Finding an affordable flight to Philadelphia can be challenging, but with the right approach, you can save money while enjoying a smooth travel experience. I’ve learned some tricks to get the best deals. I will walk you through different booking strategies, price comparisons, and my personal flight experience from Boston (BOS) to Philadelphia (PHL).
1. The Best Ways to Book a Cheap Flight to Philadelphia
Before we dive into specific flights, let’s look at the general strategies to find the best deals:
1.1 Book in Advance
Booking at least 3–6 weeks before departure usually results in lower fares. Airlines release discounted seats early, and prices tend to rise as the departure date approaches.
1.2 Use Fare Comparison Websites
Websites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak help compare different airlines and fares. Setting price alerts can help you track ticket prices.
1.3 Be Flexible with Dates and Times
Midweek flights (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) tend to be cheaper than weekend flights. Red-eye flights and early-morning departures are also more affordable.
1.4 Consider Nearby Airports
Flying into or out of nearby airports like Trenton-Mercer Airport (TTN) or Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) may offer lower fares than Philadelphia International Airport (PHL).
1.5 Choose Budget Airlines
Low-cost carriers like Spirit and Frontier often have cheaper fares than full-service airlines. However, be mindful of additional fees for baggage and seat selection.
2. Recommended Flights from Boston to Philadelphia
If you’re traveling from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) to Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), you have multiple flight options. Here are four recommended flights:
2.1 American Airlines – Flight AA1485
- Duration: ~1 hour 30 minutes
- Class: Economy & Business
- Price: Starts at $120 (economy)
- Pros: Frequent departures, reliable service, includes a carry-on bag
2.2 Delta Airlines – Flight DL2375
- Duration: ~1 hour 35 minutes
- Class: Economy & Comfort+
- Price: Starts at $140
- Pros: Great customer service, comfortable seating, free snacks
2.3 JetBlue Airways – Flight B6327
- Duration: ~1 hour 40 minutes
- Class: Economy & Even More Space
- Price: Starts at $110
- Pros: Free Wi-Fi, extra legroom options, complimentary drinks
2.4 Spirit Airlines – Flight NK876
- Duration: ~1 hour 45 minutes
- Class: Economy
- Price: Starts at $80
- Pros: Cheapest fare, good for budget travelers (but fees apply for luggage)
3. My Personal Flight Experience: Boston to Philadelphia
3.1 Flight Details
- Airline: American Airlines (AA1485)
- Departure: Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), Terminal B
- Arrival: Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), Terminal C
- Class: Economy
- Cost: $120 (one-way)
3.2 Booking Process
I booked my ticket via Google Flights, which redirected me to the American Airlines website. The base fare was $120, including a carry-on bag and one personal item. I chose not to pay extra for seat selection, which would have cost an additional $20.
3.3 Airport Experience & Boarding
Boston Logan Airport is well-organized. Security took about 20 minutes in the morning. The gate area had ample seating, and the boarding process was smooth.
3.4 In-Flight Experience
- Seating: Standard economy seat with a decent amount of legroom
- Entertainment: Free movies and TV via the airline’s app
- Service: Friendly crew, complimentary water, and snacks
- Overall Comfort: Good for a short flight
3.5 Arrival in Philadelphia
The flight landed 5 minutes early at PHL. Baggage claim was efficient, and I was able to exit the airport within 20 minutes.
4. One-Way vs. Round-Trip Tickets: Which is Cheaper?
4.1 One-Way Ticket Prices
- American Airlines: $120
- Delta Airlines: $140
- JetBlue: $110
- Spirit Airlines: $80
4.2 Round-Trip Ticket Prices
- American Airlines: $230
- Delta Airlines: $260
- JetBlue: $210
- Spirit Airlines: $150
💡 Tip: Booking a round-trip ticket is usually cheaper than two one-way tickets, unless you mix airlines.
5. Best Platforms to Book Cheap Flights
Here are four trusted platforms for booking affordable flights:
5.1 Google Flights
- Great for price tracking and flexible date searches
5.2 Skyscanner
- Compares budget airlines and finds the best deals
5.3 Expedia
- Sometimes offers discounts on flights and hotels when bundled
5.4 Airline Websites
- Booking directly with the airline can sometimes offer extra perks like free seat selection
6. Nearby Airports: Alternative Options to Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
If flights to Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) are expensive or unavailable, consider flying into alternative airports nearby. These options may offer cheaper fares, more flight availability, or better travel flexibility.
6.1 Trenton-Mercer Airport (TTN)
📍 Location: 35 miles (56 km) northeast of Philadelphia
✈ Airlines: Frontier Airlines
🚗 Transportation to Philadelphia:
- Train: NJ Transit from Trenton to Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station (~50 minutes)
- Car Rental: Available at the airport
- Ride-sharing & Taxis: Uber/Lyft fares to Philadelphia cost $50–$70
✅ Why Consider TTN?
- Budget-friendly flights with Frontier Airlines
- Smaller airport = shorter security lines
- Ideal for travelers visiting northern Philadelphia or Princeton, NJ
6.2 Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
📍 Location: 90 miles (145 km) northeast of Philadelphia
✈ Airlines: United Airlines, Delta, American Airlines, JetBlue, Spirit, international carriers
🚆 Transportation to Philadelphia:
- Amtrak Train: Direct train from EWR to Philadelphia (1 hour, ~$30–$60)
- NJ Transit + SEPTA: NJ Transit train to Trenton, then SEPTA to Philly (~2 hours, cheaper option)
- Car Rental & Ride-Sharing: Uber/Lyft fares range from $100–$150
✅ Why Consider EWR?
- Major airport with many flight options (domestic & international)
- Good train connections to Philadelphia
- Often cheaper for international flights
6.3 Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
📍 Location: 100 miles (160 km) southwest of Philadelphia
✈ Airlines: Southwest, American, Delta, United, Spirit
🚆 Transportation to Philadelphia:
- Amtrak Train: Direct train from BWI to Philadelphia (~1.5 hours, $40–$80)
- Car Rental & Ride-Sharing: Uber/Lyft fares range from $120–$160
✅ Why Consider BWI?
- Best for Southwest Airlines travelers (cheap domestic flights)
- Good for those traveling from the Washington, D.C. area
- Amtrak offers a direct and comfortable connection to Philadelphia
6.4 Atlantic City International Airport (ACY)
📍 Location: 55 miles (88 km) southeast of Philadelphia
✈ Airlines: Spirit Airlines
🚗 Transportation to Philadelphia:
- NJ Transit Train: Atlantic City Rail Line to Philadelphia (~1.5 hours, ~$10)
- Car Rental & Ride-Sharing: Uber/Lyft fares range from $60–$90
✅ Why Consider ACY?
- Low-cost flights with Spirit Airlines
- Close to Jersey Shore & Atlantic City casinos
- Ideal for travelers looking for beachside destinations near Philly
6.5 Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE)
📍 Location: 70 miles (112 km) north of Philadelphia
✈ Airlines: American, Delta, United, Allegiant Air
🚗 Transportation to Philadelphia:
- Bus Service: Trans-Bridge Lines to Philadelphia (~2 hours)
- Car Rental & Ride-Sharing: Uber/Lyft fares range from $80–$120
✅ Why Consider ABE?
- Less crowded than PHL
- Convenient for travelers in Allentown, Bethlehem, & Easton
- Allegiant Air offers budget-friendly flights
Which Alternative Airport Should You Choose?
If you’re looking for the cheapest possible flight, Trenton-Mercer Airport (TTN) and Atlantic City International Airport (ACY) are excellent options. TTN, located just 35 miles from Philadelphia, is a small airport served primarily by Frontier Airlines, which offers budget-friendly fares. While you may save money on airfare, you’ll need to take a NJ Transit train or rent a car to reach Philadelphia. Similarly, ACY is another budget airport served by Spirit Airlines. It’s about 55 miles away, and travelers can take the Atlantic City Rail Line or use ride-sharing services to get to Philadelphia.
If you’re flying internationally or need more airline options, Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is the best choice. It’s a major hub, just 90 miles from Philadelphia, and offers flights from United, Delta, JetBlue, and many international carriers. The best part is that Amtrak provides direct train service from Newark to Philadelphia in about an hour, making it a convenient alternative to PHL. However, flights from EWR can sometimes be pricier than smaller airports.
For those traveling from the Washington, D.C. region, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is a great option. Located 100 miles southwest of Philadelphia, it’s a hub for Southwest Airlines, offering low-cost domestic flights. Amtrak also provides a direct train to Philadelphia, which takes around 1.5 hours. This makes BWI a solid choice for those who prefer Southwest’s pricing and flexibility.
Another alternative is Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE), located about 70 miles north of Philadelphia. It’s a smaller airport but serves major airlines like American, Delta, and United. If you’re in the Allentown, Bethlehem, or Easton area, this airport can be a more convenient and less crowded alternative to PHL. However, reaching Philadelphia requires a bus ride or a rental car, which adds to the travel time.
Each airport has its pros and cons, and the best choice depends on your budget, airline preference, and willingness to travel a little farther. If you want the cheapest fares, TTN or ACY might work best. If you prefer convenience and direct train service, EWR is a solid option. And if you’re a Southwest Airlines fan, BWI is worth considering.
7. Final Tips for Finding Cheap Flights
✅ Set Fare Alerts – Use Google Flights or Hopper to track prices.
✅ Avoid Peak Travel Times – Try flying midweek or during off-peak hours.
✅ Check Budget Airlines – Spirit and Frontier offer cheaper fares (but check baggage fees).
✅ Use Airline Miles or Credit Card Points – Redeem points to save on airfare.
✅ Book in Incognito Mode – Some believe that airlines increase prices based on your search history.
Finding a cheap flight to Philadelphia is all about planning ahead, being flexible with dates, and using comparison websites. Whether you’re flying one-way or round-trip, following these strategies will help you save money and enjoy a hassle-free journey.
For my Boston to Philadelphia trip, American Airlines (AA1485) offered a great balance of price, comfort, and reliability. However, if you’re looking for the cheapest option, Spirit Airlines might be your best bet.
No matter which airline you choose, Philadelphia is a fantastic city to explore—so enjoy your trip and happy travels! ✈️