Hey guys! Planning a trip to or from Missoula, Montana? Knowing which airlines fly in and out of Missoula Montana Airport (MSO) is super important for planning your trip, finding the best deals, and ensuring a smooth travel experience. This guide will give you the lowdown on all the airlines that operate at Missoula Airport, plus some handy tips to make your journey a breeze.

Airlines Currently Serving Missoula Airport

So, what airlines can you expect to see at Missoula Airport? Here’s a detailed look:

Allegiant Air

Allegiant Air is your go-to if you're looking for budget-friendly options. Allegiant focuses on leisure travelers and offers non-stop flights to popular vacation destinations. This can be a fantastic way to save some cash, especially if you’re flexible with your travel dates.

• Destinations: Allegiant Air typically offers seasonal flights from Missoula to various destinations, often including cities in Arizona, California, and Nevada. Check their website for the most up-to-date routes.
• Things to Know: Keep in mind that Allegiant often charges extra for things like baggage and seat selection, so factor that into your budget. Also, their flight schedules can be less frequent compared to major airlines.

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines provides a solid mix of regional and long-haul flights. They’re known for their excellent customer service and a wide range of destinations, particularly on the West Coast.

• Destinations: You can fly Alaska Airlines from Missoula to cities like Seattle and Portland, which serve as major hubs for connecting to even more destinations. This makes Alaska a great option for both business and leisure travelers.
• Things to Know: Alaska Airlines is part of the OneWorld alliance, so if you're a frequent flyer with another OneWorld airline, you can often earn and redeem miles on Alaska flights. Plus, they have a generous baggage policy compared to some budget carriers.

American Airlines

American Airlines is one of the world's largest airlines, offering an extensive network of domestic and international flights. Flying American from Missoula gives you access to a huge range of destinations through their hub in Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW).

• Destinations: American Airlines primarily flies from Missoula to Dallas/Fort Worth. From there, you can connect to just about anywhere in the world.
• Things to Know: Being a major carrier, American provides a variety of cabin classes and a robust frequent flyer program (AAdvantage). If you’re looking for comfort and convenience, American is a strong choice.

Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines is another major player, offering a comprehensive network of domestic and international routes. Delta is known for its reliability and customer service, making it a popular choice for many travelers.

• Destinations: Delta flies from Missoula to Minneapolis/St. Paul (MSP) and Salt Lake City (SLC), both major Delta hubs. These hubs offer numerous connection options to destinations across the US and beyond.
• Things to Know: Delta is part of the SkyTeam alliance, so you can earn and redeem miles if you’re a member of another SkyTeam airline's frequent flyer program. Delta also offers a range of in-flight amenities and services to make your trip more enjoyable.

Frontier Airlines

Frontier Airlines is all about keeping those fares low! As an ultra-low-cost carrier, Frontier focuses on providing affordable travel options, though you might need to pay extra for amenities.

• Destinations: Frontier typically offers seasonal flights from Missoula to Denver (DEN). Denver is a major hub for Frontier, providing connections to numerous cities across the US.
• Things to Know: With Frontier, it’s crucial to pay attention to baggage fees and other add-ons. If you pack light and don’t need extra services, you can snag some seriously cheap flights. Keep an eye out for their sales!

United Airlines

United Airlines offers a wide network of domestic and international flights, making it a convenient option for travelers from Missoula. They provide a range of services and amenities to cater to different travel needs.

• Destinations: United flies from Missoula to Denver (DEN). As a major United hub, Denver offers extensive connections to destinations worldwide.
• Things to Know: United is part of the Star Alliance, so if you’re a member of another Star Alliance airline's frequent flyer program, you can earn and redeem miles on United flights. They also offer various cabin classes, from basic economy to premium options.

Tips for Booking Flights from Missoula Airport

Okay, now that you know which airlines fly from Missoula, let’s talk about how to snag the best deals and make your travel planning smoother. Here are some tried-and-true tips:

Book in Advance

Seriously, the earlier you book, the better. Airline prices tend to increase as your travel date approaches, especially during peak seasons. Try to book at least a few months in advance to secure the best fares.

Be Flexible with Your Dates

If you can adjust your travel dates, you might find significant savings. Mid-week flights (Tuesday and Wednesday) are often cheaper than weekend flights. Use airline websites or online travel agencies to compare prices across different dates.

Use Incognito Mode

Airlines and travel websites sometimes track your browsing activity and may increase prices based on your search history. To avoid this, use incognito mode or a private browsing window when searching for flights.

Set Up Fare Alerts

Tools like Google Flights, Kayak, and Hopper let you track flight prices and receive alerts when fares drop. This can help you snag a great deal without constantly monitoring prices.

Consider Nearby Airports

While Missoula Airport is convenient, you might also want to check flights from nearby airports like Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) in Kalispell. Sometimes, flying from a different airport can save you money, depending on the deals available.

Check for Package Deals

Sometimes, booking your flight and hotel together as a package can be cheaper than booking them separately. Websites like Expedia, Travelocity, and Priceline often offer package deals that can save you money.

Read the Fine Print

Before you book, make sure to read the fine print regarding baggage fees, change fees, and cancellation policies. Budget airlines, in particular, often have strict rules and extra charges that can add up if you’re not careful.

Navigating Missoula Airport: A Quick Guide

Alright, you’ve booked your flight – awesome! Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect when you get to Missoula Airport.

Getting There and Parking

Missoula Airport is located about 5 miles northwest of downtown Missoula. You can get there by car, taxi, or ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft. The airport offers both short-term and long-term parking options.

Security

Be sure to arrive at the airport with plenty of time to get through security, especially during peak travel times. Check the TSA website for current security guidelines and tips.

Amenities

Missoula Airport offers a range of amenities to make your travel experience more comfortable, including:

• Restaurants and Cafes: Grab a bite to eat or a cup of coffee before your flight.
• Gift Shops: Pick up a souvenir or a last-minute travel essential.
• Free Wi-Fi: Stay connected with free Wi-Fi throughout the airport.
• Charging Stations: Keep your devices powered up with convenient charging stations.

Ground Transportation

Once you arrive in Missoula, you’ll find several options for ground transportation, including rental cars, taxis, and ride-sharing services. The airport also has shuttle services to various hotels and destinations in the area.

Conclusion

So there you have it – your ultimate guide to airlines at Missoula Montana Airport! Knowing which airlines fly in and out of MSO, along with some smart booking tips, can help you plan a smooth and affordable trip. Whether you’re jetting off for a vacation or heading home, Missoula Airport has you covered with a variety of airlines and convenient services. Safe travels, and enjoy beautiful Missoula!