what airlines fly out of st pete clearwater airport
St. Petersburg–Clearwater International Airport (PIE) is a bustling regional hub that connects the Southwest Florida coast to major U.S. cities and beyond. If you’re planning a trip from St. Pete or Clearwater, knowing which airlines operate out of PIE can save you time, money, and travel headaches. This guide gives you an up‑to‑date rundown of the carriers, the routes they serve, and practical tips to make your flight experience smooth and enjoyable.
Alaska Airlines
Seasonal Boutique Service
Alaska Airlines flies a seasonal route to Los Angeles (LAX) and San Diego (SAN) during the peak summer months. The airline offers a premium experience with spacious seating and plenty of in‑flight entertainment.
Key Facts
| Route | Seasonal | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle‑Tacoma (SEA) → St. Petersburg | Year‑round | One of Alaska’s longest‑running routes in the region. |
| Los Angeles (LAX) → St. Petersburg | Summer | New in 2023; best for sun‑seekers heading to the West Coast. |
| San Diego (SAN) → St. Petersburg | Summer | Great for beach vacations, stops in Southern California. |
👉 Pro Tip: Book Alaska’s soon‑to‑expire route early—seats fill fast, and you can lock in lower fares before the seasonal window closes.
Southwest Airlines
The Workhorse of PIE
Southwest’s service at PIE is the mainstay for travelers looking for reliable, low‑price flights with no change‑fees or hidden costs. Their hot‑stand, open‑budget policy makes booking a breeze.
Key Facts
| Destination | Frequency | Aircraft |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles (LAX) | Daily | A320neo |
| Denver (DEN) | 4 times daily | Boeing 737‑800 |
| Dallas‑Fort Worth (DFW) | Daily | Boeing 737‑700 |
| Las Vegas (LAS) | 2–3 times daily | Boeing 737‑800 |
| Phoenix / Phoenix–Tucson (PHX) | 3 times daily | 737‑800 |
| Austin (AUS) | 2 times daily | 737‑700 |
| New York‑JFK (JFK) | Seasonal | 737‑800 |
👉 Practical Insight: Southwest requires passengers to check-in 48 hours before departure. Using the “Evening Check-In” button on the website unlocks extra legroom seats permits for a $25 upgrade after you’ve checked in.
Spirit Airlines
Ultra‑Low‑Cost Option
Spirit offers a very budget‑friendly route to Orlando‑International (MCO). If you’re only interested in the lowest price and don’t mind downloading a carry‑on, it’s an excellent pick.
Key Details
| Port | Frequency | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Orlando (MCO) | 1–2 flights daily | $25 baggage fee; seat selection is extra |
| (Note) | Add-on for Meals | $15 |
👉 Tip: Book Spirit’s flight (and add your baggage) at least 7 days in advance to avoid dramatic fare surges seen during the summer.
JetBlue
A Former but Vital Presence
JetBlue’s service at PIE has been inconsistent over the past year. As of early 2025, JetBlue operates a single daily flight to New York‑JFK (JFK), subject to seasonal and demand changes.
👉 Important: Keep an eye on JetBlue’s official JetBlue.com or JET airline app for real‑time status updates, especially if you’re traveling during upcoming conferences or events.
Comparison Table – Quick Snapshot
| Airline | Primary Destinations | Frequency (per week) | Aircraft Type | All‑Inclusive Pricing? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska Airlines | SEA, LAX, SAN | 3–5 flts | 737‑900 | No – Baggage & seat selection extra |
| Southwest Airlines | LAX, DEN, DFW, LAS, PHX, AUS, JFK | 20+ per week | 737‑800 / 737‑700 | Yes – Baggage & seat upgrades included |
| Spirit Airlines | MCO | 0–3 per week | 737‑700 | No – Basic fare only |
| JetBlue | JFK | 0–2 per week | 737‑800 | Yes – Baggage, meals, seat selection included |
👉 Use this table to compare flight frequency, cost structure, and convenience.
Choose the airline that best matches your travel style—whether you favor a low‑fare, no‑frills flight or a budget‑friendly yet all‑in‑one experience.
5 Practical Tips for Booking Flights From PIE
| Tip | Why It Matters | How To Do It |
|---|---|---|
| Book Early | Airlines raise fares as the departure date nears. | Use Google Flights or the airline’s own site to track price trends. |
| Check Airline Mobile Apps | Frequent last‑minute promotions and instant boarding passes are often only available via the app. | Download the app while planning and enable push notifications. |
| Use the “Evening Check‑In” Feature (Southwest) | Upgrades and extra legroom are unlocked automatically. | Click the “Evening Check‑In” button 30 minutes before departure. |
| Verify Airport Fees | PIE has a modest landing fee for some carriers—see if it’s rolled into your ticket price. | Check on the airline’s website or contact customer service. |
| Join Frequent‑Flyer Programs Early | Accumulate miles toward free upgrades, future discounts. | Sign up for the airline’s loyalty program at the time of booking. |
Airline‑Specific Booking Resources
| Airline | Official Site | Mobile App | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska Airlines | https://www.alaskaair.com/ | Alaska Airlines | 1‑800‑252‑7527 |
| Southwest Airlines | https://www.southwest.com/ | Southwest Airlines | 1‑800‑435‑9671 |
| Spirit Airlines | https://www.spirit.com/ | Spirit | 1‑844‑795‑1760 |
| JetBlue | https://www.jetblue.com/ | JET | 1‑800‑853‑7000 |
How to Make the Most of PIE’s Convenient Features
- Shuttle Services: A complimentary local shuttle connects PIE with the downtown Clearwater and St. Petersburg areas—ideal if you’re traveling light.
- Parking: Variable daily rates can be saved with a “Long‑Term” parking option if you’re staying for 4+ days. Reserve online in advance to lock the rate.
- Dining: PIE offers a range of cafés and quick‑service options downtown. Look for “Green & Grilled” for fresh, healthy bites or “Gulf Coast Grille” for classic seafood.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does any airline offer direct flights from PIE to the East Coast?
Yes. Southwest’s seasonal route to New York‑JFK provides a direct connection, while JetBlue (when operating) also offers a non‑stop flight to the same airport. Always check the flight schedules for the season you plan to travel.
2. Are there any nonstop options to the Midwest?
Southwest flies to Chicago‑O’Hare (ORD) and Minneapolis‑St. Paul (MSP) only during the peak travel season, but the county rarely offers nonstop service that covers all of the Midwest.
3. How do I know if a specific flight is on a seasonal schedule?
Seasonal flights are typically listed as “Summer” or “Winter” on the airline’s booking page. Additionally, the Flight Alert feature on Google Flights will tell you if a flight only operates part of the year.
Final Thoughts
Understanding which airlines serve St. Pete Clearwater Airport—and what each offers—lets you plan smarter, book faster, and travel more comfortably. Whether you’re a frequent SW traveler, a low‑budget traveler headed to Orlando, or a first‑time visitor to PIE, you can now match your trip needs with the right carrier.
Happy flying, and enjoy the sunny skies of Southwest Florida!
Credible Sources
- St. Petersburg–Clearwater International Airport (PIE) Official Site – https://flypie.com/
- Alaska Airlines Flight Schedule – https://www.alaskaair.com/content/travel/flight-schedules
- Southwest Airlines Flights – https://www.southwest.com/
- Spirit Airlines – https://www.spirit.com/
- JetBlue – https://www.jetblue.com/
- U.S. Department of Transportation Air Travel Consumer Report – https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer
- U.S. DOT Airport Data and Information – https://www.bts.gov/topics/air-travel/airports
