Cheapest Flights Memphis to Orlando: Expert Picks & Insider Booking Strategies
Finding affordable flights from Memphis to Orlando doesn’t require luck—it requires strategy. Whether you’re heading to theme parks, beach getaways, or business meetings, the Memphis International Airport (MEM) to Orlando International Airport (MCO) route offers numerous budget-friendly options throughout the year. This 900-mile journey typically takes under two hours in the air, but the real savings come from knowing when and how to book.
The Memphis-to-Orlando corridor serves millions of annual travelers, creating competitive pricing among major carriers. By understanding seasonal patterns, booking windows, and airline-specific deals, you can save hundreds of dollars on your next trip. We’ve analyzed dozens of routes, pricing trends, and traveler experiences to bring you the definitive guide to securing the cheapest flights on this popular route.
Best Airlines for Memphis-Orlando Routes
When searching for cheap flights Memphis to Orlando, you’ll encounter several carriers dominating this route. Southwest Airlines consistently offers competitive fares and generous baggage policies—two free checked bags included. Delta Air Lines, operating from its significant Memphis hub, frequently provides direct flights with varying price points depending on demand. American Airlines connects through various hubs, sometimes offering lower fares during promotional periods.
For budget-conscious travelers, Southwest Airlines frequently emerges as the cheapest option, particularly when you factor in their two free checked bags policy. Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines occasionally undercut these prices, but their add-on fees for seats, luggage, and other services can quickly erode initial savings. United Airlines offers competitive pricing through their hub connections, especially if you’re a frequent flyer with elite status.
The Memphis market benefits from competitive pricing because MEM serves as a major hub for multiple carriers. This competition drives prices down, particularly on leisure travel dates. Check each airline’s official website directly—they sometimes offer exclusive web-only fares that don’t appear on third-party booking sites.
Proven Booking Strategies & Timing
Timing is everything when booking flights from Memphis to Orlando. Industry data shows that the best times to book airline tickets typically fall 1-3 months before departure for domestic flights. For Memphis-Orlando specifically, booking 6-8 weeks out often yields the lowest fares, though exceptions exist during peak demand periods.
Tuesday and Wednesday departures consistently offer lower prices than Friday-Sunday flights. Early morning departures (6-8 AM) and late evening flights (after 8 PM) provide better rates than mid-day options. Setting up price alerts on Google Flights, Kayak, and Hopper gives you real-time notifications when fares drop, enabling you to pounce on deals within minutes.
Consider flying on unpopular dates: the week after Thanksgiving, early January, or mid-September typically sees reduced demand and lower prices. Avoid school holiday weeks, spring break (March-April), and summer vacation periods (June-August) unless you find exceptional deals. The day after Thanksgiving and the day before Thanksgiving see significant price spikes; flying a day earlier or later can save $100-300 per ticket.
Flexible date searches are your secret weapon. Instead of locking into specific dates, search a week-long range to identify the cheapest day. A one-day difference can mean $50-150 in savings per passenger. Use incognito browser mode when searching—while airlines claim they don’t manipulate prices based on search history, using private browsing eliminates any risk.
Seasonal Price Patterns & Sweet Spots
The Memphis-Orlando route experiences distinct seasonal pricing patterns. Winter months (January-February) offer excellent deals after the holiday rush passes, with average fares dropping to $180-220 round-trip. Spring shoulder season (March-April, excluding Easter) provides another sweet spot, though spring break weeks see 40-50% price increases.
Summer (June-August) represents peak pricing, with many flights exceeding $300-400 round-trip due to theme park season and family vacations. Fall (September-October) returns to moderate pricing, with September being especially cheap as families return to school. The week before Thanksgiving features moderate prices, but Thanksgiving week itself becomes one of the year’s most expensive periods.
Hurricane season (June-November) can create unexpected opportunities. While severe weather causes flight cancellations, the threat of storms sometimes reduces advance bookings, creating lower fares. However, this strategy carries obvious risks—only use it if you have flexible travel dates and understand potential disruptions.
Holiday periods (Christmas-New Year’s) see elevated prices, but booking 2-3 months ahead sometimes captures deals before demand fully drives prices up. Compare your target travel dates against historical pricing data on Hopper or Skyscanner to understand whether you’re looking at typical pricing or unusual opportunities.
Budget Carriers & Low-Cost Options
Ultra-low-cost carriers (ULCCs) like Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines occasionally offer Memphis-Orlando flights at rock-bottom prices—sometimes $99-149 one-way. However, their business model relies on ancillary fees. A single checked bag costs $35-45, seat selection runs $5-25 per flight, and carry-on bags might incur charges on some fare classes.
The math matters: a Spirit flight appearing at $129 can become $189+ once you add a checked bag and seat selection. Compare the all-in cost against Southwest (free bags, free seat selection) or other full-service carriers before committing. For passengers traveling with only a personal item and willing to accept middle seats, ULCCs can deliver genuine savings.
Allegiant Air occasionally serves this route with similar ultra-low pricing and fee structures. Their “Bare Fare” base prices are extremely competitive, but every amenity carries charges. Evaluate whether the total cost—including bags, seats, and any other add-ons—beats traditional carriers.
Southwest Airlines remains the sweet spot for budget-conscious travelers who value simplicity. Their transparent pricing includes two free checked bags, free seat selection (though not premium seats), and free standby flight changes. For families or passengers with luggage, Southwest frequently undercuts ULCCs despite appearing more expensive at first glance.
Money-Saving Tips for MEM-MCO Travel
Beyond basic booking timing, several advanced strategies unlock additional savings. First, consider the “hidden city” ticketing concept—booking through an intermediate city where you actually want to go. For example, some Memphis-Atlanta flights cost less than Memphis-Orlando direct flights, with Orlando as the connecting city. Warning: Airlines prohibit this practice and may cancel return flights if detected, so use this strategy carefully and understand the risks.
Round-trip bookings sometimes cost less than one-way flights, even if you only need a single leg. Book the round-trip and simply skip the return flight if one-way pricing seems inflated. This works particularly well during peak periods when one-way fares spike.
Fly into alternative airports: Fort Lauderdale (FLL) lies only 2.5 hours south of Orlando and sometimes offers significantly cheaper fares than MCO. Daytona Beach Airport (DAB) is roughly 1.5 hours away. Evaluate total trip cost including ground transportation—a $50 cheaper flight offset by $80 in rental car costs isn’t a true savings.
Join airline loyalty programs before booking. Even without elite status, free membership sometimes unlocks web-exclusive fares or bonus miles. Southwest Rapid Rewards, Delta SkyMiles, American AAdvantage, and frequent flyer resources from Sky Voyage Hub provide detailed information on maximizing membership benefits.
Use airline miles or points if you’ve accumulated balances through credit cards or loyalty programs. Redemption values vary, but off-peak Memphis-Orlando flights sometimes provide exceptional value at 7,500-10,000 miles round-trip, equivalent to $150-200+ in cash.
Book connecting flights instead of direct flights when prices differ significantly. A Memphis-Atlanta-Orlando itinerary might cost $40-80 less than a direct flight, and you’ll still arrive within a few hours (accounting for the connection). This works best with 2+ hour layovers and when both flights operate on the same airline (easier rebooking if delays occur).
Memphis & Orlando Airport Navigation
Memphis International Airport (MEM) is a relatively compact, easy-to-navigate facility serving over 13 million passengers annually. It’s a major hub for multiple carriers, which keeps competition high and prices competitive. The airport features clear signage, efficient security screening, and modern amenities. Arriving 2 hours before domestic flights provides ample time for check-in and security.
Parking at MEM costs $7-15 daily depending on location (economy vs. valet). The airport features ground transportation options including rideshare pickup, rental cars, and public transit. The Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) provides bus service, though rideshare (Uber/Lyft) typically costs $15-25 from downtown Memphis.
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is one of the Southeast’s busiest airports, serving over 50 million passengers annually. It’s significantly larger than MEM, so allow extra time for navigation. The airport connects directly to theme parks via Mears Connect (formerly Magical Express) for Disney-bound travelers, or the Sunshine Flyer rail service. Rideshare from MCO to downtown Orlando costs $20-30; to theme parks, expect $35-50.
MCO’s Terminal A (domestic) and Terminal B (mixed domestic/international) feature modern facilities, numerous dining options, and retail shops. Terminal C, primarily for international flights, is less relevant for Memphis travelers. Security wait times can exceed 30 minutes during peak hours, so arrive 2.5 hours before departure during busy periods.
Visit Orlando’s official airport website and Memphis airport information for current updates on services, parking, and ground transportation options.
FAQ
What’s the cheapest month to fly Memphis to Orlando?
September and January typically offer the lowest fares, with average prices 30-40% below peak season. September benefits from post-summer demand drop and back-to-school periods. January sees reduced holiday demand after the New Year rush. Mid-February also offers good deals as winter travel peaks subside.
How far in advance should I book MEM-MCO flights?
Book 6-8 weeks ahead for optimal pricing on leisure travel. Business travelers sometimes find better deals booking 2-3 weeks out if airlines need to fill remaining seats. Set price alerts 2-3 months before your target date to capture early-bird deals or unexpected price drops.
Are direct flights cheaper than connections?
Not always. Connecting flights sometimes cost $30-100+ less than direct options, though they add 2-4 hours to travel time. Evaluate your priorities: if time matters more than money, pay for direct flights. For budget optimization, accept connections through Atlanta, Charlotte, or Dallas hubs.
Do Tuesday flights really cost less than Friday flights?
Yes, generally 15-25% less. Business travelers dominate Friday-Sunday flights, driving prices up. Tuesday-Wednesday departures cater to leisure travelers and see lower demand, enabling cheaper fares. Early morning and late evening departures on any day offer better pricing than mid-day options.
Should I use a flight comparison site or book directly?
Use comparison sites (Google Flights, Kayak, Skyscanner) to research and compare prices, then book directly on the airline website or your preferred booking platform. Airlines sometimes offer exclusive web fares not visible on third-party sites. Direct booking also simplifies rebooking if disruptions occur.
What about airline flight delay compensation?
If your Memphis-Orlando flight experiences significant delays or cancellations, you may qualify for compensation under DOT regulations. Document all delays over 3 hours and request compensation through your airline’s website. EU261 regulations apply if your flight operates from the EU, but U.S. domestic flights have less comprehensive protections.
Is flying into Fort Lauderdale cheaper than Orlando?
Sometimes, but evaluate total costs. FLL flights might be $40-80 cheaper, but you’ll spend $80-120 on ground transportation (rental car, rideshare, or shuttle) and 2.5 extra hours driving. For theme park visitors, MCO’s direct access to Mears Connect often makes Orlando the better value despite higher airfare.
Can I save money with round-trip vs. one-way bookings?
Round-trip bookings typically cost less than two separate one-way tickets, especially during peak seasons. If one-way pricing seems inflated, book round-trip and skip the return flight (though this violates some airline policies). For maximum flexibility, compare both options before deciding.
What’s the best day of the week to depart?
Tuesday-Wednesday departures offer the best pricing, averaging 20-25% less than weekend flights. Thursday is also decent, while Friday-Sunday see premium pricing. Early morning (6-8 AM) and late evening (after 8 PM) departures cost less than mid-day flights regardless of day.
Should I check bags or use carry-on only?
Southwest allows two free checked bags, making it ideal for luggage-heavy travelers. United, Delta, and American charge $35-45 per checked bag after the first. Spirit and Frontier charge for both checked and carry-on bags on basic fares. Analyze your baggage needs against airline fees when comparing total costs.
