$50 Cheap Flights to Salem, SD

Flights to Salem at a glance

Traveling to Salem is easy—choose between full-service and budget airlines, compare flight times and select the best options that align with your plans and budget for discovering the city's renowned attractions and neighborhoods.

• Major airport near Salem: Sioux Falls Regional Airport (FSD)
• Flights per week: 1,350+ flights arriving at Salem airport
• Number of airlines that fly to Salem: around 10+ carriers

Popular airport near Salem

Salem, South Dakota, is a charming city ideal for outdoor adventures, picturesque scenery, and romantic getaways. Visitors are drawn to its family-friendly attractions and vibrant urban atmosphere. For easy access, Salem is well-served by major airports, including those near Salem, making travel planning straightforward.

• Sioux Falls Regional Airport (FSD): Situated in Minnehaha County, South Dakota, approximately 34 miles from Salem, this airport caters to both domestic and international flights. It connects travelers to over 145 domestic cities and 25 international destinations. Passengers have the option to upgrade to first class or premium economy service for enhanced comfort, based on their chosen routes and airlines. Key airlines operating here include American Airlines, United, and Delta.

Top routes to Salem

• Denver (DEN) to Salem (FSD), with one-way flight options from around $45
• Chicago (ORD) to Salem (FSD), with one-way airfare from around $95
• Phoenix (PHX) to Salem (FSD), with one-way tickets available from around $100
• Seattle (SEA) to Salem (FSD), with one-way airfare from around $120
• Portland (PWM/PDX) to Salem (FSD), with one-way tickets available from around $100

Cheapest routes to Salem

• Denver (DEN) to Salem (FSD), with low one-way fares from around $45
• Chicago (ORD) to Salem (FSD), with budget one-way fares from around $95
• Las Vegas (LAS) to Salem (FSD), with low-cost one-way tickets from around $100
• Nashville (BNA) to Salem (FSD), with low one-way fares from around $100
• Salt Lake City (SLC) to Salem (FSD), with budget 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 Salem

• American Airlines: Servicing Sioux Falls Regional Airport (FSD), American Airlines represents about 36% of arrivals in Salem. The typical one-way fare hovers around $300, with the possibility of first class available depending on the specific route.
• United: Also flying to Sioux Falls Regional Airport (FSD), United accounts for approximately 36% of the arrivals in Salem. The average fare for a one-way ticket is around $300, and first-class service may be offered depending on the route.
• Delta: Operating to Sioux Falls Regional Airport (FSD), Delta comprises roughly 21% of arrivals in Salem. The average one-way fare is about $290, with premium cabin selections that might include both premium economy and first class, depending on the route.
• Frontier Airlines: Providing flights to Sioux Falls Regional Airport (FSD), Frontier Airlines makes up around 6% of arrivals in Salem. The average one-way fare is approximately $160, making it a cost-effective choice for travelers.
• Alaska Airlines: Offering flights to Sioux Falls Regional Airport (FSD), Alaska Airlines has an average one-way fare of about $350. Specific route details may influence availability and pricing for their services.

Best time to fly to Salem

The most popular months for travelers to fly to Salem are February, March, and April, when peak temperatures in Salem can reach up to 46°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 64.6°F. For better deals, May, July, and August usually offer the lowest average one-way fares around $248, roughly 10% cheaper than the yearly average. Looking for additional cheaper months to fly? September offers an average one-way fare of around $255, making it a good option 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 Salem

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

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in Salem

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

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

• Emery: Located 14 miles away from Salem, Emery is a charming city perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and families. Visitors can enjoy a variety of recreational activities, including a scenic golf course and beautiful parks. Key attractions include the Highland Convention Center, ideal for business events; Hitchcock Park, a great spot for family outings; and the Dakota Discovery Museum, which offers insights into local history and culture. Whether you’re looking for breathtaking scenery or engaging family experiences, Emery has something for everyone.
• Canistota: Canistota is located 10 miles away from Salem and is known for its romantic ambiance and outdoor beauty. Here, travelers can explore a lovely lake and nearby national state park, perfect for nature walks and picnics. The town features interesting sites such as the 1880 Cowboy Town, which showcases the area’s rich history; East Vermillion Lake Dam, a serene spot for relaxation; and Porter Sculpture Park, where families can appreciate unique art in an outdoor setting. Canistota is a delightful destination for couples and nature lovers alike.
• Spencer: Situated 10 miles away from Salem, Spencer is a welcoming city ideal for families and outdoor activities. The town offers a dog park and a spacious urban park for leisurely strolls or energetic play. Notable points of interest include the Highland Convention Center for events and conferences, the historic Miner County Courthouse, and St. John's Lutheran Church, which adds to the town's cultural charm. Spencer invites visitors to enjoy its community spirit and outdoor experiences, making it a perfect stop for family adventures.

Tips for short-haul flights to Salem

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 versatile outfits. This strategy also helps you avoid waiting 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 occupied. Remember to fully charge your devices before boarding.
• 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 scheduled 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 Salem

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 typically allow seat selection for free once online check-in opens, usually 24–48 hours before your flight. Some airlines provide the option to select seats even earlier.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—make sure to get to the airport at least 3 hours before departure for international flights to account for check-in, security, and immigration procedures.
• Relax at the airport—if you have 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 to sync your body clock by changing your watch and adjusting your sleep schedule to align with your destination's time zone. Try 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 Salem

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to Salem 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

January is the cheapest month to fly to Salem. 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 Salem. 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 Salem, 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 Salem

The lowest price for round-trip flights to Salem in 2026 starts from $82, while one-way tickets start from from $50. 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 Salem. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to Salem

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

The most affordable airports to fly into

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

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 Salem.

Stopover savings

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