Cheap Memphis to Orlando Flights? Insider Deals & Expert Tips

Finding affordable flights from Memphis to Orlando doesn’t require a travel agent or expensive booking tools—it requires strategy, timing, and insider knowledge. Whether you’re planning a theme park adventure, a beach escape, or a business trip, this comprehensive guide reveals the exact tactics travel experts use to score the best deals on this popular route.

The Memphis (MEM) to Orlando (MCO) corridor is one of the Southeast’s busiest flight paths, with multiple carriers competing for your business. This competition creates opportunities for savvy travelers who know when, where, and how to book. In this guide, we’ll decode airline pricing algorithms, reveal the best booking windows, and share proven strategies that can save you hundreds of dollars on your next trip.

Best Time to Book Memphis to Orlando Flights

Timing is everything when hunting for cheap flights. Research from major travel analytics firms consistently shows that booking 1-3 months in advance yields the best prices for domestic routes like Memphis to Orlando. However, this isn’t a hard rule—it’s a guideline with nuance.

The sweet spot for this particular route falls between 6-8 weeks before your departure date. Airlines typically release their cheapest fares to fill seats during this window, and competitors haven’t yet matched prices. If you’re booking last-minute, you’re gambling: some seats remain cheap (airlines would rather sell them at a discount than fly empty), while others spike due to high demand.

Day of the week matters significantly. Tuesday and Wednesday departures from Memphis typically cost 15-25% less than Friday, Saturday, and Sunday flights. Early morning flights (6 AM-9 AM) and red-eyes are consistently cheaper than mid-day options. A 7 AM departure might save you $50-100 compared to a 2 PM flight on the same day.

Seasonal patterns are crucial. Avoid booking during spring break (mid-March to early April), summer vacation (June-August), and holiday periods (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s). The shoulder seasons—early March, late April through May, and September through early November—offer the lowest fares and smallest crowds.

Airline Comparison & Carrier Options

The Memphis to Orlando route is served by multiple carriers, each with distinct pricing strategies and amenities. Understanding which airline offers the best value for your specific needs is essential.

Southwest Airlines dominates this route with frequent daily flights. They offer two free checked bags (a massive advantage if you’re packing for theme parks), no change fees, and competitive pricing. Their fares often appear higher initially, but the baggage allowance frequently makes them the most economical choice overall.

American Airlines offers multiple daily flights through their Memphis hub. They often have aggressive pricing to fill seats, though baggage fees apply. Their frequent flyer program (AAdvantage) provides excellent value if you have elite status or accumulated miles.

Delta Air Lines provides several daily options with competitive fares, especially for SkyMiles members. Their partnership with numerous credit cards makes earning free flights easier for frequent travelers.

Budget carriers like Frontier and Spirit occasionally serve this route with rock-bottom fares, but their strict baggage policies and ancillary fees can quickly erase savings. Calculate total cost (base fare + baggage + seat selection) before committing.

For the best value, compare total trip cost across carriers rather than base fare alone. A seemingly expensive Southwest ticket might cost less when you factor in free checked bags and flexibility.

Hidden Booking Strategies That Actually Work

Professional travel hackers use sophisticated techniques that most casual travelers never discover. Here are the strategies that consistently yield the cheapest Memphis to Orlando flights:

Clear your browser cookies and use incognito mode. Airlines use cookies to track your search history and may increase prices if they detect repeat searches. Always search in private/incognito windows to see true base prices. Some travelers even use VPN services to appear as international users, though this is ethically questionable.

Set up price alerts on multiple platforms. Google Flights, Kayak, Skyscanner, and Hopper all offer free price tracking. Set alerts for your ideal travel dates and receive notifications when fares drop. These tools monitor hundreds of airlines and booking sites simultaneously, catching deals you’d never find manually.

Search for one-way flights instead of round-trip. This counterintuitive tactic often reveals cheaper combinations. Sometimes booking two separate one-way flights on different airlines costs significantly less than bundling them together. It requires more flexibility but can save $100+ per person.

Try the “hidden city” technique cautiously. This involves booking a connecting flight where your actual destination is the layover (e.g., booking Memphis to Atlanta with a connection to Orlando, but exiting in Atlanta). While legal, it violates airline terms and can result in account bans or being charged the difference if discovered. We mention it for awareness, not endorsement.

Book during airline sales. Airlines announce flash sales (usually Tuesday-Thursday) via email newsletters. Subscribe to Southwest, American, and Delta newsletters for exclusive deals. These sales often include the Memphis-Orlando route and can offer fares 30-40% below normal prices.

Flexible Travel Dates Save the Most Money

Flexibility is the single most powerful tool for finding cheap flights. If you can shift your travel dates by even 2-3 days, you might save hundreds of dollars.

Use the “flexible dates” feature on Google Flights or Kayak to see a calendar of fares across an entire month. This visualization reveals pricing patterns instantly. You’ll often notice that Tuesday through Thursday offer 20-30% savings compared to Friday-Sunday departures.

If you’re traveling for leisure, consider flying mid-week and extending your stay. A Monday-Thursday trip often costs less than a Friday-Sunday getaway, despite being longer. The flight savings frequently exceed the cost of additional hotel nights.

Avoiding peak travel times is equally important. If you’re visiting Orlando for theme parks, consider going during school days rather than breaks. The crowds are smaller, hotel rates are lower, and flights are cheaper. Early September through mid-October and late January through February offer excellent weather and minimal crowds.

Alternative Airports & Budget Hacks

While Memphis International (MEM) and Orlando International (MCO) are your primary options, exploring alternatives can sometimes yield surprising savings.

From Memphis, you might compare fares to nearby Nashville (BNA), which is approximately 3 hours away. Occasionally, flights from Nashville to Orlando are significantly cheaper, and the drive cost might be offset by savings on airfare. Check this before assuming Memphis is your only option.

From Orlando’s side, consider flying into Tampa (TPA), which is about 85 miles southwest. Some budget carriers offer cheaper fares to Tampa, and ground transportation to Orlando costs $40-60. If the flight savings exceed $100+ per person, this becomes worthwhile.

Sanford Airport (SFB), located 30 miles northeast of Orlando, sometimes has cheaper fares from budget carriers. However, ground transportation is more limited, so factor this into your total cost calculation.

Another creative approach: check if flying to a nearby city and renting a car for a scenic drive is cheaper. Sometimes a flight to Atlanta (ATL) followed by a drive to Orlando costs less than direct flights, and you experience more of the Southeast.

Loyalty Programs & Credit Card Benefits

Frequent flyer programs transform expensive flights into free or heavily discounted trips. If you fly the Memphis to Orlando route regularly, loyalty enrollment becomes essential.

Southwest Rapid Rewards members earn points on every flight and can redeem them for free flights with no blackout dates. Their annual companion pass (allowing a companion to fly free for a year) is worth thousands if you travel frequently. Earning elite status unlocks priority boarding, free drinks, and bonus points.

American Airlines AAdvantage offers similar benefits with elite status providing upgrades, priority boarding, and lounge access. Their partnership with numerous credit cards allows accelerated points accumulation.

Delta SkyMiles provides comparable value, especially for frequent flyers. Their elite benefits include seat upgrades, airport lounge access, and expedited security screening.

Credit cards affiliated with these programs offer sign-up bonuses worth 30,000-75,000 miles (equivalent to 1-2 free flights) plus ongoing points for every dollar spent. A well-structured travel card strategy can effectively make this flight free or nearly free.

Consider hotel and car rental loyalty programs too. Many travelers focus solely on airline miles while ignoring hotel points that could pay for ground transportation in Orlando, offsetting flight costs.

Orlando Travel Planning Essentials

Once you’ve booked your cheap Memphis to Orlando flight, proper destination planning maximizes your trip value.

Orlando’s primary draw is its theme parks: Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld. Budget accordingly—daily park tickets range $109-199 depending on season and park. Multi-day passes offer better per-day value. Purchase tickets online in advance to save 10-15% versus gate prices.

Beyond theme parks, explore natural attractions like Florida’s springs, which offer swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. These activities are often cheaper than theme parks and provide authentic Florida experiences.

Ground transportation options include rental cars ($30-50/day), rideshare services (Uber/Lyft), or hotel shuttles. Many travelers find rideshare most economical for theme park trips since parking at parks costs $15-20 daily.

Dining in Orlando ranges from budget fast-casual ($10-15 per meal) to fine dining ($50-100+). Theme parks allow outside food in certain areas, so packing snacks and sandwiches significantly reduces meal costs. Off-property restaurants in downtown Orlando offer authentic cuisine at reasonable prices.

Consider visiting during shoulder season (September-October or January-February) when airfare, hotels, and park tickets are cheapest and crowds are smaller. Visit Florida’s official tourism site provides current information on events, weather, and special offers.

Travel insurance becomes valuable for Orlando trips involving expensive theme park tickets. If illness forces cancellation, comprehensive travel insurance reimburses prepaid park admissions and flights.

FAQ

What’s the cheapest day to fly from Memphis to Orlando?

Tuesday and Wednesday flights are typically 15-25% cheaper than Friday-Sunday options. Early morning departures (before 9 AM) and red-eye flights offer additional savings. Combining these factors—a 7 AM Wednesday flight—yields the lowest fares.

How far in advance should I book Memphis to Orlando flights?

The optimal booking window is 6-8 weeks before departure. Booking less than 3 weeks out usually results in higher fares, while booking more than 10 weeks early occasionally misses sales. Set price alerts to track fares and book when they drop, regardless of the calendar date.

Are budget airlines cheaper than major carriers?

Budget carriers like Frontier and Spirit advertise lower base fares but charge for baggage, seat selection, and carry-on bags. After calculating total costs, they’re often comparable to Southwest or American Airlines, which include two free checked bags. Compare total trip cost, not just base fare.

Can I save money with connecting flights instead of direct flights?

Sometimes. Connecting flights occasionally cost $50-150 less than direct flights. However, they add 2-4 hours to travel time and increase risk of delays or missed connections. For short routes like Memphis-Orlando, direct flights are usually worth the premium.

What’s the best website for finding cheap Memphis to Orlando flights?

Google Flights, Kayak, and Skyscanner compare prices across multiple airlines and booking sites. Google Flights’ flexible dates feature is particularly useful for this route. Always verify prices on airline websites directly before booking, as some sites add hidden fees.

Do airline sales really save money?

Yes, significantly. Airlines announce flash sales via email newsletters offering fares 30-40% below typical prices. Subscribe to Southwest, American, and Delta newsletters to catch these sales. They typically run Tuesday-Thursday and require booking within 24-48 hours.

Is it worth visiting alternative airports near Memphis or Orlando?

Occasionally. Nashville (BNA) is 3 hours from Memphis, and Tampa (TPA) is 85 miles from Orlando. If flights from these airports are $100+ cheaper per person and you factor in ground transportation, it might be worthwhile. Use a calculator to compare total trip costs.

How can credit cards help me get cheaper flights?

Travel credit cards offer sign-up bonuses worth 30,000-75,000 miles (equivalent to 1-2 free flights) plus ongoing points for every dollar spent. A single sign-up bonus can cover an entire Memphis-Orlando round-trip flight. Look for cards with no annual fee or annual fees offset by travel credits.

Should I book round-trip or separate one-way flights?

Compare both options. Sometimes booking two separate one-way flights on different airlines costs significantly less than a round-trip bundle. The flexibility of one-way bookings also allows you to change return dates without rebooking the entire trip.

What’s the best time of year to visit Orlando cheaply?

September-October and January-February offer the cheapest flights, hotels, and theme park tickets with smaller crowds. Avoid spring break (mid-March to early April), summer (June-August), and major holidays. Shoulder season travel maximizes value and minimizes crowds.