--- source_url: "https://dollarflightclub.com/articles/how-flying-into-secondary-airport-save-hundreds/" title: How Flying Into a Secondary Airport Can Save You Hundreds - Dollar Flight Club mirrored_at: 2026-08-16T15:38:18.401Z host: dollarflightclub.com cited_in_42a: true mirror_canonical: "https://index.42a.ai/dollarflightclub.com/articles/how-flying-into-secondary-airport-save-hundreds/index" --- > **Original source:** https://dollarflightclub.com/articles/how-flying-into-secondary-airport-save-hundreds/ ## Common Airport Swaps in the US and Europe ### US Secondary Airport Swaps Travelers in the US can often save money by choosing smaller airports near major cities instead of the primary hubs. You can also [find airline mistake fares](https://dollarflightclub.com/mistake-fares-all-you-need-to-know/) to secure even deeper discounts. For instance, in the New York area, flying out of Long Island MacArthur (ISP) or Trenton-Mercer (TTN) can be $60–$100 cheaper than departing from JFK, Newark (EWR), or LaGuardia (LGA). Plus, parking at TTN costs about $10 per day, compared to as much as $75 per day at LaGuardia. Chicago offers another good example with Midway (MDW). As a Southwest Airlines hub, MDW boasts a convenient 30-minute CTA train ride to downtown, making it nearly as accessible as O’Hare (ORD). On the East Coast, opting for Providence (PVD) instead of Boston Logan (BOS) for trips to Florida can save between $80 and $120 on airfare. ### European Secondary Airport Swaps In Europe, budget airlines often use smaller airports to keep costs down. For example, [Ryanair](https://www.ryanair.com/us/en/) and [Wizz Air](https://www.wizzair.com/en-gb) frequently operate from secondary airports to avoid the steep landing fees at major hubs. London’s Heathrow (LHR) has some of the highest landing fees globally, which is why a Ryanair flight from Stansted (STN) to Barcelona might cost just £22, compared to £55 from Gatwick (LGW). Notably, around 60% of flights from Stansted are operated by budget airlines. In Milan, choosing Bergamo (BGY) over Malpensa (MXP) can save €15–€30 per ticket, with city transfers costing only €5–€6. Similarly, Paris Beauvais (BVA) serves as a Ryanair hub located 85 km from Paris. While coach transfers average about €17 each way, travelers need to weigh the extra travel time against potential fare savings. ### Airport Swap Comparison Table Here’s a quick overview of common airport swaps and the savings they offer: Metro Area Primary Airport Secondary Airport Typical Savings Notes **New York City** JFK, EWR, LGA ISP, TTN, SWF $40–$115+ ISP fares are $60–$100 cheaper **Chicago** ORD MDW Varies Southwest hub; 30-min CTA connection **Washington, D.C.** IAD BWI Up to 51% Amtrak/MARC train to D.C. **San Francisco** SFO OAK, SJC Varies OAK/SJC often better for West Coast **London** LHR, LGW STN, LTN £15–£30 (net) STN is a key hub for Ryanair **Milan** MXP, LIN BGY €15–€30 Transfer into the city costs ~€5–€6 **Paris** CDG, ORY BVA Varies 90-min coach transfer required ## Factoring in Ground Transportation and Time ### How to Calculate Your Total Trip Cost Scoring a cheaper airfare doesn’t always mean you’re saving money. To figure out your _real_ travel costs, you need to account for everything: round-trip airfare, baggage fees, airport parking, and ground transportation. Take this example: a round-trip flight from Los Angeles. Flying out of LAX might run you $320, but if you’re parking for 7 days at around $30 per day, that’s an additional $210, bringing your total to $530. Meanwhile, a flight from Burbank (BUR) could cost $260, with parking fees closer to $84 for the week. That totals $354 – a savings of $176! However, for secondary airports to be worth it, your savings should ideally exceed $50–$75 per person after factoring in all associated costs. Keep in mind, both money and time play a role in determining whether switching airports is the smarter choice. ### Time Trade-Offs to Keep in Mind Saving time can be just as important as saving money. While shorter security lines are a clear advantage at smaller airports, don’t forget to check real-time traffic conditions. That secondary airport that looks like a 45-minute drive on the map could take you 90 minutes during rush hour. And when it comes to ground transportation, double-check availability at your arrival time. Late-night flights can mean limited options or surge pricing, which could cancel out any savings you expected. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between primary and secondary airports to help guide your decision: ### Primary vs. Secondary Airport: Pros and Cons Table Factor Primary Airport Secondary Airport **Airfare** Higher on average Often lower, especially with budget carriers **Parking costs** Higher fees (around $30/day) Lower rates, typically $10–$12/day **Security wait time** ~30 minutes on average at large hubs ~18 minutes on average at smaller hubs **Ground transportation** More options, including rail and bus Fewer options, especially late at night **Crowding & navigation** Busier, more complex terminals Smaller and easier to navigate **Flight frequency** More routes and airline choices Fewer options; may require connections Ultimately, the best choice depends on your trip’s specific needs. To make an informed decision, compare all costs – money, time, and convenience – before booking.