Sea-Tac and Spokane Both Run Above the National Average

Washington State's two airports in the national top 100 both sit above the national average for domestic airfares, making it one of the pricier states in the Pacific Northwest to begin a domestic flight. Only In Your State analyzed recently released Bureau of Transportation Statistics data, and neither Seattle-Tacoma nor Spokane stands out as a bargain.

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) averaged $404.21 per domestic ticket in 2025, ranking 61st out of 100 airports nationally—$17.21 above the national average of $387. Spokane International Airport (GEG) averaged $408.17, ranking 64th—$21.17 above the national average.

Seattle's Position in the Pacific Northwest

Seattle-Tacoma is the 8th busiest airport in the country by passenger volume—a major hub dominated by Alaska Airlines and Delta, with a broad route network but above-average fares. The Pacific Northwest's growing tech industry and high-income traveler base support pricing that trends above the national norm.

Portland International Airport (PDX), about 180 miles south in Oregon, averaged $389.93 in 2025, ranking 46th nationally—$14.28 cheaper than Sea-Tac. The gap is narrower than many travelers might expect, so the drive south doesn't pay off dramatically unless the route or date has a larger fare difference.

Spokane's Position in Eastern Washington

Spokane International Airport (GEG) ranked 64th nationally with an average fare of $408.17. As a smaller regional hub, Eastern Washington's geographic isolation naturally limits carrier competition compared to massive hub airports. However, Spokane still manages to attract sufficient service from major carriers to keep its pricing within striking distance of the national baseline.

At $408.17, Spokane is just under $4 more expensive than Seattle on average—a difference so small that fare cost alone rarely dictates which airport regional travelers choose. For residents across Eastern Washington and North Idaho, route availability, direct flight options, and driving distance remain far more decisive factors than ticket price alone.

Why Pacific Northwest Fares Stay Elevated

Several regional economic factors contribute to Washington’s higher-than-average airfares. Both Seattle and Spokane serve robust, fast-growing population centers with a high proportion of business travelers and tech-industry professionals who are less price-sensitive than leisure tourists. Additionally, the geographic distance between Pacific Northwest hubs and major East Coast or Midwest destinations means flights out of Washington naturally cover longer distances on average, driving up baseline ticket prices for transcontinental routes.

How Washington Travelers Can Save

While starting your journey at an above-average airport presents a challenge, local travelers aren't entirely out of options. Booking farther in advance, remaining flexible with midweek departure dates, and comparing multi-airline itineraries rather than sticking to a single carrier's ecosystem are proven ways to undercut average fare rates. For price-conscious travelers near the southern border, checking departure options out of Portland or considering secondary regional connectors can occasionally yield significant savings.

This data reflects 2025 averages from the Department of Transportation, released in May 2026. Current fares may be higher due to rising jet fuel costs. For Washington travelers, knowing how to find cheap flights is the most reliable tool for managing above-average departure fares at both Sea-Tac and Spokane.

To get the most from your next departure, explore how to find cheap flights and unexpected ways to cut travel costs to help stretch your budget further.

To see how every major airport in the country compares—plus the full methodology behind the data—explore the complete U.S. Airport Cost Rankings for 2026.