$149 Cheap Flights from Columbus (CMH) to Phoenix (PHX)

Columbus (CMH) to Phoenix (PHX) at a glance

Embark on your journey from John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) to Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) with a range of airlines catering to this popular domestic route. Whether you’re looking for full-service options or budget-friendly fares, you can easily compare choices to identify the best itinerary that aligns with your budget and schedule. Explore the vibrant sights and neighborhoods of Phoenix while finding the most suitable Columbus to Phoenix airfare for your travel plans.

• Fastest flight duration: around 4h 30m non-stop
• Route distance: roughly 1,700 miles (2,740 km)
• Flights per week: around 20+ flights with multiple daily departures on average
• Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $135–$490, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) to Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)

Based on recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from Columbus to Phoenix, primarily for non-stop and one-stop options. Common layover points include Denver International Airport (DEN, approximately 1h 15m), O'Hare International Airport (ORD, around 1h 15m), and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW, about 1h 15m). These choices offer flexibility in balancing cost, total travel time, and cabin class, helping you to craft the ideal itinerary.

• American Airlines: This comprehensive carrier provides both non-stop and one-stop options, with one-way tickets generally priced between $155 and $535. It handles about 50% of the flights on this route, boasting a standard non-stop travel duration of 4 hours and 30 minutes.
• Southwest Airlines: Known for its budget-friendly fares, this airline also offers non-stop and one-stop services, with one-way costs typically between $135 and $500. It accounts for about 31% of the departures on this route, with a non-stop flight time of 4 hours and 30 minutes.
• Delta: As a full-service airline providing one-stop travel, Delta's one-way fares range from $145 to $535. It represents roughly 7% of the departures on this route, with an in-flight duration of 5 hours and 30 minutes and a total travel time of about 6 hours and 45 minutes, including layover.
• Frontier Airlines: This low-cost airline specializes in one-stop services, with one-way fares typically ranging from $135 to $280. Frontier makes up around 6% of the total departures on this route, offering an in-flight time of 5 hours and 30 minutes, with a total journey time of approximately 6 hours and 45 minutes, including layover.
• United: A full-service airline that provides one-stop travel, United's one-way fares usually fall between $160 and $640. It constitutes about 5% of the departures on this route, with an in-flight duration of 5 hours and 30 minutes and a total journey time of around 6 hours and 45 minutes, factoring in the layover.

Travelers flying from Columbus to Phoenix can enhance their journey by upgrading to first class, available through both American Airlines and United for added comfort and service.

Best time to fly from Columbus (CMH) to Phoenix (PHX)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Columbus to Phoenix are February, March, and April, when peak temperatures in Phoenix reach up to 74.5°F in April. If you prefer quieter travel, consider August, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 94.8°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $240). Flight availability peaks in March, September, and October, with approximately 28 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times.

• Cheapest time to fly: August usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $240, roughly 12% cheaper than the yearly average.
• More budget-friendly months to fly: May, November, and October typically offer average one-way fares roughly ranging from $249 to $261.
• Most flight options: March, September, and October have the highest number of flights from Columbus to Phoenix, with approximately 28 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.

*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.

Alternative routes from Columbus (CMH) to Phoenix (PHX)

• Columbus to Phoenix (OSU-PHX): Ohio State University Airport (OSU) lies approximately 11 miles from John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), making it a convenient option for travelers.
• Columbus to Phoenix (LCK-PHX): Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK) is located around 13 miles away from John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), offering another access point for this route.
• Columbus to Mesa (CMH-AZA): Phoenix - Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) is roughly 22 miles from Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), providing additional travel options for passengers heading to the area.

How to find the best prices for flights from Columbus (CMH) to Phoenix (PHX)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Columbus to Phoenix is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

1. Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are usually found when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, which is also when most travelers make their reservations. Evening departures from 6 PM to 12 AM tend to be less expensive, while morning flights between 5 AM and 12 PM are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Tuesday often yields cheaper prices, though Thursday is the busiest travel day.
2. Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
3. Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.*
4. 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.
5. Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
6. 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 allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.

*Members only. Savings vary and are not available on all bundles. Select hotels.

Arriving at Sky Harbor International Airport from John Glenn Columbus International Airport

Phoenix welcomes travelers from Columbus with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Phoenix efficiently:

• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Phoenix, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car from Sky Harbor International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Sky Harbor International Airport on Expedia.
• Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.
• Public transportation: From Sky Harbor International Airport, Terminal 3 Station, a metro station, is located just 0.1 miles away on foot, while the Phoenix Airport Bus Stop, a bus station, is situated about 0.2 miles away on foot, providing convenient access to public transport options for travelers.

Columbus to Phoenix Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Columbus to Phoenix

On average, Thursday can be the cheapest time to fly, according to data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), one of the world's biggest databases for global airline sales. The data reveals that you could save up to 16% by flying on a Thursday—the cheapest day to travel on average—instead of a Sunday—the most expensive. Some of the most affordable flights from Columbus to Phoenix are during the month of September. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Columbus to Phoenix with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

The best time to book a flight from Columbus to Phoenix

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Columbus to Phoenix: Tickets reserved on a Sunday cost between 6% and 13% less than those reserved on a Friday, according to ARC data. The data also suggests booking early can also lead to cheaper airfares. You could save 24% by buying your tickets for domestic flights at least a month in advance and 10% by booking international flights 2 months in advance.

How to find cheap round-trip tickets from Columbus to Phoenix

Being flexible with your dates and using Expedia's Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking features are some of the best ways of finding a cheap ticket from Columbus to Phoenix in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $149 one-way. Expedia also offers Price Drop Protection, so if the cost of your airfare goes down after booking, you'll receive a credit for the difference*. This is available for a small fee, and is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

Expedia's Price Tracking feature means you can stay on top of airfares without manually checking every day. It sends you automated price alerts for cheap Columbus to Phoenix flights and uses historical data to indicate when the best time to book is. Download Expedia's free app to activate this handy tool in a few easy taps.

You could also save big by booking one of Expedia's vacation packages. Bundling together your Columbus to Phoenix airfare with your accommodations and car rental is often cheaper than booking everything separately. There’s also One Key, Expedia's generous rewards program. Join for free and you could earn One Key cash on most bookings to save on future adventures.

*Terms apply.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.