Why Are Flights To Montana So Expensive? Flights to Montana can be expensive due to limited direct routes and high demand during peak travel seasons.
Montana has become a very popular place to visit because of its beautiful nature and endless outdoor activities.
It’s no surprise that people want to see what the state has to offer, from its big national parks to its remote forests.
But a lot of people are shocked when they see how much flights to Montana cost. Many people would think that Montana would be a cheap place to visit because of its natural beauty, but it can be surprisingly pricey to get there.
We’ll talk about why flights to Montana are so expensive in this blog post, plus give you some tips on how to save money on your next trip to Big Sky Country.
What Makes Montana a Great Place to Visit Popular Tourist Spots
Popular Tourist Attractions
It has some of the most famous public parks and beautiful scenery in the United States. Millions of people visit Yellowstone National Park every year to see its geothermal wonders and a large number of animals.
The park is in Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho. Another big draw is Glacier National Park, which has beautiful lakes and tall mountains.
With hiking trails, chances to see wildlife, and picture ops, these parks give people a chance to enjoy the outdoors like never before. [Why Are Flights To Montana So Expensive?]
Besides the national parks, Montana has a lot of other fun things to do outside, like skiing in the winter, fly fishing, rafting, and driving through the state’s beautiful scenery.
The natural beauty of the state makes it easy to see why so many people want to visit. However, this is one reason why flights to Montana are so expensive.
The tourism business is growing
Within the last ten years, Montana’s tourism business has grown a great deal. Multiple things can be blamed for this rise in guests, including more outdoor tourism, which is very popular now that the pandemic is over.
People want wide open areas, clean air, and easy access to nature, and Montana has all of those things in spades. [Why Are Flights To Montana So Expensive?]
The increased demand has put more stress on Montana’s airports and airlines, which now have to deal with more tourists than ever.
Unfortunately, Montana’s flight routes have not kept up with the increase in tourists, even though the state’s airports have been growing to handle them.
The price of getting to Montana keeps going up as more and more people move there.
Why do flights to Montana cost so much?
1. Not many flight routes
The small number of flight lines is one of the main reasons why flights to Montana are so expensive.
The main airports in Montana, like the ones in Billings, Bozeman, Missoula, and Great Falls, aren’t as big as the ones in bigger towns.
There aren’t many direct flights from these airports because they aren’t big hubs for airlines. [Why Are Flights To Montana So Expensive?]
There aren’t as many flight choices, so airlines don’t have as much reason to lower prices. Also, people often have to book connecting flights in order to get to Montana, which adds to the time it takes to get there and the cost of the ticket.
There are fewer flight routes and less regular service, which means it’s harder to find deals and discounts, especially during busy travel times.
2. A lot of people want it during busy times
Montana is a great place to visit any time of year, but the summer and winter are the busiest times. In the summer, lots of people go to the state’s national parks to hike, camp, and see the sights.
Skiers and snowboarders alike love the winter months when they come to resorts in Whitefish and Big Sky. Because of this regular demand, airfares go up because airlines change how they price tickets to reflect more sales during busy times.
The truth is that during these months, more people want to fly than there are places available, which drives up the price of airfare. [Why Are Flights To Montana So Expensive?]
Peak seasons mean that flights will probably cost more, whether you’re going to Glacier National Park in the summer to enjoy its beauty or a Montana ski area to ski in the snow.
3. Being in a remote area and having trouble traveling
Another reason why flights to Montana can be pricey is that the state is spread out geographically. [Why Are Flights To Montana So Expensive?]
Montana is not as close to other countries as bigger cities with many foreign airports, so there are not as many direct flights into the state. There are also not many companies that fly to Montana, so there isn’t much competition for cheap flights.
People also need to be aware that connecting flights often have long layovers in other big hubs before getting to their final destination.
Montana is hard to get to, so flights there can be much more expensive than flights to places that are easier to get to. This is because there aren’t as many direct flights, and you have to make more stops along the way.
4. Not many airlines to choose from
When traveling through bigger cities, it’s helpful that there are many airlines fighting for their business. Flight prices are going down because of this competition. Montana doesn’t have as much competition, which is a shame.
Only a few airlines fly to the state, and only a few of their flights are usually very busy. There isn’t much competition between airlines, so prices don’t have to go down as quickly.
As a result, tourists usually have to pay more for their tickets. Also, airlines don’t have to worry about losing customers to other companies when they raise prices during busy times.
5. Higher costs for airlines to run their businesses
Because Montana is so far away and has a small population, it can be hard for planes to get to. [Why Are Flights To Montana So Expensive?]
Airlines may have to pay more to operate in the state because of things like high fuel prices, a lack of flight options, and smaller airports with less infrastructure and facilities.
Because of this, carriers often have to charge more to cover the costs of flying into and out of the state. [Why Are Flights To Montana So Expensive?]
People have to pay more for tickets because the costs of running the business have gone up. This means that it costs more to fly to Montana than to bigger, easier-to-reach airports with better facilities.
6. Not enough flights between countries
Montana gets a lot of visitors from within the United States, but not as many tourists from other countries as big cities like New York or Los Angeles.
As a result, many foreign visitors must fly into larger cities before continuing on to Montana via domestic travel.
There aren’t as many direct foreign flights into Montana, so many travelers have to pay more for the extra leg of their trip.
Foreign tourists also have to pay more for their flights because there isn’t much competition on foreign routes and not many airlines fly directly to Montana’s smaller airports.
How to Get Cheap Montana Flights
There are ways to save money on your trip and keep the cost of your flight to Montana from being too high. Here are some ways to get your plane tickets for less money:
1. Order ahead of time
Booking your flight early is one of the best ways to get a better deal. As your travel plans get closer, airfare prices tend to go up, so planning your trip early can help you get the best deal.
Make sure you book your flight at least three to four months ahead of time to get the best deal. [Why Are Flights To Montana So Expensive?]
2. Be open to changing the dates of your trip
When you book your flights, being flexible with your times can save you money. Summer and winter are usually the most expensive times to fly, so if you want to save money, try going in the spring or fall, when tourists aren’t as busy and flights are usually less expensive.
Also, prices are often cheaper when you fly during the week instead of on the weekends. [Why Are Flights To Montana So Expensive?]
3. Use other nearby airports instead
If it costs too much to fly to one of Montana’s big airports, you might want to fly into a nearby city and drive to your final destination.
Montana is only a short drive from airports in cities like Salt Lake City, Spokane, and Denver, which often have cheaper flight choices. [Why Are Flights To Montana So Expensive?]
You’ll have to rent a car and drive for a few hours, but this is often a cheaper option for people who are tight on cash.
See Also: Why Are Flights To Phoenix So Expensive? 6 Factors!
FAQs
1.Why is it so expensive to fly to Montana?
Flights to Montana are expensive due to limited direct flight options, fewer airlines serving the region, higher demand during peak tourist seasons, and the state’s remote location.
2. When is the cheapest time to fly to Montana?
The cheapest times to fly to Montana are typically during the shoulder seasons—spring and fall—when there is less demand and airfare prices tend to be lower.
3. How far in advance should I book a flight to Montana?
To secure the best prices, try to book your flight at least 3-4 months in advance. [Why Are Flights To Montana So Expensive?]
4. Are there budget airlines that fly to Montana?
Montana has limited budget airline options due to its small airport size and remote location, but major airlines sometimes offer deals during off-peak seasons.
5. What are some alternative ways to get to Montana if flights are too expensive?
Consider flying into nearby cities like Salt Lake City, Spokane, or Denver and driving to Montana, which can often be a more cost-effective option.
Conclusion: Why Are Flights To Montana So Expensive?
Flights to Montana may be more expensive than expected, but understanding the reasons behind the high airfare can help you plan your trip more effectively.
Limited flight routes, high demand during peak seasons, Montana’s remote location, and limited airline competition all contribute to the higher prices. [Why Are Flights To Montana So Expensive?]
However, by booking early, being flexible with your dates, and exploring alternative airports, you can find ways to reduce the cost and make your Montana adventure more affordable.
Hello, I’m Ashlyn Fleming from Sedona, Arizona. After finishing my Master’s, I noticed rising prices on everything I buy for my family. Curious about why, I started a blog to share my findings with friends and family.