I’ve come to learn one truth: finding cheap flights is both an art and a science. My most recent trip from Oklahoma City (OKC) to Dallas (DFW) gave me yet another chance to put my strategies into practice.
Flying such a short route might sound straightforward—after all, Oklahoma City and Dallas are less than an hour apart by air—but the difference in prices, services, and even the booking platforms you use can make or break your travel budget.
I’ll walk you through my exact experience, complete with the airline name, flight class, ticket price, booking method, and how I felt sitting in economy class. I’ll also recommend four additional flights worth considering, provide practical tips to score deals, and share insider knowledge about nearby airports in Dallas so you’ll know your options before you book.
This is more than a flight review; it’s a detailed guide based on real travel experience, meant to help you save money, manage expectations, and enjoy the process of getting to Dallas.
My Personal Flight: Oklahoma City to Dallas
Booking the Ticket
For my latest trip, I booked a flight with American Airlines, one of the dominant carriers serving the Dallas–Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). The flight was AA 2375, departing from Will Rogers World Airport (OKC) at 9:45 a.m. and landing in Dallas at approximately 10:50 a.m.
I chose to book the flight through Google Flights first for comparison, but ultimately confirmed the booking directly on the American Airlines official website. Why? Because booking directly with the airline often comes with perks: easier management of changes, potential for bonus miles, and better customer service if anything goes wrong.
• Ticket type: Economy Class (Main Cabin)
• Price paid (round-trip): $167 USD
• One-way price at time of booking: $89 USD
• Booking platform: American Airlines official site
• Checked baggage fee: $35 (not included in fare)
• Seat selection fee: $17 (for an aisle seat closer to the front)
By booking the round-trip ticket instead of two one-ways, I saved about $28, which might not sound like much, but those little savings add up—especially if you fly often.
The Airport Experience: Oklahoma City (OKC)
Will Rogers World Airport is surprisingly efficient. It’s smaller than many airports I’ve flown out of, but it offers a smooth experience with shorter security lines and an easy-to-navigate terminal.
• Check-in: I checked in online the night before using the American Airlines app, so at the airport all I needed to do was drop my bag at the counter. The process took under five minutes.
• Security: It was mid-morning on a weekday, so the TSA line was practically empty. I cleared security in less than ten minutes.
• Facilities: There’s a Starbucks, a couple of grab-and-go food outlets, and a few gift shops, but don’t expect gourmet dining options. For a quick pre-flight snack, I grabbed a turkey sandwich and a bottle of water—$12 total.
On Board: Economy Class Experience
When boarding was called, I found myself walking down the jet bridge with a mixture of anticipation and realism. After all, this was only a 55-minute flight—no luxury, no frills, just a hop from Oklahoma to Texas.
• Seating: I had booked an aisle seat (12C). The legroom was average (about 30–31 inches pitch), which was just enough for me to stretch without feeling cramped.
• Cabin: The aircraft was an Embraer 175, a regional jet with a 2-2 seating layout. This meant no dreaded middle seats, which already made economy feel more comfortable.
• Service: The flight attendants were cheerful and efficient. They managed to serve drinks and light snacks despite the short duration. I opted for a ginger ale and a small packet of Biscoff cookies—free of charge.
• Entertainment: No seatback screens, but American Airlines offers free streaming via its mobile app. I listened to a podcast instead, which suited the short flight.
• Overall comfort: For economy class, it was surprisingly pleasant. I didn’t feel squeezed, and the takeoff/landing were smooth.
Arrival in Dallas
Landing at Dallas–Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), I was reminded of just how massive this airport is. It’s practically a city in itself, with five terminals, endless gates, and a SkyLink train connecting everything.
• Baggage claim: Took about 20 minutes for bags to arrive.
• Ground transport: I had pre-booked a DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) day pass ($6) so I could hop directly on the train from the airport into downtown Dallas. It took about 50 minutes to reach the city center.
My Honest Impressions
Flying economy class often means managing expectations, but in this case, I felt content. The seat wasn’t overly spacious, but for less than an hour in the air, it was more than enough. The crew’s friendliness stood out, and the efficiency of OKC’s airport made the journey stress-free.
Most importantly, I appreciated the value. For under $170 round-trip, I was able to get to Dallas comfortably, on time, and without unnecessary hassles. That’s a win in my book.
Four Recommended Flight Options
If you’re planning your own trip from Oklahoma City to Dallas, here are four flights I’d recommend, based on schedule, airline reputation, and price.
- American Airlines – AA 2375 (My Flight)
• Departure: OKC 9:45 a.m.
• Arrival: DFW 10:50 a.m.
• Aircraft: Embraer 175
• Why choose it: Morning flights tend to have fewer delays. Reliable schedule and great option if you want to land early in Dallas. - Southwest Airlines – WN 1570
• Departure: OKC 7:20 a.m.
• Arrival: DAL (Dallas Love Field) 8:25 a.m.
• Aircraft: Boeing 737-700
• Why choose it: Southwest flies into Love Field, which is closer to downtown Dallas than DFW. Two free checked bags are included, which makes it a bargain if you travel heavy. - Delta Airlines – DL 5260 (via Atlanta)
• Departure: OKC 12:15 p.m.
• Arrival: DFW 4:10 p.m. (one connection)
• Aircraft: Bombardier CRJ900 & Airbus A321
• Why choose it: Not the fastest, but if you’re earning Delta SkyMiles, it could be a strategic choice. Good for frequent flyers loyal to Delta. - United Airlines – UA 4230 (via Houston)
• Departure: OKC 2:05 p.m.
• Arrival: DFW 6:30 p.m. (one connection)
• Aircraft: Embraer 175 & Boeing 737-800
• Why choose it: Often competitively priced on booking platforms. Best for those collecting United miles.
Ticket Prices: One-Way vs. Round-Trip
• One-way average price: $80–$130
• Round-trip average price: $150–$200
• Best deal I found: $167 round-trip on American Airlines
• Cheapest one-way spotted: $78 on Southwest to Love Field
👉 Pro tip: Round-trip tickets are often cheaper than booking two one-ways. Also, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are statistically the best days to find discounted fares.
Where to Book
Here are the platforms I trust and frequently use:
• Google Flights: Best for comparing across multiple airlines at a glance.
• Skyscanner: Great for flexible dates and alerts when prices drop.
• Kayak: Handy for showing baggage fees upfront.
• Airline websites (AA, Southwest, Delta, United): Best for managing your booking directly and sometimes exclusive deals.
Nearby Airports in Dallas
Dallas is served by two main airports, and which one you choose matters:
- Dallas–Fort Worth International Airport (DFW):
o Location: 20 miles northwest of downtown Dallas
o Pros: Huge network of flights, international connections, SkyLink train
o Cons: Larger, busier, and can feel overwhelming
o Transport: DART Orange Line ($6 day pass) or ride-share apps (~$35–$50 to downtown) - Dallas Love Field (DAL):
o Location: 7 miles northwest of downtown Dallas
o Pros: Much closer to the city center, dominated by Southwest Airlines, smaller and easier to navigate
o Cons: Fewer international connections, limited airline options
o Transport: 15–20 minutes by Uber/Lyft (~$20–$30 to downtown)
Tips and Tricks for Booking Cheap Flights to Dallas
• Book early: 4–6 weeks in advance usually secures the best deals.
• Use incognito mode: Search engines sometimes inflate prices if they detect repeated searches.
• Fly midweek: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday flights are typically cheaper.
• Consider Love Field: Southwest often has better fares with baggage included.
• Set alerts: Use Google Flights or Skyscanner to monitor fare drops.
• Be flexible: Shifting your departure time by a few hours can save $30–$50.
Was It Worth It?
Flying from Oklahoma City to Dallas may only take an hour, but the decisions you make before boarding—which airline, which airport, which class, and when to book—can greatly affect your wallet and your overall travel mood.
My flight on American Airlines AA 2375 in economy class reminded me that cheap doesn’t always mean uncomfortable. With just the right balance of efficiency, affordability, and comfort, I was able to get from OKC to Dallas stress-free and on time.
If I could leave you with one piece of advice, it’s this: don’t just chase the cheapest ticket—chase the best value. Sometimes paying an extra $10 for a morning flight or booking directly with the airline is worth far more in peace of mind than the dollar saved.
Dallas is waiting, whether you land at DFW’s sprawling hub or Love Field’s cozy terminal. And with these secrets and strategies, your next trip there might be not only affordable but downright enjoyable.
