$44 Cheap Flights to Merna, IL

Flights to Merna at a glance

Traveling to Merna is easy, thanks to a variety of flight options from full-service airlines. Take the time to compare travel durations and select the flight that best aligns with your itinerary, so you can fully enjoy the city's renowned attractions and neighborhoods.

• Major airports near Merna: Greater Peoria Regional Airport (PIA), Central Illinois Regional Airport (BMI), University Of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Williard Airport (CMI)
• Closest airport to Merna: Central Illinois Regional Airport, BMI (around 5 miles)
• Flights per week: 1,350+ flights arriving across Merna airports
• Number of airlines that fly to Merna: around 4 carriers

Popular airports near Merna

Merna is a charming village perfect for outdoor adventures, family getaways, and eco-friendly retreats. Visitors are drawn to its opportunities for cultural experiences, wellness, and relaxation. The village is conveniently accessible via three major airports.

• Greater Peoria Regional Airport (PIA): Situated in Peoria County, Illinois, approximately 47 miles from Merna, this airport caters to both domestic and international flights, offering connections to over 85 domestic cities and 4 destinations abroad. Passengers have the option to upgrade to first-class service for enhanced comfort, depending on their chosen airline and route. American Airlines and United are among the prominent carriers at this airport.
• Central Illinois Regional Airport (BMI): Found in McLean County, Illinois, just about 5 miles from Merna, this airport operates both domestic and international flights, linking travelers to around 55 domestic cities and 2 international locations. Passengers can opt for first class or premium economy seating for additional comfort, depending on the airline and route. Major airlines serving this airport include American Airlines, Delta, and Aeromexico.
• University Of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Williard Airport (CMI): Located in Champaign County, Illinois, roughly 44 miles from Merna, this airport primarily handles domestic routes, connecting to more than 30 cities nationwide. Travelers can choose to upgrade to first-class service for a more comfortable journey, based on the airline and route selected. American Airlines is a key airline operating at this location.

Top routes to Merna

• Dallas (DFW) to Merna (PIA/CMI/BMI), with one-way flights starting at around $130
• Denver (DEN) to Merna (PIA/CMI/BMI), with one-way fares starting at around $100
• Houston (IAH/HOU) to Merna (PIA/CMI/BMI), with one-way fares starting at around $100
• Seattle (SEA) to Merna (PIA/CMI/BMI), with one-way tickets available from around $120
• Atlanta (ATL) to Merna (PIA/CMI/BMI), with one-way fares starting at around $120

Cheapest routes to Merna

• Chicago (ORD) to Merna (PIA/CMI), with budget one-way fares from around $90
• Houston (IAH/HOU) to Merna (PIA/CMI/BMI), with budget one-way fares from around $100
• New York (LGA) to Merna (PIA/CMI/BMI), with low one-way fares from around $100
• Orlando (MCO) to Merna (PIA/CMI/BMI), with cheap one-way fares from around $100
• Austin (AUS) to Merna (PIA/CMI/BMI), with low one-way fares from around $100

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

Top airlines with flights to Merna

• American Airlines: Operates flights to Greater Peoria Regional Airport (PIA), University Of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Williard Airport (CMI), and Central Illinois Regional Airport (BMI), making up about 65% of arrivals to Merna. The typical one-way fare is around $270, with premium cabin options possibly including first class based on the route.
• United: Services the Greater Peoria Regional Airport (PIA) and represents approximately 26% of arrivals to Merna. The average fare for a one-way ticket is roughly $260.
• Delta: Flies into Central Illinois Regional Airport (BMI), contributing nearly 9% of arrivals to Merna. One-way fares are about $280, and premium cabin options may include premium economy and first class, depending on the route.
• Aeromexico: Provides service to Central Illinois Regional Airport (BMI), with one-way fares averaging around $210.

How to save money on a flight to Merna

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

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in Merna

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

• Public transportation: From Greater Peoria Regional Airport, Peoria Bus Station, a bus station, is located about 6.3 miles away by car, providing convenient access for travelers needing ground transportation.
• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Merna, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car in Merna is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in Merna 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 Merna

• Normal: Normal is located 9 miles away from Merna and is a vibrant city that offers a blend of culture, family-friendly activities, and urban experiences. Visitors are drawn to the area's educational attractions, shopping centers, and modern amenities. Key points of interest include the historic Illinois State University, where one can immerse in culture, and the Redbird Arena, ideal for family entertainment. Don't miss the Children's Discovery Museum, a delightful spot for families looking to engage with interactive exhibits and learn together.
• Bloomington: Bloomington is located 12 miles drive away from Merna and is known for its rich cultural offerings and outdoor adventures. This city features an array of venues for family fun and education, including the impressive Grossinger Motors Arena, which hosts various events. History buffs will enjoy the Illinois Wesleyan University and the McLean County Museum of History, both showcasing the region's heritage. For outdoor enthusiasts, the nearby national state park provides scenic landscapes and opportunities for exploration.
• Towanda: Towanda is located 5 miles away from Merna and is an excellent destination for outdoor lovers and families seeking adventure. The city boasts recreational areas and parks, making it easy to enjoy nature. Key attractions include the historic Illinois State University and the inviting Shepard Park Dog Park, perfect for a day out with family or pets. The Children's Discovery Museum also has a location here, offering a fun and educational environment for kids eager to discover and learn.

Tips for short-haul flights to Merna

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 heaviest clothing, and thoughtfully organizing your outfits. This strategy also helps you avoid the wait at baggage claim upon arrival.
• Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights may lack in-flight entertainment options. 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—even for short or domestic flights, it’s wise 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 Merna

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 begins, typically 24–48 hours before your flight. Some airlines may allow seat selection even earlier.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—make it a point 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 some extra time, take the opportunity to browse 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 available.
• 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 point to help minimize jet lag.

Tips to find the cheapest flights to Merna

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to Merna 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 Merna. 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 Merna. 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 Merna, 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 Merna

The lowest price for round-trip flights to Merna in 2026 starts from $100, 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 Merna. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to Merna

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

The most affordable airports to fly into

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

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 Merna.

Stopover savings

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