Staying in Scranton is easy. Leaving just got even easier.
I recently wrote a blog about my favorite way to travel from the Scranton area to New York City, and judging by the response, you all like saving money just as much as I do. I've also started posting shorter versions of these blogs over on TikTok (@SeeYouonHighStreet), where that travel guide reached over 50,000 people. If you're more of a short-form person, or just find yourself falling victim to the endless scroll like I do, I'd love to have you over there as well.
Although we may not have a direct train leaving Scranton just yet, we do have a powerful airport that many seem to overlook. The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport (AVP) is home to airlines like American, United, and most recently, Breeze Airways. Before Breeze arrived, it was difficult to justify flying out of Scranton if saving money was your goal. More often than not, the cheapest option involved driving to Newark, Philadelphia, or New York City, hoping the savings outweighed the gas, tolls, parking, and the inevitable traffic.
Since arriving in early 2024, Breeze Airways has completely changed that conversation. They specialize in connecting smaller cities with destinations people actually want to visit, all while keeping prices surprisingly affordable. Their nonstop destinations from Scranton continue to grow, currently including, not limited to, Orlando, Tampa, Myrtle Beach, and now Fort Lauderdale. I've already flown Breeze from Scranton to Orlando, and they definitely earned their name. It was one of the easiest travel days I've had in a long time.
Now Breeze has added one of my favorite vacation destinations: Fort Lauderdale. While most people immediately think "Miami," Fort Lauderdale is only about 40 minutes away and often comes with lower hotel prices and a much more relaxed feel. Whether you're planning a beach trip, a weekend in Miami, or even a cruise out of Port Everglades, this route opens up a lot of possibilities.
The best part, of course, is the price. As of July 5, 2026, fares start at just $59 one-way, including taxes and fees. Better yet, this isn't one random sale date hidden somewhere on the calendar. These fares are available on multiple departures throughout September and beyond. With flights operating on Wednesdays and Saturdays, it's also one of those rare trips where you only need three PTO days and still get Sunday at home before heading back to work Monday morning.
At this point, you're probably thinking the same thing I did when I first saw the fare: What's the catch?
The flight may only be $59, but a cheap vacation can quickly become an expensive one if you aren't paying attention to the details. Fortunately, after flying Breeze and spending quite a bit of time in South Florida over the past few years, I've picked up a few tricks that can save you money before you even leave the airport.
Bags
Every Breeze fare includes one personal item measuring 17 x 13 x 8 inches, which is actually more generous than most people realize. A backpack or small duffel easily fits within those dimensions, and for a long weekend, that's usually all I bring. If you do need additional luggage, carry-ons generally start around $35 and checked bags around $40. Just make sure you purchase them when booking or before check-in because airport pricing is noticeably higher. I will say, from my own experience flying Breeze, they've been fairly relaxed with personal item sizing, especially when the flight isn't completely full. I wouldn't abuse it, but they're certainly not standing there measuring every backpack that comes onboard.
Seats
You'll also be asked if you'd like to purchase a seat during checkout. The good news is that you don't have to. Simply scroll to the bottom of the page and continue without selecting one. If you're traveling with someone else on the same reservation, Breeze will almost always keep you together anyway. If having an aisle or window seat is important to you, you can always check the seat map after booking and purchase a specific seat later if the flight starts filling up.
Getting Around South Florida
I've traveled between Fort Lauderdale and Miami quite a few different ways over the years, and honestly, your transportation after landing can make just as much of a difference as the flight itself.
If saving money is the goal, public transportation is tough to beat. Fort Lauderdale International Airport offers a free shuttle to nearby transit stations, where you can continue into Miami for around $5. It takes a little longer than driving, but if your prioritization is making the trip as economical as possible, it is hard to beat.
My favorite option, though, is the Brightline train. It's clean, modern, fast, and makes traveling between Fort Lauderdale and Miami feel like part of the vacation instead of just another step to get there.
Basic fares typically start around $18, while Premium fares are often around $59 depending on the day and departure. I almost always book Premium. You get access to the lounge before departure with complimentary food, drinks, beer, and wine, plus larger seats and additional snacks and spirits once you're on board. If that's your travel style, it's a fun way to kick off the trip.
That being said, I also don't believe every vacation needs to be upgraded just because the option is there. Sometimes the extra money is better spent on a nice dinner, another excursion, or extending your trip by a day. Travel the way that makes the most sense for you.
Of course, Uber and Lyft are still the easiest options if you're staying somewhere they make sense. Before requesting a ride, I always compare both apps. It only takes a few seconds, and it's surprising how often one is noticeably cheaper than the other. Be sure to save this information for leaving the airport and just generally traveling around the South of Florida.
Overall
For a long time, finding an affordable flight meant driving to Newark, Philadelphia, or New York before the vacation even began. Breeze has completely changed that for many of us in Northeast Pennsylvania, and I genuinely hope they continue expanding their route network from Scranton. The more destinations we can reach directly from AVP, the better.
As for South Florida, this blog really only scratches the surface. I've spent quite a bit of time exploring the area over the years and have built up plenty of recommendations, from restaurants to transportation, hotels, and experiences that range from budget-friendly to a little more luxurious. Whether you're looking to stretch every dollar or decide where it's worth spending a little extra, I've got an opinion on it.
If that's something you'd like to see, let me know. I'd love to share more of my experiences with you all. Until then, I hope I have convinced you to travel some more. Whether on rail to New York or in the air to Florida.
For more travel related content, be sure to be following my TikTok, @SeeYouonHighStreet.