$161 Cheap Flights to Northwood, IA

Flights to Northwood at a glance

Traveling to Northwood is easy, thanks to full-service airlines offering a range of flight choices. Compare travel times and select the option that best fits your schedule as you plan to discover the city’s renowned attractions and neighborhoods.

• Major airports near Northwood: Rochester International Airport (RST), Waterloo Regional Airport (ALO), Mason City Municipal Airport (MCW)
• Closest airport to Northwood: Mason City Municipal Airport, MCW (around 21 miles)
• Flights per week: 650+ flights arriving across Northwood airports
• Number of airlines that fly to Northwood: around 3 carriers

Popular airports near Northwood

Northwood is a charming city ideal for romantic getaways, business trips, and family vacations. Visitors are drawn to its beautiful scenery, outdoor activities, wellness options, and relaxation opportunities. The city is conveniently accessed via three major airports.

• Rochester International Airport (RST): Situated in Olmsted County, Minnesota, approximately 49 miles from Northwood, this airport offers both domestic and international flights, with connections to over 75 domestic locations and 3 international ones. Travelers can opt for premium economy or first-class service for enhanced comfort, depending on their airline and route. Major carriers include American Airlines and Delta.
• Waterloo Regional Airport (ALO): Found in Black Hawk County, Iowa, around 75 miles from Northwood, this airport provides domestic flights to about 6 cities nationwide. American Airlines is the primary airline operating from this airport, making it a convenient choice for local travelers.
• Mason City Municipal Airport (MCW): Located in Cerro Gordo County, Iowa, just 21 miles from Northwood, this airport serves domestic flights to roughly 2 cities across the United States. The main airline operating here is United, offering travelers a straightforward option for their journey.

Top routes to Northwood

• Chicago (ORD) to Northwood (RST/MCW), with one-way flights starting at around $100
• Denver (DEN) to Northwood (RST), with one-way tickets available from around $110
• Washington (IAD/DCA) to Northwood (RST), with one-way fares starting at around $110
• Phoenix (PHX) to Northwood (RST), with one-way flight options from around $120
• New York (JFK/LGA) to Northwood (RST), with one-way airfare from around $110

Cheapest routes to Northwood

• Chicago (ORD) to Northwood (RST/MCW), with low-cost one-way tickets from around $100
• Detroit (DTW) to Northwood (RST), with low-cost one-way tickets from around $100
• Denver (DEN) to Northwood (RST), with low-cost one-way tickets from around $110
• Washington (IAD/DCA) to Northwood (RST), with budget one-way fares from around $110
• New York (JFK/LGA) to Northwood (RST), with cheap 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 Northwood

• American Airlines: Provides service to Waterloo Regional Airport (ALO) and Rochester International Airport (RST), representing roughly 51% of Northwood’s arrivals. The typical one-way fare hovers around $270, with premium cabin options possibly including first class depending on the route.
• Delta: Operates flights to Rochester International Airport (RST), accounting for about 47% of arrivals to Northwood. Average one-way fares are around $270, and premium cabins may feature both premium economy and first class, contingent on the route.
• United: Flies into Mason City Municipal Airport (MCW), contributing approximately 1% of arrivals to Northwood. The average fare for a one-way ticket is about $220.

Best time to fly to Northwood

The most popular months for travelers to fly to Northwood are January, March, and April, when peak temperatures in Northwood can reach up to 45.9°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 63.3°F. For better deals, May usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $249, roughly 11% cheaper than the yearly average. Looking for additional cheaper months to fly? July, June, and August offer average one-way fares of around $266, 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 Northwood

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

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in Northwood

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

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

• Kensett: Located 6 miles away from Northwood, Kensett is a charming city that offers a delightful blend of outdoor activities, family-friendly experiences, and urban exploration. Visitors can enjoy the scenic urban parks and a beautiful lake. Key highlights include the Historic Park Inn Hotel and City National Bank, which reflect the town's rich culture, and the Buddy Holly Crash Site, a poignant memorial for music enthusiasts. For nature lovers, the Lime Creek Nature Center provides eco-friendly insights and a refreshing escape into the great outdoors.
• Glenville: Glenville is located 9 miles away from Northwood and is an ideal destination for couples seeking romance and a vibrant city experience. This lovely city features beautiful recreational areas, including the picturesque Fountain Lake, perfect for a romantic day out or a scenic picnic. The Albert Lea City Arena offers family-friendly entertainment options, while the modern Riverland Community College - Austin Campus adds a unique touch to the local landscape. With its charming urban parks and inviting atmosphere, Glenville is a great spot for leisurely exploration.
• Manly: Manly is located 11 miles away from Northwood and is well-suited for families and those looking for entertainment and outdoor fun. This lively city boasts attractions such as the Surf Ballroom and Museum, a must-visit for culture enthusiasts, and an amusement park that provides hours of enjoyment for the young and young-at-heart. The urban parks offer space for relaxation and play, while the Lime Creek Nature Center invites eco-conscious travelers to appreciate the environment. Manly’s combination of attractions makes it a great stop for all.

Tips for short-haul flights to Northwood

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 planning your outfits strategically. This approach also helps you avoid waiting at baggage claim upon arrival.
• Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights might 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 prior to departure, taking into account traffic and potential 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 Northwood

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 opens, typically 24–48 hours before your flight. Some airlines may provide the option to select seats even earlier.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—aim to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure for international flights to ensure you have enough time for 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 changing your watch and adjusting your sleep schedule to align with your destination's time zone. Try to rest 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 Northwood

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to Northwood 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

October is the cheapest month to fly to Northwood. 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 Northwood. 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 Northwood, 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 Northwood

The lowest price for round-trip flights to Northwood in 2026 starts from $202, while one-way tickets start from from $161. 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 Northwood. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to Northwood

United are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to Northwood. 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 Northwood and countless more destinations worldwide.

The most affordable airports to fly into

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

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 Northwood.

Stopover savings

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