Airfare At The Southwest Florida Airport Is Much More Expensive Than It Was Last Year

You aren't imagining things. Inflation has hit airfare, too. And it's hitting our Southwest Florida Airport much harder than most. SmartAsset examined the average domestic flight price from 72 major airports over one year. And wow, RSW fares are outpacing the stated government inflation number. But at least we're not the worst. Miami is.

"Miami International Airport flight prices increased by 31% year over year. The average flight out of Miami grew from $281 to $368 from the beginning of 2022 to 2023. Southwest Florida International Airport had the second-highest growth in airfare, going from $293 to $368 for a nearly 26% increase. Tampa International Airport also made the top 10, with a 20.6% increase in fares."

That's a comparison of Q1 2023 vs Q1 2022. Maybe those of us in Fort Myers should consider flying out of Punta Gorda? I hear they put in a new bar and it's really nice.

I do question who's paying that much, though. If the average airfare out of RSW is $368 ya'll need to do a better job of shopping for rates. Are you booking same day? And this is crazy, we're much smaller than Miami, but the rates are about the same. But one thing we do have. RSW management.

I never hear of people having a bad experience at our Fort Myers airport. Yeah, sometimes weather affects flights, but for the most part - our little airport is pretty amazing.

If you're looking to do some traveling this winter and spring, Breeze Airways is adding 9 more routes out of Fort Myers.

Ever since I moved to Fort Myers, RSW has become one of my favorite airports. I love the convenience of it being 20 minutes away from home. Parking is easy, and unless it's around Christmas, there's never a problem finding a spot. I also love that the TSA lines are nice and short. I'm from Chicago, so O'Hare was my go-to and sometimes, even on a random Tuesday, lines would be over an hour. I do NOT miss that. In the last 4 years since I've been living here, 7 minutes has been my longest wait line thru security.

I haven't flown with them yet, but I've heard good things. They're relatively new to Fort Myers as they began offering service last summer. As someone who travels to Las Vegas relatively often, I'm excited that they fly non-stop there on Wednesday and Saturday. In fact right now, you can get one-way fares for just $110 for the basic ticket. If it can work with my schedule I know I'll use them. Anytime I can avoid a layover I will, even if it costs a little extra, so it's nice to now have that option.

In addition to Las Vegas, Breeze Airways currently flys from RSW to Charleston, SC,  Hartford, CT, and Providence, RI.

Just this week it was announced in a press release that Breeze Airways is adding 9 more routes out of Fort Myers. The new routes will start in November with one-way tickets starting at just $39. They will only have certain days they'll be flying, but if you can make it work, it's a great deal!

Flying Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday starting November 16. Visit the Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, the Akron Zoo, F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm and the Akron Civic Theatre.

Flying Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday starting November 16. Visit the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Center of Science and Industry, North Market Farmer's Market and Ohio Stadium.

Flying Thursday and Sunday starting November 16. Between ghost tours, walking food tours and a tasting on the Bourbon Trail- Louisville makes for a great winter destination.

Flying Thursday and Sunday starting November 2. NOLA is one of my favorite places ever! Make sure to stop at Cafe Du Monde for coffee, beignets and great river views.

Flying Thursday and Sunday starting November 2. There's lots of historical sites in Norfolk including the Battleship Wisconsin at Nauticus.

Flying Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday starting November 15. Whether you want to head out to a Steelers game or visit some museums, there's something for everyone in Pitts.

Flying Monday and Friday starting November 17. Plenty of nature to take in in Raleigh between Pullen Park, Dorothea Dix Park, Umstead State Park and Neuse River Trail just to name a few.

Flying Wednesday and Saturday starting November 15. Lots to explore in Richmond between the Hollywood Cemetery, Edgar Allen Poe Museum and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.

Flying Monday and Friday starting November 17. In Syracuse you'll find big city going-on's with a small town feel. Lots of great food, museums, art galleries and nature.