Washington D.C. Unites with John Wayne, San Francisco, and Salt Lake City to Become the U.S. Capitals of Expensive Airfare in 2025!

Published on November 24, 2025

Washington D.C. unites with John Wayne, San Francisco, and Salt Lake City to become the U.S. capitals of expensive airfare. These airports are now leading the charge in sky-high flight prices, setting a new standard for travel costs. Washington D.C., already known for its political power, now stands alongside John Wayne, San Francisco, and Salt Lake City as the most expensive places to fly from in the United States.

Whether you’re departing from the nation’s capital, the bustling city of San Francisco, or the smaller but pricey John Wayne Airport, one thing is clear flying from these airports will cost you dearly. As these airports continue to dominate the list of high-cost destinations, travellers will need to think carefully before booking their next flight. This trend is reshaping the landscape of air travel in 2025, making these airports notorious for their high airfare.

1. Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) – Washington D.C. Area

If you’re planning to fly out of Washington D.C., prepare your wallet because Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is one of the priciest places to depart from in the United States. In Q3 2024, the average domestic fare from Dulles was around US $473. This is significantly higher than the national average of about US $366.

Why is it so expensive?

The main reason for the high fares at Dulles is the lack of low-cost airline competition. The airport is dominated by one major carrier, which gives it a certain amount of pricing power. With fewer budget airline options, the prices for flights tend to soar. Dulles’ location also plays a part, as it’s a major hub for business and government travel, which naturally drives up prices due to the high demand.

The New York Post also highlights that this situation is unlikely to change in the near future. Those flying out of Dulles should prepare for higher prices, especially during peak seasons when demand is at its highest.

2. John Wayne Airport (SNA) – Orange County, California

If you thought Southern California’s airports were all budget-friendly, think again. John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Orange County is another airport where you’ll find sky-high airfares. The average domestic fare here hovers around US $428, which is among the highest in the country. Located in a region with a high cost of living, John Wayne Airport doesn’t offer many budget airline options, which further drives up the cost of flying.

Why is it so expensive?

John Wayne Airport is a smaller airport compared to others in California, and its location in a pricey area means that demand for flights is high. Additionally, with fewer budget-friendly airlines flying in and out of the airport, travelers are often left with no choice but to pay for more expensive tickets. The limited options and premium location make this airport one of the priciest places to fly from in the U.S.

According to the New York Post, Orange County is known for its affluent residents and tourist attractions, but when it comes to flying, it’s not exactly the most affordable place to start your journey.

3. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) – California

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is another airport where you’ll need to be prepared to pay extra for your flight. With an average domestic fare of about US $425, SFO is consistently one of the most expensive airports to fly out of in the country.

Why is it so expensive?

San Francisco’s high cost of living and demand for business travel make it a prime candidate for expensive airfare. As one of the top tech hubs in the world, many business professionals fly in and out of SFO on a regular basis, which increases the overall demand for flights. In addition to this, the airport has relatively less competition from low-cost airlines, meaning fewer budget-friendly options for travelers.

The New York Post points out that SFO’s location in a high-demand area, combined with its significant number of business travellers, results in higher prices that make it one of the least affordable airports in the U.S.

4. Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) – Utah

Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) rounds out the list of the most expensive airports in the U.S. With an average domestic fare of about US $410.70 in Q3 2024, this airport ranks among the top four for high airfares.

Why is it so expensive?

Like other airports on this list, Salt Lake City International is dominated by one major carrier, which reduces the competition and gives the airline more pricing power. The lack of budget airline options and the central role that the airport plays in connecting various cities means that the prices for flights remain high.

According to Axios, this lack of competition is a key factor in driving up fares. Salt Lake City is not exactly known for having a wide range of low-cost carriers, which means that those flying in or out of this airport will likely pay a premium for their tickets.

5. Smaller and Regional Airports with Extremely High Fares

It’s not just the big airports that can leave you with an empty wallet. Smaller and regional airports, particularly those located in remote or tourist-heavy destinations, can also have extremely high airfares. Some smaller airports have average fares of US $700 to US $800 for domestic flights.

Example: Telluride Regional Airport (Colorado)

Telluride Regional Airport (TEX), located in the picturesque ski resort town of Telluride, Colorado, is a prime example of a small airport with high fares. In 2024, the average fare from Telluride was around US $818, making it one of the most expensive airports for domestic departures in the U.S.

Why are these airports so expensive?

Smaller airports like Telluride Regional Airport often serve remote destinations, where the demand for flights is limited and the number of carriers is even more limited. This combination of factors makes flying out of these airports significantly more expensive than larger, more competitive airports. The lack of budget carriers and the reliance on fewer airlines also contributes to the high fares.

The Impact on Travelers

For travelers, knowing which airports are the most expensive can help in planning a trip. While the ticket prices from these airports can be higher, there are sometimes alternatives. For example, if you live near Washington D.C., flying out of Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) may save you money compared to departing from Dulles.

In some cases, flying from a smaller regional airport may also save time, but it comes at the cost of higher fares. It’s essential to weigh the benefits of convenience against the extra costs.

Prepare for High Costs at These Airports

Flying out of some of the most expensive airports in the U.S. in 2025 is an unavoidable reality for many travellers. Whether it’s due to the lack of low-cost competition, the airport’s location in a high-demand region, or the dominance of a single carrier, these airports are not known for their affordable fares.

If you’re looking to save money on your flight, you might want to consider flying from a different airport or booking early to avoid peak pricing periods. Understanding which airports are most expensive can help you make more informed decisions when planning your next trip. After all, nobody wants to pay more for their flight than they have to.