$89 Cheap Flights from Milwaukee (MKE) to Phoenix (PHX)

Milwaukee (MKE) to Phoenix (PHX) at a glance

Travel from Milwaukee (MKE) to Phoenix (PHX) with a range of airlines on this domestic short-haul route. Whether you’re searching for cheap flights from Milwaukee or prefer a full-service experience, you can compare options to find the itinerary that aligns with your budget and travel plans. Discover key details for flights departing from General Mitchell International Airport (MKE) to Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) as you prepare to explore the iconic sights and neighborhoods of Phoenix.

• Fastest flight duration: around 4 hours non-stop
• Route distance: roughly 1,500 miles (2,410 km)
• Flights per week: around 35+ flights with multiple daily departures on average
• Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $90–$380, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from General Mitchell International Airport (MKE) to Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)

According to recent traveler bookings, the top airlines flying from Milwaukee to Phoenix are favored for their non-stop and one-stop flight options. Common layover spots include Denver International Airport (DEN) with a layover of about 1 hour and 15 minutes, O'Hare International Airport (ORD) also at approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, and Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) with a layover of around 1 hour and 30 minutes. These choices allow you to mix and match price, total travel time, and cabin class to create the ideal itinerary.

• Southwest Airlines: Known for its budget-friendly approach, Southwest provides non-stop, one-stop, and multi-stop flights, with one-way fares generally between $110 and $360. It represents about 52% of departures on this route, with a standard non-stop travel time of 4 hours.
• American Airlines: As a comprehensive carrier, American Airlines offers both non-stop and one-stop options, with one-way prices typically ranging from $110 to $425. This airline accounts for roughly 29% of departures, featuring a typical non-stop flight duration of 4 hours.
• United: This full-service airline specializes in one-stop service, with one-way fares usually falling between $120 and $325. United handles about 9% of route departures, with an in-flight time of 5 hours and an overall journey time of approximately 6 hours and 15 minutes, including layovers.
• Frontier Airlines: A budget carrier, Frontier provides both non-stop and one-stop flights, with one-way fares typically ranging from $90 to $245. It makes up about 3% of total departures on this route, with a standard one-stop journey lasting 5 hours in-flight, totaling around 6 hours and 15 minutes.
• Sun Country Airlines: Offering non-stop services, this low-cost airline features one-way fares generally between $90 and $285. Sun Country accounts for about 1% of departures along this route, with a total travel time of 4 hours.

Travelers flying from Milwaukee to Phoenix can opt to enhance their journey by upgrading to first-class service with American Airlines, which is available on this route.

Best time to fly from Milwaukee (MKE) to Phoenix (PHX)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Milwaukee 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 and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 94.8°F. For better deals, September usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $183. Flight availability peaks in March, with approximately 48 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. January has the fewest flights, with approximately 27 flights per week.

• Cheapest time to fly: September usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $183, roughly 12% cheaper than the yearly average.
• More budget-friendly months to fly: August, January, and November typically offer average one-way fares of around $190.
• Most flight options: March has the highest number of flights from Milwaukee to Phoenix, with approximately 48 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 Milwaukee (MKE) to Phoenix (PHX)

• Racine to Phoenix (RAC-PHX): John H. Batten Airport (RAC) is located approximately 14 miles from General Mitchell International Airport (MKE), providing convenient access for travelers.
• Waukesha to Phoenix (UES-PHX): Waukesha County Airport (UES) sits about 18 miles from General Mitchell International Airport (MKE), making it a viable option for those heading to Phoenix.
• Milwaukee to Mesa (MKE-AZA): Phoenix - Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) is roughly 22 miles away from Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), offering additional travel choices for passengers.

How to find the best prices for flights from Milwaukee (MKE) to Phoenix (PHX)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Milwaukee 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 available when booking at least two months in advance, although most travelers tend to book between two to eight weeks ahead. Flights departing in the afternoon (12 PM to 6 PM) often offer lower prices, while morning flights (5 AM to 12 PM) are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Sunday typically provides cheaper rates, whereas Thursday remains the most favored 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 General Mitchell International Airport

Phoenix welcomes travelers from Milwaukee 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 about 0.1 miles from the airport on foot, while Phoenix Airport Bus Stop, a bus station, is situated approximately 0.2 miles away, also accessible on foot.

Milwaukee to Phoenix Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee to Phoenix are during the month of December. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Milwaukee to Phoenix with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

The best time to book a flight from Milwaukee to Phoenix

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee to Phoenix in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $89 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 Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee 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.