If you need a break from NC’s winter, here are 5 flights from RDU under $200

Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow on Monday, Feb. 2, signaling six more weeks of winter. While warmer days are in the forecast for the Triangle, with temperatures expected to top 70 degrees on some days next week, winter isn’t officially over until March 20.

So if you’re craving a true break from the winter blues, you may need to head out of town. Fortunately for budget-minded travelers, Raleigh-Durham International Airport offers plenty of affordable options for getting somewhere warmer.

The 19 airlines that operate at RDU fly to destinations across the country, giving travelers a range of choices, whether you’re chasing summer-like sunshine or just looking for a quick getaway.

The News & Observer reviewed Google Flights data for trips from Friday, Feb. 13 to March 20 and found four destinations with fares under $200.

Note: Prices were based Google Flights listings at the time of publication and do not include applicable taxes or fees. Actual fares may vary and are subject to change.

Orlando, Feb. 19-22

• Cost: $127
• Direct or nonstop: Nonstop
• Airline: Frontier
• Airport: Orlando International Airport

Miami, Feb. 28 to March 2

• Cost: $129
• Direct or nonstop: Nonstop
• Airline: Frontier
• Airport: Miami International Airport

New Orleans, Feb. 28 to March 2

• Cost: $160
• Direct or nonstop: Direct. The trip to New Orleans includes an 11-hour layover in Orlando and the flight back to Raleigh includes a one-hour layover in Atlanta.
• Airline: Frontier
• Airport: Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport

Fort Lauderdale, Feb. 28 to March 2

• Cost: $129
• Direct or nonstop: Nonstop
• Airline: Frontier
• Airport: Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport

Tampa, Feb. 19-22

• Cost: $108
• Direct or nonstop: Nonstop
• Airline: Frontier
• Airport: Tampa International Airport

Inspired by a story from The Kansas City Star in Missouri. Portions of this story were previously published in The Charlotte Observer.

This story was originally published February 13, 2026 at 4:24 PM.

Evan Moore

The Charlotte Observer

Evan Moore is a service journalism reporter for the Charlotte Observer. He grew up in Denver, North Carolina, where he previously worked as a reporter for the Denver Citizen, and is a UNC Charlotte graduate.