Phoenix is a city that has always held a certain magnetic pull for me. Maybe it’s the relentless desert sun, the sprawling mountains, or the unexpected oases tucked into urban corners. I write about travel and constantly hunt for the best deals, getting to Phoenix without breaking the bank has always been both a challenge and a thrill. Over the years, I’ve developed a personal method for tracking low-cost flights to Phoenix, and at the heart of it all lies one tool I rely on more than any other: Google Flights.
Discovering the Magic of Google Flights
When I first stumbled upon Google Flights, I’ll admit I was skeptical. I had been using traditional airline websites, hoping for promotions and waiting for those rare “last-minute steals.” But Google Flights changed my approach entirely. The interface is clean, intuitive, and most importantly, it gives you a bird’s-eye view of price trends over time.
What I love about Google Flights is the way it allows you to visualize flight prices on a calendar. By looking at different dates, I can immediately see when flights spike and when they drop. Over time, I’ve learned to anticipate these dips, almost like a personal radar for airfare. One of the best features, in my opinion, is the “track prices” option. With a simple toggle, Google Flights sends notifications whenever prices for a specific route drop. For someone like me, who balances a flexible travel schedule with a tight budget, this is a game-changer.
My First Flight Hunt to Phoenix
My first real test of Google Flights came last year. I was planning a late-summer trip from Los Angeles to Phoenix. I had no rigid schedule, which is crucial because flexibility often equates to savings. I typed in my departure and arrival cities, scrolled through the calendar, and noticed that midweek flights were significantly cheaper than weekend departures.
I immediately activated the price tracking feature. For the next two weeks, I received email updates, sometimes multiple times a day. One morning, I woke up to a notification that the price had dropped to an astonishing \$79 for a round trip. That was my cue to book. The feeling of snagging a deal like that never gets old—it’s a rush, almost like finding hidden treasure.
How I Analyze Flight Trends
Tracking low-cost flights isn’t just about waiting for notifications; it’s also about understanding patterns. For Phoenix, I’ve noticed several consistent trends.
- Seasonality Matters: Flights to Phoenix tend to spike during spring break and winter holidays. Conversely, late summer and early fall often feature lower prices due to fewer tourists.
- Departure Airports Influence Costs: Flying out of secondary airports rather than major hubs often results in savings. For example, departing from Burbank instead of LAX can shave off \$30–\$50 on a ticket.
- Layovers Can Be Friends: While nonstop flights are convenient, flights with a single layover sometimes offer surprising deals. Personally, I don’t mind a layover if it means saving money and maybe even experiencing another city briefly.
The Flights I Recommend
Over my years of tracking Phoenix-bound flights, three airlines consistently stand out for combining affordability with service quality.
1. Southwest Airlines – Los Angeles (LAX) to Phoenix (PHX)
Southwest Airlines has been a constant favorite for my domestic travels, and my trips to Phoenix are no exception. One of the main reasons I keep coming back is their incredibly generous two-checked-bags policy. Unlike many other airlines that nickel-and-dime you with extra fees, Southwest allows you to bring two bags without worrying about unexpected charges at the airport. I recently found a round-trip flight for just \$92 on their official site, southwest.com, departing midweek, which immediately caught my attention.
The flight itself is about 1 hour and 45 minutes, making it quick and convenient. The staff consistently receives rave reviews for being friendly, approachable, and attentive. Personally, I love the open seating policy. While it can feel a little hectic during boarding, it gives me the freedom to pick my seat strategically, often snagging a window or an aisle depending on my mood. The in-flight amenities are simple but pleasant—complimentary snacks and beverages add a little comfort to the short journey.
I’ve also noticed that Southwest often has unadvertised deals if you check their site directly, which makes cross-referencing with Google Flights essential. For those willing to remain flexible with departure times, Southwest frequently offers early-morning or late-evening flights at even lower rates, making it a practical option for budget-conscious travelers who still value reliability and comfort.
2. American Airlines – Dallas (DFW) to Phoenix (PHX)
American Airlines is another go-to for me, especially if I’m looking for a reliable nonstop option. A flight I booked recently cost \$119 round-trip via aa.com. What drew me to this option wasn’t just the price—it was the timing. The flight left early morning, giving me a full day to explore Phoenix without feeling jet-lagged.
I’ve found American Airlines’ in-flight service to be efficient, with complimentary soft drinks and Wi-Fi available for purchase. Many reviewers highlight the cleanliness and comfort of their newer aircraft, and I can confirm that seats, while standard, are surprisingly comfortable for a 2-hour flight.
Booking Tip: American Airlines often has sales if you subscribe to their email alerts. Pairing these alerts with Google Flights’ tracking is a powerful combination.
3. Spirit Airlines – Las Vegas (LAS) to Phoenix (PHX)
For the ultra-budget traveler in me, Spirit Airlines can’t be ignored. A recent deal I grabbed was only \$64 round-trip via spirit.com. Yes, Spirit is “barebones,” but if you travel light and bring your own snacks, it’s perfect.
The flight itself is short—under 1.5 hours—and I was impressed by how punctual Spirit can be when there are no weather delays. Passengers often remark on the low fares being worth the lack of frills, and I’ve personally found that pre-purchasing a seat and checking bags online helps avoid the more aggressive fees at the airport.
Booking Tip: Spirit fares fluctuate heavily, sometimes multiple times a day. Google Flights’ tracking notifications are invaluable here, as I got the best price by booking immediately after receiving an alert.
Platforms I Use to Book Flights
While Google Flights is my main tool for discovering trends and monitoring prices, I rarely book directly there. Instead, I use a combination of airline websites and trusted travel platforms:
- Kayak (kayak.com): Excellent for comparing multiple airlines at once. I like the price alerts feature and the flexible date search.
- Skyscanner (skyscanner.com): Great for international comparisons if I’m considering a connecting flight abroad before hitting Phoenix.
- Hopper (hopper.com): I’ve started using Hopper more recently; its predictive pricing model often tips me off to the exact day when ticket prices are expected to rise or fall.
One thing I’ve learned is that no single platform is perfect. Google Flights shows trends, Kayak gives me competitive comparisons, and booking directly with the airline often ensures the smoothest check-in and baggage handling. Combining these three tools has become my ritual before any Phoenix trip.
My Personal Tricks for Getting the Best Deals
Over time, I’ve accumulated some strategies that have saved me hundreds of dollars:
- Flexible Dates: Even shifting a trip by a single day can save \$30–\$50. Google Flights’ calendar view makes this obvious.
- Multiple Airports: Checking nearby airports for both departure and arrival often yields lower fares. For Phoenix, sometimes flying into nearby Mesa or Scottsdale via connecting flights can be cheaper.
- Tracking & Patience: I rarely book the first flight I see. A few days of monitoring often reveals a much better deal.
- Email Alerts: Signing up for airline newsletters can alert you to flash sales before the general public knows. Combining this with Google Flights tracking is almost like having a secret insider tip.
The Emotional Side of Flight Hunting
I’d be lying if I said flight hunting is purely logistical. For me, there’s an emotional rhythm to it. The thrill of seeing a price drop feels like anticipation building before a great adventure. Booking a cheap flight to Phoenix isn’t just about saving money—it’s about opening the door to experiences I might not otherwise allow myself. Sitting on the plane, looking down at the desert stretching endlessly below, I feel a mix of excitement and satisfaction.
I remember one trip vividly: after weeks of tracking, I snagged a \$79 ticket on a Southwest flight from LAX to PHX. That flight wasn’t just a ticket; it was the start of a week filled with hiking Camelback Mountain, exploring Roosevelt Row’s street art, and indulging in some of the best Southwestern cuisine I’ve ever tasted. The savings gave me freedom—to stay in a charming boutique hotel, to try new restaurants, to linger longer in the city without worrying about finances.
Why Google Flights Remains My Go-To
Even with all the other platforms and airline sites I use, Google Flights remains at the center of my process. Its simplicity, accuracy, and the powerful price tracking feature make it indispensable. I’ve tracked flights to Phoenix from nearly every major U.S. city, and the insights I gain from the platform have saved me thousands over the years.
One quirky feature I enjoy is the “explore map.” I’ll sometimes type in “Phoenix” as my destination and then scroll through the map to see where flights are coming from cheaply. This visual approach makes it easier to consider alternate routes I might not have thought about otherwise.
