Winter Blues got you down? I spent New Years in Florida and I’m already ready to jet set somewhere warm again. I think I often take for granted just how lucky we are here in Charlotte to have an American Airlines hub and have direct flights to so many destinations not only domestically but world wide. Especially if you are on a tight schedule that direct flight can make a world of difference! So in my quest to get out of this miserable cold and rain I decided to just see what some of my options are. Obviously there are way more than what I’ve included but here are 8 of what I consider the best direct domestic flights from Charlotte to warm weather destinations.
Some places on this list make for an easy weekend getaway. I love to sneak out of work around noon on a Friday, head to the airport where I can be somewhere before dinner, spend all day Saturday, and head home late afternoon Sunday. I also had to include some destinations that most likely call for a slightly longer stay (aka a longer flight). Because those vacation days won’t use themselves and you deserve a reward for making it through the holiday season.
Most of these are places I have been so they come personally recommended. I’ve also tried to provide you at least somewhat of an idea of things to do on your trip. If you’re craving even more warm weather and have a passport stay tuned for the international version of this list. But go ahead and give this one a browse, daydreaming never hurt anyone. Several of these places had direct domestic flights from Charlotte for under $100. Which how can you say no to that? Especially when I remind you the forecast is cold and rain here.
Key West, FL
American offers a direct flight from Charlotte to Key West multiple times a day. And it’s only a little over 2 hours making this tropical island paradise a quick getaway! Visitors love the bars, gorgeous beaches, and of course that Key Lime Pie! There are also numerous museums (I’ve been to the Hemmingway House) and everything is walkable on this small island. Expect weather in the upper 60s and lower 70s.
Pheonix, AZ
For a slightly longer than a weekend getaway consider the desert and Phoenix. American offers a round trip flight or several other airlines offer connecting options. Phoenix itself has a lot to offer and so do neighboring towns like Scottsdale. Perhaps you’d like to make the short drive to the red rocks of Sedona (though be advised it’s colder!) or even to the Grand Canyon!
Miami, FL
Spirit and American both offer direct flights to Miami. And some a pretty reasonable! At just a two hour flight you can easily jet down after work Friday and head home Sunday night. Because admit it being on the beach instead of in brisk temperatures and rain is extremely enticing.
Jacksonville, FL
American will get you to Jacksonville in less than an hour and a half. Enjoy the city or venue to one of the nearby beaches- Jacksonville Beach or Ponte Vedra are two I’d personally recommend. Or rent a car and make the short drive to Amelia Island to the north or south to Historic St. Augustine. When I was in Jacksonville over New Years a few years ago the temperatures were in the 80s which is exactly what I’d love right now!
Las Vegas, NV
Vegas is calling! American and Spirit will both get you there nonstop. Enjoy some gambling, incredible restaurants, world class shows, or a pool day in the sun. Heck you may even come out ahead on this vacation!
San Diego, CA
It’s sunny and 75 pretty much year round in southern California. You’ll need some time as it is a 4 hour flight but downtown San Diego is an incredible city. Enjoying restaurants, bars, and shopping the Gaslamp Quarter, visit SeaWorld, Coronado Island, or one of my favorite beaches La Jolla. I’ve also flown into San Diego and made the drive to Disneyland if you’re feeling adventurous and not afraid of traffic!
Tampa, FL
You can choose to take the hour and a half flight to Tampa from Charlotte on Spirit, Frontier, or American with the first two offering flights for less than $100. The Tampa Bay area offers fun city amenities, I’d personally recommend The Vinoy Hotel in downtown St. Pete. You’re also a close drive to so incredible Florida Gulf Coast beaches like St. Pete Beach, Clearwater, and Treasure Island.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Yes San Juan is a domestic destination as Puerto Rico is an unincorporated US territory. The Caribbean island features a landscape of mountains, waterfalls and the El Yunque tropical rainforest. San Juan is home to old San Juan and the picturesque Spanish colonial architecture. American has your ticket to San Juan and it’s about a 3.5 hour flight from Charlotte.
