Survey: Long Beach Airport offered cheapest flights in the nation in 2016

Long Beach Airport offered the most affordable flights in the nation this year, according to a recent report that compared pricing and travel trends in airports across the U.S.

This marks the third time in four years that Long Beach Airport has eaed the No. 1 spot in the aual Airport Affordability Index published by cheapflights.com. In 2015 the airport’s ranking fell to the seventh spot.

“The Cheapflights.com survey shows why it is so important to comparison shop when searching for airfare,” Interim Airport Director Juan López-Rios said in a statement. “Travelers are currently enjoying some of the best prices in recent history for airfare, which is why it is such a bonus for Long Beach Airport to be at the top of the list.”

The study looks at the 101 most searched airports on the website and ranks the average airfare users find to the most popular destinations during June, while also comparing fares to the previous year, according to city officials. The average airfare at LGB was $202.

The study also found an overall decrease in the average airfare, showing about a $150 drop from the 2015 average.

“It’s great to hear that Long Beach Airport has regained the No. 1 spot for affordability,” Mayor Robert Garcia said in a statement. “Long Beach is the gateway to Southe Califoia, and having the most affordable airport in the country is an incredible economic asset for our city.”

Second to LGB was Dallas/Fort Worth Inteational Airport with an average cost of $203 followed by LaGuardia Airport in New York with an average flight cost of $215.