Traveling has always been both my career and my passion. A smooth check-in, a reasonable price, a good seat, or even a nice surprise in service can transform the experience. On the flip side, delays, cramped seating, or bad planning can eat into your vacation energy before you even land.
On my most recent trip, I flew from Nashville International Airport (BNA) to Will Rogers World Airport (OKC) in Oklahoma City. This route is short, under two hours, but the process of booking, comparing tickets, and finally experiencing the flight reminded me once again that finding the best airfare is both an art and a science. In this post, I’ll share my own flight in detail (right down to the seat, ticket type, and price), compare one-way vs. round-trip tickets, talk about booking platforms, and also recommend four specific flights that stood out to me during research.
By the end, you’ll have both the practical tools and the emotional sense of what it feels like to fly this route — and maybe a few tricks to make your own planning smoother.
Why Oklahoma City?
Oklahoma City doesn’t always make the top of people’s bucket lists, but it should. It’s a blend of modern downtown energy, cowboy heritage, and wide-open friendliness. For me, it’s the kind of place where you can spend the morning touring a world-class museum like the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, the afternoon kayaking on the Oklahoma River, and the evening eating at a barbecue joint where the owner still remembers your name if you’ve been before.
But before I could get there, I had to find a flight. Nashville, my home base at the time, connects well with Oklahoma City, but flights aren’t as cheap as the quick hop between major hubs like Atlanta or Dallas. That meant some smart planning.
Booking Process: The Hunt for the Best Fare
I started my search, as I always do, with Google Flights. It’s fast, visual, and lets me track dates easily. I also cross-checked prices on Skyscanner, Kayak, and the airlines’ direct websites. Over the years, I’ve noticed that Southwest Airlines often has exclusive fares that don’t show up on third-party search engines, so I made sure to check their site too.
Here’s what I found when I compared:
• Delta Air Lines: Round-trip fares averaged $280–$320 in economy if booked 3–4 weeks ahead.
• Southwest Airlines: Prices were competitive, $250–$290 round trip, with the benefit of two free checked bags.
• American Airlines: Tended to be higher, often around $330–$370, but schedules were more flexible.
• United Airlines: Around $300–$340, but with more connections (sometimes through Houston or Denver).
For one-way tickets, the average was $140–$170 on most carriers, though Southwest sometimes had flash sales as low as $109.
Since I needed flexibility, I opted for a round-trip ticket with Delta Air Lines, which came to $298 total after taxes and fees. I booked it directly through Delta’s site because I’ve had too many headaches when trying to change flights booked through third-party platforms.
From deplaning to baggage claim, it took me less than 15 minutes. That efficiency made me feel like my vacation had started right away — no stress, no waiting.
One-Way vs. Round-Trip: My Take
For this route, here’s what I found comparing ticket types:
• One-Way Ticket: About $140–$170 average, sometimes dropping to $109 on Southwest during promotions.
• Round-Trip Ticket: Better value, averaging $270–$320.
I went with round-trip because I knew my return date. If you’re unsure, booking two one-ways might give flexibility, but keep in mind you’ll usually pay slightly more.
Four Other Flights Worth Considering
While I flew Delta 2375, here are four other flights I considered and would recommend depending on your preferences:
- Southwest Airlines WN 1123
• Nonstop from Nashville to Oklahoma City
• Pros: Two free checked bags, flexible rebooking policies.
• Cons: No assigned seating (open boarding), so you need to check in early.
• Price: Around $250–$280 round trip. - American Airlines AA 2347
• Via Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW)
• Pros: Comfortable connection hub, more frequent schedules.
• Cons: Adds 2–3 hours with the layover.
• Price: $320–$350 round trip. - United Airlines UA 1629
• Via Houston (IAH)
• Pros: Consistent service, often competitive pricing.
• Cons: Risk of delays in Houston, especially in summer storms.
• Price: Around $300–$340 round trip. - Delta Air Lines DL 2382
• Later in the day, departing Nashville around 4:15 PM
• Pros: Great for travelers who prefer an afternoon departure.
• Cons: Arrives later in OKC, limiting same-day activities.
• Price: Similar to my flight, around $280–$310.
Nearby Airports: Alternatives to Consider
If you’re flexible, you might also look at flying into or out of alternative airports:
• Tulsa International Airport (TUL): About 1.5 hours northeast of Oklahoma City. Sometimes has cheaper fares.
• Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW): About 3 hours south. A mega-hub with constant flights. Could be cheaper if you don’t mind driving.
• Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT): Around 2.5 hours north. Less convenient but worth checking for deals.
My Honest Take: The Emotional Side of the Flight
There’s something satisfying about short flights like this. It’s just long enough to settle into your seat, look out the window, sip a drink, and let your mind wander. For me, flying economy on Delta reminded me that you don’t need luxury to feel comfortable. What matters most is efficiency, staff attitude, and a sense of calm.
When we touched down in Oklahoma City, I felt ready to explore. It wasn’t just about saving $20 here or there; it was about arriving without stress, which to me is worth far more than the ticket price.
Tips for Finding the Best Airfare to Oklahoma City
- Book 3–6 weeks in advance: Prices are best during this window.
- Check Southwest directly: Their fares don’t show on Google Flights or Expedia.
- Be flexible with times: Early morning or late evening flights are often cheaper.
- Set alerts: Use Google Flights or Skyscanner to track fare changes.
- Use points if you can: This route is a good candidate for airline miles, since it’s under 1,000 miles.
Flying from Nashville to Oklahoma City may not sound glamorous, but for me it was a reminder that the small details matter in travel. Choosing the right flight, booking on the right platform, and knowing what to expect transformed the experience from just a routine hop to the beginning of an adventure.
If I had to sum it up in one sentence: finding the best airfare isn’t about the lowest number on the screen—it’s about balancing price, comfort, and peace of mind.
So, next time you’re planning a trip to Oklahoma City, remember to start early, explore all your options, and choose the flight that makes you feel most at ease. Trust me, arriving relaxed and ready is the best deal you’ll ever find.
