Orlando $54, Salt Lake City $84 & SoCal $70 – Fall's Best Under-$100 Flights from DFW

Orlando: $54 Roundtrip in Early to Mid-November

Fifty-four dollars roundtrip to Orlando is genuinely impressive, especially for nonstop flights. We found two date combinations at this price: November 2-8 and November 8-14, both on Frontier. These dates put you in Orlando during what many consider the sweet spot for theme park visits.

Why November is Ideal for Orlando

Based on historical weather data and theme park attendance patterns, early to mid-November hits a sweet spot in Orlando. Average temperatures hover around 76°F during the day with lows around 60°F at night – significantly more comfortable than summer's heat and humidity. November is actually Orlando's driest month, so you're less likely to deal with the afternoon thunderstorms that are common from June through September.

Crowd levels are moderate during this period, especially before Thanksgiving week when attendance spikes. If you're planning to visit Disney or Universal, you'll find shorter wait times compared to summer and holiday periods. The holiday decorations at Universal Orlando typically start around November 21, so early November visits get you the pleasant weather and lower crowds, while mid-November might catch the beginning of holiday festivities.

What to Know About This Route

The DFW to Orlando route is about 2 hours and 45 minutes nonstop. Frontier operates this route regularly, but as with any ultra-low-cost carrier, remember that the base fare typically only includes your seat and a small personal item. Carry-on bags, checked bags, seat selection, and snacks all cost extra. For some travelers, this works great – pack light and you're set. For others, those add-ons can change the value proposition.

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is well-connected to the theme park areas via rideshare, shuttles, and rental cars. If you're staying on Disney property, many resorts offer complimentary transportation from the airport.

Salt Lake City: $84 Roundtrip in Early December

An $84 roundtrip fare to Salt Lake City during ski season is worth a second look. We found this price for travel December 5-12 on Frontier. The timing is interesting because it's early in the ski season – resorts are typically open, but you're traveling before the holiday rush that drives prices up significantly.

Early Season Ski Conditions

Early December in Salt Lake City means you're at the beginning of the prime ski season, which typically runs from December through March. The resorts will be open, but it's important to have realistic expectations for early season conditions.

The Cottonwood Canyon resorts – Alta, Snowbird, Brighton, and Solitude – average over 500 inches of snow annually, with the best conditions typically arriving in January and February. In early December, you'll find snow and operational lifts, but not all terrain will be open yet. The exact conditions depend on how much snow has fallen by then, which varies year to year.

What to Expect Temperature-wise

December in Salt Lake City is proper winter. Expect daytime highs in the mid-30s to low-40s°F, with nighttime temperatures well below freezing. At the ski resorts, which sit at higher elevations, it will be colder. You'll need real winter gear – layers, waterproof outerwear, warm accessories. This isn't Texas winter; this is the kind of cold that requires planning if you're not used to it.

Beyond Skiing

If you're not a skier, Salt Lake City still has appeal in December. Temple Square's Christmas lights are a major draw, the city has a growing food scene, and you can experience mountain scenery without necessarily hitting the slopes. Snowshoeing, scenic drives through the canyons, and visiting Park City's Main Street are all viable winter activities.

Ontario, California: $70 Roundtrip in Mid-November

At $70 roundtrip, this Ontario flight is your gateway to Southern California without dealing with LAX. We found this fare for November 6-13 on Frontier. Important note: this is Ontario, California (airport code ONT), not Ontario, Canada – just bring your driver's license, no passport needed.

Why Fly into Ontario Instead of LAX?

Ontario International Airport serves about 7 million passengers annually compared to LAX's 88 million. That difference is immediately noticeable – shorter security lines, less crowded terminals, and generally a less stressful airport experience. The airport is located about 40 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, right off the I-10 freeway.

The trade-off is fewer flight options and sometimes less convenient public transit connections. But if you're renting a car (which is common for exploring Southern California), Ontario can actually save you time depending on your destination. It's closer to Palm Springs (65 miles), Big Bear, the Inland Empire, and even parts of Orange County than LAX is.

November Weather in Southern California

Mid-November in the Ontario area means beautiful fall weather – daytime temperatures typically in the low 70s°F, cool evenings in the 50s, and minimal rainfall. It's ideal weather for being outdoors, whether you're hiking, going to the beach, or exploring cities. You'll want layers since mornings can be cool, but afternoons are usually quite pleasant.

Making the Most of Your Trip

A week in Southern California gives you plenty of options. You could focus on one area – spend the whole time in LA, or base yourself in Palm Springs for a desert getaway, or head to San Diego for beaches and tacos. Or you could do a road trip hitting multiple spots. With a rental car, you have flexibility. Just factor in that LA traffic is real, and drive times can vary significantly based on when you're traveling.

Practical Booking Considerations

Related Articles & Resources