$45 Cheap Flights to Balsam, NC

Flights to Balsam at a glance

Getting to Balsam is a breeze; you can select from both full-service and budget airlines. Compare travel times to find the best fit for your budget and itinerary, allowing you to explore the city's iconic sights and charming neighborhoods.

• Major airport near Balsam: Asheville Regional Airport (AVL)
• Flights per week: 1,300+ flights arriving at Balsam airport
• Number of airlines that fly to Balsam: around 5+ carriers

Popular airport near Balsam

Balsam is a charming city perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers, offering stunning scenery and options for romance and family fun. Travelers can easily access Balsam via a major airport, making it a convenient destination for memorable getaways.

• Asheville Regional Airport (AVL): Situated in Buncombe County, North Carolina, approximately 31 miles from Balsam, this airport offers both domestic and international flights. It connects travelers to over 140 domestic cities and more than 15 international locations. Passengers have the option to upgrade to first class or premium economy seating for enhanced comfort, based on the airline and route. Major airlines operating here include American Airlines, Delta, and United.

Top routes to Balsam

• New York (JFK/LGA) to Balsam (AVL), with one-way flights starting at around $90
• Boston (BOS) to Balsam (AVL), with one-way flights starting at around $90
• Chicago (ORD) to Balsam (AVL), with one-way tickets available from around $100
• Newark (EWR) to Balsam (AVL), with one-way airfare from around $100
• Denver (DEN) to Balsam (AVL), with one-way fares starting at around $130

Cheapest routes to Balsam

• Minneapolis (MSP) to Balsam (AVL), with budget one-way fares from around $65
• Miami (MIA) to Balsam (AVL), with affordable one-way prices from around $80
• Boston (BOS) to Balsam (AVL), with cheap one-way fares from around $90
• New York (JFK/LGA) to Balsam (AVL), with affordable one-way prices from around $90
• Cleveland (CLE) to Balsam (AVL), with low one-way fares from around $95

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

Top airlines with flights to Balsam

• American Airlines: Operating flights to Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), this airline represents roughly 53% of arrivals to Balsam. The typical one-way fare is around $250, with the option for first class service available on select routes.
• Delta: Serving Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), Delta accounts for about 33% of Balsam arrivals. The average fare for a one-way ticket is approximately $270, with premium service options including both premium economy and first class, depending on the specific route.
• United: Also flying into Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), United facilitates approximately 13% of arrivals to Balsam. The average cost of a one-way flight is about $280, and first class service may be available on certain routes.
• JetBlue Airways: JetBlue operates flights to Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) as well, with an average one-way fare of around $200 for travelers.
• Sun Country Airlines: This airline also flies to Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), offering an average one-way fare of about $90, making it a budget-friendly option for many travelers.

Best time to fly to Balsam

The most popular months for travelers to fly to Balsam are March, April, and October, when peak temperatures in Balsam can reach up to 52.9°F in October. If you prefer quieter travel, consider September, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 62.6°F. For better deals, August usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $223, roughly 10% cheaper than the yearly average. Looking for additional cheaper months to fly? September, June, and July offer average one-way fares roughly ranging from $224 to $237, 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 Balsam

Getting some of the best deals on flights to Balsam 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 Balsam 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 Balsam flight with Expedia. Just select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number when confirming your booking.

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in Balsam

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

• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Balsam, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car in Balsam is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in Balsam 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 Balsam

• Maggie Valley: Nestled 14 miles drive away from Balsam, Maggie Valley is a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers. This charming city offers breathtaking mountain scenery and is renowned for its ski resorts and fields, making it a winter wonderland during the snowy months. Explore the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds for family-friendly events, or delve into local history at the Wheels Through Time Museum. Don’t miss the picturesque Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center, a serene spot for relaxation or business gatherings alike.
• Sylva: Located 11 miles drive away from Balsam, Sylva is a vibrant city that invites travelers to immerse themselves in its outdoor allure and scenic beauty. The area is perfect for recreational activities and boasts educational sites like Western Carolina University. For a taste of history, take a ride on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, and for breathtaking views, hike up to Waterrock Knob, where adventure meets nature. Sylva is an ideal base for exploring the surrounding natural wonders.
• Cullowhee: Situated 16 miles drive away from Balsam, Cullowhee is a delightful destination that combines romance and outdoor adventure. This city is home to the modern Western Carolina University and offers stunning natural landscapes. Spend your day at Lake Glenville, known for its scenic beauty and perfect for a romantic getaway or a relaxing beach day. The Tuckasegee River also provides excellent opportunities for outdoor activities, ensuring a memorable experience for all who visit.

Tips for short-haul flights to Balsam

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, traveling with just a carry-on is often more economical. Maximize space by using mini toiletries, wearing your bulkiest clothing, and coordinating outfits efficiently. This also allows you to bypass the wait at baggage claim upon arrival.
• Bring your own entertainment—short-haul flights frequently lack in-flight entertainment. Download your favorite TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts ahead of time, and consider bringing a book to keep yourself engaged. Remember to charge your devices fully before you board.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—for short or domestic flights, aim to arrive at least 1.5 to 2 hours before your departure, taking into account 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 Balsam

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

• Select your seat in advance—for longer flights, choosing your seat is crucial for comfort. Full-service airlines often allow free seat selection once online check-in begins, typically 24–48 hours before your flight. Some airlines may even permit seat selection earlier than this.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—make sure to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure for international flights to accommodate check-in, security, and immigration procedures.
• Relax at the airport—if you have 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. Airport Wi-Fi is generally free and readily available.
• Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—begin syncing your body clock by changing your watch and 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 Balsam

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to Balsam 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

December is the cheapest month to fly to Balsam. 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 Balsam. 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 Balsam, 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 Balsam

The lowest price for round-trip flights to Balsam in 2026 starts from $78, while one-way tickets start from from $45. 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 Balsam. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to Balsam

Allegiant Air, Delta, Southwest Airlines, United, American Airlines are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to Balsam. 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 Balsam and countless more destinations worldwide.

The most affordable airports to fly into

To view the cheapest airports to fly into for Balsam, 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 Balsam. 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 Balsam 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 Balsam

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 Balsam.

Stopover savings

The cheapest tickets to Balsam are sometimes those with a stopover. Book one of these flights, and you'll change planes at an airport en route to Balsam. 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 Balsam 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 Balsam. Simply download the free Expedia app to your smart device and activate Balsam 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 Balsam. 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.