$88 Cheap Flights to Altoona, WI

Flights to Altoona at a glance

Traveling to Altoona is easy—simply choose between full-service and budget airlines, compare travel times, and select the option that best fits your budget and schedule as you plan to explore the city's renowned attractions and neighborhoods.

• Major airports near Altoona: Rochester International Airport (RST), La Crosse Municipal Airport (LSE), Chippewa Valley Regional Airport (EAU)
• Closest airport to Altoona: Chippewa Valley Regional Airport, EAU (around 4 miles)
• Flights per week: 800+ flights arriving across Altoona airports
• Number of airlines that fly to Altoona: around 4 carriers

Popular airports near Altoona

Altoona is a charming city perfect for outdoor adventures, romantic getaways, and scenic vacations. Travelers flock to Altoona for its beautiful landscapes, family-friendly activities, and urban atmosphere. The city is conveniently served by three major airports.

• Rochester International Airport (RST): Situated in Olmsted County, Minnesota, approximately 81 miles from Altoona, this airport offers both domestic and international flights, linking to over 75 domestic locations and 3 global destinations. Travelers can opt for premium economy or first-class seating for enhanced comfort, depending on the airline and route. American Airlines and Delta are prominent carriers at this airport.
• La Crosse Municipal Airport (LSE): Found in La Crosse County, Wisconsin, about 65 miles from Altoona, this airport primarily serves domestic flights, connecting to around 20 cities nationwide. Passengers have the option to upgrade to first-class service for additional comfort, depending on their chosen airline and route. American Airlines is a key airline operating here.
• Chippewa Valley Regional Airport (EAU): Located in Chippewa County, Wisconsin, just 4 miles from Altoona, this regional airport facilitates domestic flights to over 10 cities across the country. United and Sun Country Airlines are among the major airlines that operate from this airport, providing travelers with various options for their journeys.

Top routes to Altoona

• Chicago (ORD) to Altoona (RST/EAU), with one-way flights starting at around $90
• Phoenix (PHX) to Altoona (RST/LSE/EAU), with one-way flight options from around $120
• Boston (BOS) to Altoona (RST/LSE/EAU), with one-way flight options from around $120
• Washington (IAD/DCA) to Altoona (RST/LSE), with one-way tickets available from around $110
• New York (JFK/LGA) to Altoona (RST/LSE/EAU), with one-way flight options from around $110

Cheapest routes to Altoona

• Fort Myers (RSW) to Altoona (RST/EAU), with low-cost one-way tickets from around $70
• Chicago (ORD) to Altoona (RST/EAU), with budget one-way fares from around $90
• Detroit (DTW) to Altoona (RST/EAU), with low-cost one-way tickets from around $100
• Denver (DEN) to Altoona (RST), with affordable one-way prices from around $110
• Washington (IAD/DCA) to Altoona (RST/LSE), with budget one-way fares from around $110

*Flight times and fares vary by season and availability and are based on one-way routes

Top airlines with flights to Altoona

• American Airlines: Offers flights to Rochester International Airport (RST) and La Crosse Municipal Airport (LSE), representing about 51% of arrivals to Altoona. One-way fares typically average around $280, with potential first-class service available based on the route.
• Delta: Provides service to Rochester International Airport (RST), holding roughly 40% of the arrivals to Altoona. The average fare for a one-way ticket is around $270, and premium cabin options may include both premium economy and first class, depending on the specific route.
• United: Flies into Chippewa Valley Regional Airport (EAU), contributing approximately 8% of the total arrivals to Altoona. Travelers can expect one-way fares to average around $190.
• Sun Country Airlines: Also servicing Chippewa Valley Regional Airport (EAU), this airline accounts for nearly 1% of arrivals to Altoona, with average one-way fares around $160.

Best time to fly to Altoona

The most popular months for travelers to fly to Altoona are January, March, and April, when peak temperatures in Altoona can reach up to 42.6°F in April. If you prefer quieter travel, consider September, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 61.5°F. For better deals, May usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $254, roughly 9% cheaper than the yearly average. Looking for additional cheaper months to fly? August, July, and June offer average one-way fares of around $270, making them good options for flexible travelers.

*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

How to save money on a flight to Altoona

Getting some of the best deals on flights to Altoona is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

1. Compare flight options—use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
2. Set up price alerts—as an Expedia member you can use Price Tracking to receive notifications when flight prices change.
3. Bundle and save—book a flight and unlock a hotel deal on Expedia*, or explore our Altoona hotel and flight deals.
4. Think about luggage-nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your baggage allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.
5. Earn miles—you can earn airline miles when you book your Altoona flight with Expedia. Just select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number when confirming your booking.

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in Altoona

Altoona welcomes travelers through its range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Altoona efficiently:

• Public transportation: From La Crosse Municipal Airport, several key transport options are just a short drive away. La Crosse Station, a train station, is located about 5.2 miles from the airport, while La Crosse, Wisconsin Seaport, a seaport, and La Crosse Queen Cruise Dock, a cruise terminal, are both about 6.8 miles away by car, making them easily accessible for travelers.
• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Altoona, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car in Altoona is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in Altoona on Expedia.
• Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.

Where to stay around Altoona

• Eau Claire: Eau Claire is located 3 miles drive away from Altoona. This vibrant city is a delightful destination for outdoor enthusiasts, couples seeking romance, and families looking for shared experiences. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, with highlights including the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, a modern college campus perfect for exploring, and the scenic beauty of nearby lakes and national state parks. Cultural experiences abound at the Pablo Center at the Confluence, while the tranquil environments offer relaxation through body treatments and recreational areas.
• Seymour: Seymour is located 2 miles away from Altoona. This charming village is ideal for those who appreciate outdoor beauty and scenic vistas, making it a perfect spot for couples and families alike. Visitors can explore local attractions, including the historic University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and the Children’s Museum of Eau Claire, which offers engaging activities for families. Seymour’s proximity to national state parks and lakes enhances its appeal, inviting travelers to enjoy leisurely strolls and beautiful landscapes while discovering delightful shopping centers.
• Eastside Hill: Eastside Hill is located 2 miles drive away from Altoona. This vibrant neighborhood is a hub for cultural experiences, blending city life with outdoor adventures. Travelers can immerse themselves in the arts at the Pablo Center at the Confluence or enjoy a family outing at the Children’s Museum of Eau Claire. With the beautiful backdrop of a lake and river, Eastside Hill also offers opportunities for education and exploration at the nearby University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, making it an enriching destination for all types of visitors.

Tips for short-haul flights to Altoona

For quick getaways, efficiency is key. Here is how to make your short-haul journey smoother:

• Pack light and skip checked bags—when flying with budget airlines, it's often more economical to travel with just a carry-on. Maximize space by choosing mini toiletries, wearing your bulkiest clothing, and planning your outfits thoughtfully. This approach also allows you to bypass waiting at baggage claim upon arrival.
• Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights may not provide in-flight entertainment options. To keep yourself entertained, download TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts ahead of time, and consider bringing a book as well. Remember to fully charge your devices before you board.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—even for short or domestic flights, it's advisable to get to the airport at least 1.5 to 2 hours prior to departure, taking into account potential traffic and security lines.
• Bring your own snacks and water—pack some snacks and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and save money while at the airport.

Tips for long-haul flights to Altoona

Flying long-haul sometimes requires extra planning to ensure a comfortable journey:

• Select your seat in advance—for longer flights, choosing your seat is essential for comfort. Full-service airlines often provide free seat selection once online check-in opens, typically 24–48 hours before your flight. Some airlines allow you to select your seat even earlier.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—make sure to arrive at least 3 hours before departure for international flights to accommodate check-in, security, and immigration processes.
• Relax at the airport—if you have some extra time, take the opportunity to explore the shops, grab a coffee, or unwind at the gate or in a departure lounge if you have access. Most airports offer free Wi-Fi, making it easy to stay connected.
• Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—begin syncing your body clock by setting your watch and adjusting your sleep schedule to align with your destination's time zone. Aim to sleep or stay awake during the flight according to the local time at your arrival destination to help minimize jet lag.

Tips to find the cheapest flights to Altoona

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to Altoona on Expedia by either choosing a deal on this page or entering into the search bar your travel dates, origin airport, and whether you want roundtrip or one-way airfare. You can filter for flexibility, number of stops, airline, and departure/arrival times to find the best flight for you.

The cheapest month to fly

November is the cheapest month to fly to Altoona. This coincides with the low season when fewer people travel. Whichever month you travel in, though, be sure to book at least a month in advance if you want to score cheap tickets to Altoona. ARC's data shows that domestic flights booked 28 days or more before departure are typically 24% cheaper than those booked last minute.

The most affordable time to book a flight

Typically, a Sunday can be the cheapest time to book a flight to Altoona, according to ARC’s data. On average, you could save between 6% and 13% by booking on a Sunday instead of a Friday, which is the most expensive day to make a reservation.

The cheapest round-trip tickets to Altoona

The lowest price for round-trip flights to Altoona in 2026 starts from $175, while one-way tickets start from from $88. Expedia's effective search tool is one of the best ways to find a budget airfare. Simply enter your dates, and within seconds, it'll show you a vast selection of the cheapest flights to Altoona. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to Altoona

United are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to Altoona. You can find their most affordable flights by using the “airline” search filter and then sorting prices from low to high. As a trusted partner of the world's leading airlines, Expedia offers you some of the best airfare deals to Altoona and countless more destinations worldwide.

The most affordable airports to fly into

To view the cheapest airports to fly into for Altoona, simply order your search results from lowest to highest price. Expedia's search tool compares flight prices for all airports close to your destination, so you don't have to manually search them one by one to find the cheapest flight to Altoona. If you have a preferred place to fly into, take advantage of the “arrival airport” filter to narrow down your search on Expedia.

Save with a package

With Expedia's amazing package deals, you could save hundreds of dollars by booking your Altoona plane tickets together with your accommodations, car rental, or activities. Just select the search wizard's “package” option to view some of the cheapest deals. Look out for the green savings label to see how much you're saving.

Date flexibility for the cheapest flights to Altoona

If you can be flexible with your travel dates, it's a good idea to broaden your search by comparing prices on different days. This will open up more options, meaning you could uncover a less expensive flight to Altoona.

Stopover savings

The cheapest tickets to Altoona are sometimes those with a stopover. Book one of these flights, and you'll change planes at an airport en route to Altoona. While the overall travel time might be longer than a non-stop flight, you may decide it's worth it for the money saved.

Get Expedia's Price Drop Protection

Price Drop Protection means that if your flight gets cheaper after booking, you'll be credited the difference*. This gives you peace of mind that you're getting one of the cheapest flights to Altoona for your chosen departure. Expedia's Price Drop Protection is available for a small fee but is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

*Terms apply.

Use our Price Tracking feature

Expedia's Price Tracking feature is another great tool that removes the guesswork from finding cheap flights to Altoona. Simply download the free Expedia app to your smart device and activate Altoona flight price alerts for your travel dates. There's even a price predictor tool that uses historical data to indicate the best time to book, giving you peace of mind that you'll nab the lowest prices.

Book with Expedia

As well as Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking, Expedia's close partnership with a vast selection of the world's leading airlines means you're sure to find cheap flights to Altoona. Plus, the One Key rewards program lets you earn real cash rewards on most bookings that you can use to save money on future trips. Best of all, it's free to join, and members often unlock exclusive discounts, too.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.