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

October in Dallas brings that sweet relief when temperatures finally drop from "unbearable" to "actually pleasant." It's also when we start seeing some genuinely great flight prices for fall and winter travel. This week, we spotted several roundtrip flights under $100 from DFW - the kind of fares that make spontaneous weekend trips or extended vacations surprisingly affordable.

We're talking Orlando theme parks for $54, Salt Lake City ski access for $84, and Southern California from $70. All nonstop flights on Frontier, traveling in November and early December when the weather at these destinations is often at its best. Let's break down what makes each of these deals worth considering.

Orlando: $54 Roundtrip in Early to Mid-November

Orlando theme park castle illuminated at dusk

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.

The Deal Details

November 2-8, 2025: $54 roundtrip on Frontier (nonstop) - 56% less than usual
November 8-14, 2025: $54 roundtrip on Frontier (nonstop) - 56% less than usual
Flight time: About 2 hours and 45 minutes

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 76F during the day with lows around 60F 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

Salt Lake City mountain ski resort with fresh snow

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.

December 5-12, 2025: $84 roundtrip on Frontier (nonstop)
Savings: 61% less than typical prices
Flight time: About 3 hours

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.

Resort Access from SLC Airport

Alta: 40 minutes (Little Cottonwood Canyon)
Snowbird: 40 minutes (Little Cottonwood Canyon)
Brighton: 45 minutes (Big Cottonwood Canyon)
Park City: 45 minutes (Park City area)

Note: A rental car is strongly recommended for ski resort access. Canyon traffic can be heavy on powder days.

What to Expect Temperature-wise

December in Salt Lake City is proper winter. Expect daytime highs in the mid-30s to low-40sF, 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

Southern California coastline with palm trees at sunset

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.

November 6-13, 2025: $70 roundtrip on Frontier (nonstop)
Savings: 56% less than typical prices
Flight time: About 3 hours

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.

Drive Times from ONT

Palm Springs: ~65 miles, 1 hour
Downtown LA: ~40 miles, 1+ hour (traffic dependent)
Disneyland: ~35 miles, 45 minutes
San Diego: ~100 miles, 1.5-2 hours
Big Bear Lake: ~45 miles, 1.5 hours

November Weather in Southern California

Mid-November in the Ontario area means beautiful fall weather - daytime temperatures typically in the low 70sF, 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

Understanding Frontier's Pricing

These $54-$84 fares are base fares on Frontier, an ultra-low-cost carrier. That price includes your seat and one small personal item that fits under the seat (think backpack or purse). Everything else - carry-on bags, checked bags, seat selection, drinks, snacks - costs extra.

For some travelers, this works great. Pack efficiently in a personal item and you're set. For others who need checked bags or prefer assigned seats, factor those costs in when comparing to other airlines. Frontier often prompts you to buy add-ons during booking, but they're all optional.

When to Book

Flight prices fluctuate, and ultra-low-cost carriers like Frontier adjust fares based on demand. These specific prices were accurate as of October 14, 2025, but may change. If you're seeing similar pricing and the dates work for you, booking sooner rather than later is generally the safer bet for locking in the fare.

Most airlines, including Frontier, offer a 24-hour cancellation window for bookings made at least 7 days before departure. Check the specific terms when booking.

Checking Current Prices

To see current pricing for these routes, you can search on Frontier's website, Google Flights, or your preferred booking platform. Search for DFW to MCO (Orlando), DFW to SLC (Salt Lake City), or DFW to ONT (Ontario) for the dates mentioned.