$44 Cheap Flights to Longboat Key, FL

Flights to Longboat Key at a glance

Traveling to Longboat Key is easy—simply choose from a range of airlines, including both full-service and budget options. Compare journey times and select the best flights to Sarasota that fit your budget and itinerary for exploring the area’s renowned attractions and neighborhoods.

• Major airports near Longboat Key: Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ), St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (PIE)
• Closest airport to Longboat Key: Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, SRQ (around 7 miles)
• Flights per week: 1,550+ flights arriving across Longboat Key airports
• Number of airlines that fly to Longboat Key: around 10+ carriers

Popular airports near Longboat Key

Longboat Key is a picturesque island city ideal for beach lovers, families, and vacationers seeking a blend of outdoor activities and urban experiences. Visitors flock to this charming destination for its sun-soaked shores and vibrant atmosphere. Conveniently, it is accessible via two major airports: Sarasota Bradenton International Airport and Southwest Florida International Airport, both offering spacious terminals for a comfortable travel experience.

• Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ): Situated in Sarasota County, Florida, approximately 7 miles from Longboat Key, this airport facilitates both domestic and international travel. It connects to over 160 domestic cities and more than 10 international locations. Travelers can opt for first class or premium economy service for enhanced comfort, depending on the airline and route. Major carriers include American Airlines, Delta, and Southwest Airlines.
• St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (PIE): Found in Pinellas County, Florida, about 34 miles from Longboat Key, this airport primarily handles domestic flights. Sun Country Airlines is a prominent airline operating out of this location, providing travelers with convenient options for their journeys.

Top routes to Longboat Key

• New York (JFK/LGA) to Longboat Key (SRQ), with one-way fares starting at around $70
• Newark (EWR) to Longboat Key (SRQ), with one-way flights starting at around $80
• Boston (BOS) to Longboat Key (SRQ), with one-way flight options from around $70
• Chicago (ORD/MDW) to Longboat Key (SRQ), with one-way fares starting at around $60
• Minneapolis (MSP) to Longboat Key (SRQ/PIE), with one-way fares starting at around $85

Cheapest routes to Longboat Key

• Cincinnati (CVG) to Longboat Key (SRQ), with budget one-way fares from around $45
• New Haven (HVN) to Longboat Key (SRQ), with budget one-way fares from around $45
• Cleveland (CLE) to Longboat Key (SRQ), with low-cost one-way tickets from around $50
• Orlando (MCO) to Longboat Key (SRQ), with low-cost one-way tickets from around $50
• Philadelphia (PHL) to Longboat Key (SRQ), with low one-way fares from around $50

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

Top airlines with flights to Longboat Key

• American Airlines: Operates flights to Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ), representing roughly 34% of arrivals to Longboat Key. The typical one-way fare is around $230, with premium cabin options that may include first class, depending on the route.
• Delta: Serves Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) and accounts for about 30% of arrivals to Longboat Key. Passengers can expect an average one-way fare of approximately $230, with premium service options like premium economy and first class, varying by route.
• Southwest Airlines: Flies into Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ), contributing about 18% of arrivals to Longboat Key. Travelers can anticipate an average one-way fare of around $230.
• United: Offers flights to Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ), making up roughly 10% of arrivals to Longboat Key. The average one-way fare is approximately $240, with premium cabin choices that may include premium economy and first class, depending on the route.
• JetBlue Airways: Services Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) and represents about 3% of arrivals to Longboat Key. The average fare for a one-way ticket is around $220.

Best time to fly to Longboat Key

The most popular months for travelers to fly to Longboat Key are February, March, and April, when peak temperatures in Longboat Key can reach up to 73.8°F in April. If you prefer quieter travel, consider August, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 83.5°F. For better deals, January usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $192, roughly 8% cheaper than the yearly average. Looking for additional cheaper months to fly? May, August, and September offer average one-way fares of around $197, 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 Longboat Key

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

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in Longboat Key

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

• Public transportation: From Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, Sarasota Seaport, a seaport, is located about 4.1 miles away by car.
• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Longboat Key, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car in Longboat Key is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in Longboat Key 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 Longboat Key

• Sarasota: Sarasota is located 9 miles drive away from Longboat Key and boasts a vibrant city atmosphere perfect for families and beach lovers alike. Visitors can enjoy the stunning Lido Beach for a relaxing day in the sun, explore the upscale shops and eateries at St. Armands Circle, or immerse themselves in culture at the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. This city is a delightful blend of beachside relaxation and urban charm, making it a great day trip destination.
• Bradenton Beach: Situated 5 miles drive away from Longboat Key, Bradenton Beach is a fantastic spot for outdoor enthusiasts and families. The picturesque Coquina Beach is ideal for sunbathing and water activities, while Bean Point Beach offers scenic views and a serene atmosphere. Don't miss a stroll along the Historic Bridge Street Pier, where you can soak in the sunset and enjoy local dining options. This beach town encapsulates the essence of a laid-back coastal getaway.
• Bradenton: Bradenton is located 13 miles drive away from Longboat Key and is known for its family-friendly attractions and outdoor spaces. Whether you’re interested in a leisurely stroll along the Riverwalk or shopping at Main Street at Lakewood Ranch, the city caters to various interests. The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature provides a great opportunity for educational exploration, while the local golf courses offer a chance to enjoy the Florida sunshine. Bradenton is a perfect mix of recreation and culture.

Tips for short-haul flights to Longboat Key

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 using mini toiletries, wearing your bulkiest clothing, and organizing your outfits wisely. This strategy also helps you avoid the wait at baggage claim upon arrival.
• Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights may not provide in-flight entertainment. Download your favorite TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts ahead of time and consider bringing a book to keep yourself entertained. 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 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 at the airport.

Tips for long-haul flights to Longboat Key

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 may allow you to select your seat for free once online check-in opens, typically 24–48 hours before your flight. Some airlines provide seat selection options even earlier.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—aim to arrive at least 3 hours prior to 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 stores, grab a coffee, or unwind at your gate or in a departure lounge if you have access. Most airports offer free Wi-Fi for your convenience.
• Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—begin syncing your body clock by changing your watch and modifying your sleep schedule to align with your destination's time zone. Try to sleep or stay awake on the flight according to the local time at your arrival point to help minimize jet lag.

Tips to find the cheapest flights to Longboat Key

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to Longboat Key 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 Longboat Key. 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 Longboat Key. 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 Longboat Key, 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 Longboat Key

The lowest price for round-trip flights to Longboat Key in 2026 starts from $81, while one-way tickets start from from $44. 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 Longboat Key. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to Longboat Key

Frontier Airlines, Allegiant Air, Breeze Airways, Southwest Airlines, United, Delta are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to Longboat Key. 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 Longboat Key and countless more destinations worldwide.

The most affordable airports to fly into

To view the cheapest airports to fly into for Longboat Key, 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 Longboat Key. 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 Longboat Key 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 Longboat Key

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 Longboat Key.

Stopover savings

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