Sanford, Florida, is a popular gateway to the Orlando area and its numerous attractions. When planning your trip, knowing which airlines fly into Sanford International Airport (SFB) is crucial for convenient and cost-effective travel. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the airlines that operate at Sanford Airport, helping you make informed decisions for your next flight.
Sanford Airport Overview
Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) is located in Sanford, approximately 30 miles northeast of downtown Orlando. It serves as a less congested and often more budget-friendly alternative to Orlando International Airport (MCO). SFB is particularly known for hosting several low-cost carriers, making it an attractive option for travelers seeking affordable flights to the Central Florida region. The airport offers a range of services and amenities to ensure a smooth travel experience.
Airlines Flying into Sanford International Airport
Primarily, Sanford International Airport is served by the following airlines:
Allegiant Air
Allegiant Air is the dominant airline at Sanford, offering a wide array of domestic routes, focusing on point-to-point travel to smaller cities across the United States. Allegiant is known for its ultra-low-cost model, providing base fares that are often very competitive. Passengers have the option to customize their travel experience by adding services like baggage allowance, seat selection, and onboard refreshments for an additional fee.
Allegiant Air connects Sanford to numerous destinations, including but not limited to:
- Northeast: Allentown, PA; Bangor, ME; Harrisburg, PA; Newburgh/Stewart, NY; Niagara Falls, NY; Pittsburgh, PA; Syracuse, NY.
- Midwest: Cincinnati, OH; Cleveland, OH; Columbus, OH; Des Moines, IA; Fort Wayne, IN; Grand Rapids, MI; Indianapolis, IN; Kansas City, MO; Milwaukee, WI; Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN; Moline/Quad Cities, IL; Omaha, NE; Peoria, IL; Sioux Falls, SD; Springfield/Branson, MO; St. Louis, MO; Toledo, OH.
- South: Asheville, NC; Chattanooga, TN; Concord/Charlotte, NC; Fayetteville/Ft. Bragg, NC; Greenville/Spartanburg, SC; Huntsville, AL; Knoxville, TN; Lexington, KY; Louisville, KY; Memphis, TN; Nashville, TN; Oklahoma City, OK; Richmond/Petersburg, VA; Shreveport, LA.
It’s advisable to check the Allegiant Air website for the most up-to-date route map and flight schedules as routes can be seasonal or subject to change.
Flair Airlines
Flair Airlines is a Canadian ultra-low-cost carrier that also operates flights into Sanford International Airport, primarily from Canadian cities. Flair provides an affordable option for Canadians looking to visit the Orlando area and its attractions. Similar to Allegiant, Flair offers unbundled fares, allowing passengers to pay only for the services they need.
Flair Airlines typically connects Sanford with Canadian destinations such as:
- Canada: Toronto, ON; Kitchener-Waterloo, ON; London, ON; Ottawa, ON; Montreal, QC; Quebec City, QC; Halifax, NS; Winnipeg, MB; Edmonton, AB; Calgary, AB; Vancouver, BC.
Again, it’s recommended to consult the Flair Airlines website for the latest routes and schedules as routes can be seasonal and subject to change.
Other Potential Airlines
While Allegiant and Flair are the primary airlines at Sanford, occasionally, charter airlines or smaller regional carriers might operate flights into SFB. These can vary and are less consistent than scheduled services from Allegiant and Flair. For the most part, when considering airlines flying into Sanford, focus will be on Allegiant and Flair.
Destinations Served from Sanford
Sanford Airport provides access to a wide range of destinations, primarily across the United States and Canada, thanks to Allegiant and Flair Airlines. From a domestic perspective with Allegiant, you can reach numerous smaller to mid-sized cities across the US, often with direct, non-stop flights, making travel more convenient and avoiding major airport hubs. Flair Airlines opens up affordable travel options between Canada and the Orlando area, ideal for tourists and those visiting family.
Popular destinations accessible via Sanford include:
- Leisure Destinations: Myrtle Beach, SC; various Florida destinations through connections; Niagara Falls; and access to Orlando’s theme parks and attractions.
- City Breaks: Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Nashville, and many other US cities for shorter trips.
- Canadian Getaways: Major Canadian cities offering connections throughout Canada and internationally.
Tips for Finding Cheap Flights to Sanford
To secure the best deals on flights into Sanford:
- Book in Advance: Especially during peak travel seasons, booking your flights well in advance can often lead to lower fares.
- Be Flexible with Travel Dates: If your travel dates are flexible, experiment with different dates as fares can fluctuate significantly based on the day of the week and time of year.
- Consider Shoulder Seasons: Traveling during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) can sometimes offer a sweet spot with pleasant weather and potentially lower flight prices compared to peak summer or holiday periods.
- Utilize Airline Websites Directly: Check the Allegiant Air and Flair Airlines websites directly for deals and promotions. Signing up for their newsletters can also provide early access to sales.
- Be Aware of Extra Fees: Low-cost carriers often have extra fees for baggage, seat selection, etc. Factor these into your budget when comparing prices to full-service airlines flying into MCO.
- Consider Package Deals: Sometimes, booking flights and accommodation together as a package can offer overall savings.
Conclusion
For travelers seeking affordable and convenient access to the Orlando area, Sanford International Airport is a compelling option. Allegiant Air and Flair Airlines are the primary operators, providing a range of routes across the US and Canada respectively. By understanding which airlines fly into Sanford and employing smart booking strategies, you can unlock significant savings and enjoy a smoother, less stressful start to your Florida vacation or trip to Central Florida. Make sure to check the airlines’ websites for the most current route information and take advantage of the budget-friendly options Sanford Airport provides.
