I’ve learned one universal truth: airfare can make or break a trip. It’s not just about the cost — it’s about the experience, the convenience, and sometimes even the little surprises you encounter at 30,000 feet. When I decided to fly from Austin, Texas (AUS) to Albuquerque, New Mexico (ABQ) for a week of cultural exploration, outdoor adventures, and a long-awaited stop at the world-famous Balloon Fiesta, I was determined to do it without breaking the bank.
What I discovered along the way was that flying to Albuquerque on a budget isn’t only possible — it can be surprisingly enjoyable if you know where to look, what to book, and how to hack the system.
I’ll walk you through my own experience flying economy on Southwest Airlines Flight WN 1372, compare single vs. round-trip fares, explain how I used booking platforms to score discounts, and share four other recommended flights for anyone planning the same journey. Finally, I’ll cover insider tips, airport info, and little nuggets of wisdom I wish I’d known earlier.
My Flight Experience: Austin to Albuquerque on a Budget
Choosing the Flight
After comparing several airlines, I settled on Southwest Airlines Flight WN 1372, which departs from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) and lands at Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ). The flight duration is just about 1 hour and 50 minutes, making it one of the most efficient and stress-free options.
I opted for Economy Class (Southwest’s “Wanna Get Away” fare). Why? Because for this short flight, I didn’t need the extra bells and whistles of Business Select. I just wanted reliability, a decent seat, and enough saved cash to splurge on New Mexican green chile stew later in Albuquerque.
Booking Details
• Booking platform: I booked directly through Southwest.com. While I sometimes use aggregators like Skyscanner or Google Flights to compare prices, Southwest often reserves its best deals for its own site.
• Fare paid: $119 one-way (Austin to Albuquerque).
• Round-trip option: A return ticket with flexible dates came to about $235, which was cheaper than buying two one-ways.
• Checked bag fee: Free (Southwest allows two checked bags, a huge perk).
Pre-Flight at Austin-Bergstrom
Austin-Bergstrom is one of my favorite airports. It’s compact enough to be navigable without stress, yet modern with plenty of food choices. I arrived two hours early — perhaps overly cautious, but I wanted time to enjoy some Austin coffee before boarding. TSA lines moved quickly, and I noticed that early morning and late evening flights tend to have less congestion here.
Onboard Experience
Once onboard WN 1372, I settled into my economy seat near the window. The seats were standard Southwest fare: no assigned seating, so it’s a bit of a “first come, first served” process during boarding. Luckily, I scored a window seat in the middle of the aircraft.
• Legroom: Comfortable enough for my 5’10” frame. Not luxurious, but not cramped either.
• Seat comfort: Basic but fine for under two hours. The cushioning was adequate, and I had space for my backpack under the seat in front of me.
• In-flight service: The crew was cheerful (as Southwest crews often are). They offered complimentary water, soft drinks, and light snacks like pretzels. I treated myself to a small can of ginger ale, which felt oddly festive.
• Wi-Fi: Available for $8, though I didn’t use it. For such a short flight, I preferred to look out the window.
• Atmosphere: The highlight was the view — watching the Texas Hill Country morph into New Mexico’s desert landscape was a visual treat.
Arrival in Albuquerque
We landed on time at Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ), a mid-sized airport that reflects New Mexico’s culture right in its design. Adobe-inspired architecture, local art, and friendly staff set the tone for my trip. I collected my bag swiftly, thanks to Southwest’s efficiency, and was out the door in less than 20 minutes.
Overall Impression: For $119, the flight was worth every penny. Smooth boarding, timely departure, friendly crew, and included luggage made it not just economical, but pleasant.
Single vs. Round-Trip Fares
When booking flights to Albuquerque, I compared one-way and round-trip options. Here’s what I found:
• One-way (Austin → Albuquerque): $119–$150 depending on the day of the week.
• One-way (Albuquerque → Austin): $115–$145.
• Round-trip: Often between $230–$260. Booking round-trip usually saved me about $20–$40 total.
That said, if you’re unsure about your return dates (say, if you’re road-tripping through New Mexico), booking two one-way fares can provide flexibility.
Recommended Flights to Albuquerque from Austin
While my Southwest flight was ideal, here are four more options worth considering:
- American Airlines Flight AA 2345
• Class: Economy
• Duration: 1 hour 55 minutes (direct)
• Fare range: $140–$190 one-way
• Perks: Assigned seating, complimentary beverage service, and frequent flights daily.
• Downside: Checked bag fees add up ($35 for the first bag). - Delta Airlines Flight DL 1678 (via Dallas-Fort Worth)
• Class: Economy Comfort option available
• Duration: 3 hours 40 minutes (with layover)
• Fare range: $160–$210 one-way
• Perks: Solid service, seatback entertainment, and frequent-flyer miles with SkyMiles.
• Downside: Layover increases total travel time. - United Airlines Flight UA 2422 (via Houston)
• Class: Economy
• Duration: 4 hours (with layover)
• Fare range: $150–$200 one-way
• Perks: MileagePlus members can earn rewards.
• Downside: Houston layover can be hectic; bag fees not included. - Southwest Airlines Flight WN 2890 (alternative to mine)
• Class: Economy
• Duration: 2 hours direct
• Fare range: $120–$160 one-way
• Perks: Two free checked bags, open seating, and lots of daily flights.
• Downside: Open seating system may be stressful for those who prefer assigned seats.
Tips for Booking Cheap Flights to Albuquerque
Over the years, I’ve picked up some tried-and-true strategies for finding airfare deals:
- Book Early but Not Too Early
Around 6–8 weeks before departure is the sweet spot for domestic U.S. flights. - Fly Midweek
Tuesday and Wednesday flights from Austin to Albuquerque were consistently $20–$40 cheaper than weekend options. - Use Flight Alerts
Tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Hopper let you track prices. I set alerts three months ahead and booked when I saw fares dip below $125. - Check Southwest Separately
Since Southwest doesn’t appear on third-party search engines, always check Southwest.com directly. - Leverage Points and Miles
I used some of my Chase Sapphire Preferred points to shave $50 off my round-trip ticket. If you’re loyal to an airline, this adds up.
Nearby Airports Worth Knowing
While most travelers will fly directly into Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ), it’s helpful to know about alternatives:
• Santa Fe Regional Airport (SAF): About 1 hour northeast of Albuquerque. Smaller, with limited flights (often pricier). Great if you’re staying in Santa Fe.
• El Paso International Airport (ELP): 4 hours south. Not convenient for Albuquerque itself but sometimes cheaper if you’re combining destinations.
• Denver International Airport (DEN): 6 hours north. Occasionally, ultra-low fares into Denver make it worth renting a car and road-tripping down to Albuquerque.
For most travelers, though, ABQ is the smartest choice. It’s only 3 miles southeast of downtown, well-connected by shuttles, rental cars, and ride-shares.
Flying from Austin to Albuquerque on a budget was not only affordable, but also surprisingly smooth and memorable.
Watching the rugged Texas plains gradually transform into the red-tinged desert and snowcapped Sandia Mountains through my little window felt like a cinematic transition. It set the tone for everything that came after.
Choosing Southwest Airlines Flight WN 1372 was, for me, the perfect balance of comfort and cost. Sure, I was in economy class, but I never once felt “cheap.” With friendly staff, two free checked bags, smooth boarding, and transparent pricing on Southwest.com, I felt like I got more than I paid for — which is not something I can often say about flying.
The key lesson from this trip is that budget travel doesn’t have to mean compromise. With just a little flexibility and a few smart booking hacks — like using flight alerts, checking midweek prices, and comparing round-trip vs. one-way fares — you can cut costs without cutting quality. And that’s what I love most about writing these guides: showing that travel dreams don’t need to be bank-breaking.
When you land at Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ), you’re not just arriving at an airport — you’re stepping into a city where adobe-style architecture greets you at baggage claim, where local art is displayed proudly on the walls, and where the desert breeze feels different from anywhere else. ABQ itself is compact, efficient, and just minutes from downtown, which means you can go from runway to margarita in under an hour.
If I were to give you a few parting pieces of advice, they would be these:
• Don’t overlook Southwest. Their free bag policy alone can save you $70–$140 on a round trip.
• Check fares at odd hours. I’ve found great deals by booking late at night or early in the morning.
• Think beyond ABQ. If you’re open to a road trip, nearby airports like Santa Fe or even Denver can open up new possibilities.
• Plan with purpose. Saving money on your flight means you can splurge guilt-free once you’re there — maybe on a hot air balloon ride, a plate of enchiladas smothered in chile, or a few extra nights at a boutique hotel.
For me, budget-friendly airfare to Albuquerque wasn’t just about pinching pennies — it was about maximizing value so that I could invest more of my energy (and my wallet) into experiences that mattered once I touched down. And that’s what I’ll always remember about this flight: it was the gateway to a trip that felt rich, rewarding, and unforgettable.
So the next time you find yourself staring at airfare search engines, wondering if a weekend getaway or a cultural deep-dive is out of reach, remember this: with the right tools, timing, and mindset, you can fly smarter, spend wiser, and still feel like a traveler — not just a passenger. Albuquerque is waiting, and your budget doesn’t need to hold you back.
