoid holidays: Memorial Day week costs $280 base from Chicago.

Hidden Fees & Critical Warnings

Spirit’s $15 first-bag fee is the biggest trap. I flew with them from Dallas (DFW) to TPA once without checking and paid $15 at the airport—$3 more than my total fare. Delta’s 200% baggage fee for oversize items ($200 for a kayak) almost ruined my trip.

Never book Spirit for group travel; their seat selection is chaotic and the $25 fee applies per person. United’s 28-inch seat pitch on short flights is uncomfortable for anyone over 6'—I had to sit in the emergency aisle for my 2-hour flight from ORD.

Logistics: Airport & City Transfer

Tampa International Airport (TPA) is 25 minutes from downtown. Uber costs $35 to the Water Street district (not $15 as some sites claim). The airport has no direct train to downtown—only rideshares or taxis.

Arrive 2 hours early for domestic flights; security lines average 30 minutes on weekends. I’ve seen Spirit flights delayed 2 hours due to weather at TPA; always check the airline’s app before heading to the airport.

Q: What’s the cheapest airport to fly into Tampa?

A: Tampa International (TPA) is the only major airport. Flying into Orlando (MCO) costs $65 more for a flight from New York, plus a 90-minute drive to Tampa—never worth it.

Q: Is United’s 28-inch seat pitch comfortable for 2 hours?

A: No. I tried it on a 2-hour ORD-TPA flight and felt cramped. Delta’s 30-inch pitch is better, but Spirit’s $15 fee for a 28-inch seat is still a rip-off.

Q: How much does baggage cost on Spirit?

A: $15 for the first checked bag, $25 for seat selection. I paid $15 extra for a 20-inch suitcase at TPA last April—total $158 for a $48 flight.

Plan Your Trip

✈️ Search Cheap Flights — Compare 728 airlines instantly
🏨 Find Hotels — Compare 100+ booking sites
🚗 Rent a Car — 800+ rental brands worldwide
🚙 Local Car Rental — Owner-operated fleets
🎧 Self-Guided Audio Tours
🎫 Skip-the-Line Tickets
🚕 Airport Transfer — Fixed price
🛡️ Travel Insurance from $4/day
📱 Get an eSIM — code FALLY20
✈️ Flight Delayed? Claim up to €600

Related Reading

• Flight prices: Flights To Tampa
• Flights To Puerto Rico — Compare & Book
• Flights To New York — Compare & Book
• Flights To Miami — Compare & Book
• Flights To The Hawaii — Compare & Book
• Flights To Vegas — Compare & Book

✈️ Book Flights To Tampa  |  More Travel Guides