Cheap flights to San Antonio, TX from $46

Deep in the heart of Texas is one of the U.S.’s more unique cities. A distinctive blend of Native Americans, Spanish, Mexican and other immigrant cultures make San Antonio a must-visit destination. But for many travelers booking flights to San Antonio, there’s one essential must-see spot: the Alamo.

San Antonio came about in the 1700s when the King of Spain sent Spaniard families to settle in the area. The area prospered, but not without suffering. Texas and Mexico fought fierce battles to claim the land and independence. During this time was the famous siege of the Alamo, which today remains one of the most visited sites in America.  

In the 1920s, San Antonio hit a crossroads and was stuck between modernizing the city and preserving the authenticity of its ancestors. This dispute resulted in the draining of the San Antonio River, an effort commissioned by the city to make room for more high-rise buildings and new city spaces. This caused uproar with San Antonio locals and soon a union was formed to save the river. The fight was successful and today’s Paseo del Rio, or River Walk, is the pride of San Antonio.  Today, San Antonio remains one of the biggest cultural conglomerates of the south. Flights to San Antonio continue to bring millions of travelers to the third largest city in Texas for a taste of the traditional Deep South.

San Antonio, TX climate

High temperatures and high humidity are the norm in San Antonio from late May through September. The fall (September to November) and spring (March to April) seasons, however, are the best times to book flights to San Antonio and explore the city. The days are warm and the nights are cool but soothing. Temperate weather during November and December make trips to San Antonio a pleasant experience.

Best Time to Fly to San Antonio, TX

Peak Season

The peak travel season in San Antonio is the summer months during school vacations, although this is not the best weather. Summer is hot and steamy and restaurants and attractions are commonly crowded. However, if you book flights to San Antonio during the summer months rest assured there are plenty of places to cool down (museums, SeaWorld and Six Flags are among the top places to visit).

Off Season

Fall and spring bring the best temperatures and subsequently, the least amount of visitors. This is due mainly to schools being in session. However, this is also when conventions and business expos book San Antonio. It’s easy to find cheap flights to San Antonio during the off season, but be careful about your accommodations. If there’s a convention in town the hotels are likely to be pricier. If you’re booking flights to San Antonio for pleasure, consider a bed-and-breakfast or a hotel not sponsoring an event for the best rates.

Getting around San Antonio, TX

San Antonio’s public transportation system is cheap and easy to use. The buses run regularly with very cheap rates, but you’ll need exact change. The VIA Metropolitan Transit Service also has streetcars that stop at tourist stops. You can tell where they’re going by the color-coded signs listing their routes and destinations. Avoid driving downtown and save yourself the hassle of getting lost in all the one-way streets. You can find cabs easily at the airport or major hotels, but you’ll have to call ahead elsewhere.   

San Antonio, TX Travel Information

The San Antonio Museum of Art is located in the old Lone Star Beer Brewery and a must-see spot for any first time visitor. The museum is known for its recycling of old structures to create a modern look and feel. Check out the Rockefeller Center of Latin American Art and peruse the antiques in the Egyptian and Greek areas.

San Antonio is one of the best festival-focused cities in the U.S., thus signifying the nickname “Fiesta City.” Year round festivals include Fiestas Navideñas and Las Posadas around Christmastime; Fiesta San Antonio and Cinco de Mayo events in spring; the Texas Folklife Festival in summer; and Oktoberfest and the International Accordion Festival in fall.

If you visit San Antonio in early February, don’t miss the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo. The two-week festival features events like calf-roping, steer wrestling, and bull riding. Live country music performances take place every day during the rodeo.

San Antonio, TX airport overview

San Antonio International Airport (SAT) serves an average of 8 million passengers per year and is located approximately 8 miles (13km) from downtown San Antonio, Texas. Flights to San Antonio International Airport come from a number of destinations, including Chicago, Houston, Atlanta, Detroit, Minneapolis, Newark, Memphis, New York, Denver, Washington DC, Salt Lake City, Phoenix, Charlotte, Baltimore, Denver, Orlando, Mexico City, Cancun, and Monterrey.

Recent building work has improved the handling capacity of the airport, as well as its accessibility. In 2010, Terminal 2 was closed and the newly built Terminal B was opened; the old terminal was then aptly named Terminal A and Terminal 2 was demolished in early 2011. A third terminal, Terminal C, is to be built by 2015. Furthermore, the construction of major roads – Interstate 410 and U.S. Highway 281 – has significantly improved transport flow and driving time to and from San Antonio International.    

Although fairly limited in terms of shopping and dining options, amenities are sufficient and service is warm and friendly, much like the charming city of San Antonio.