Flying to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is an exciting experience. Nestled in the heart of the Piedmont Triad region, Winston-Salem offers a charming mix of historical landmarks, arts, and Southern hospitality. Whether you’re visiting for business, leisure, or a bit of both, choosing the best flight can make your travel experience smoother and more enjoyable. Over the years, I’ve traveled to Winston-Salem from several major U.S. cities, and I’ve discovered that with the right planning, getting to this beautiful city can be straightforward and comfortable.
In this article, I’ll share the best flight options from major U.S. cities to Winston-Salem, focusing on the key airlines, flight details, and tips for booking your tickets. As someone who has flown to this city numerous times, I’ll also provide insights into which flights worked best for me and how I managed to secure the most convenient and affordable tickets.
1. Flights from New York City to Winston-Salem
Flight Route: New York (JFK or LaGuardia) to Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO)
Airlines: American Airlines, Delta, United Airlines
Flying from New York City to Winston-Salem is one of the most popular routes. Given the high number of daily flights, travelers can often find flexible and affordable options. However, I’ve found that the best way to get to Winston-Salem is through a connecting flight at Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO) in Greensboro, which is about 30 minutes away from Winston-Salem.
Recommended Flight: Delta Airlines Flight DL1941
- Departure: LaGuardia (LGA) – New York City
- Arrival: Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO) – Greensboro, NC
- Stopover: Atlanta (ATL)
- Total Duration: Approximately 4.5 to 5 hours, including the layover
- Ticket Price: Around $150–$250 (varies depending on the season and booking window)
I took this flight last year, and I was impressed by the seamless connection in Atlanta. The layover was just the right amount of time, giving me a chance to stretch and grab a bite. The in-flight service on Delta was fantastic, with friendly staff and comfortable seating. The total duration was perfect for a quick getaway without feeling too rushed.
Booking Tips:
To secure the best price on this route, book your flight about 6–8 weeks in advance. For those who travel frequently, you can also check out Delta’s Skymiles program to earn points that may help you with future flights. I booked through Delta’s website directly, and I’ve found it’s often more cost-effective than third-party platforms.
You can also use Google Flights to track prices and set alerts for this route. I’ve often been able to catch last-minute deals if I monitor the flights a few days ahead of my travel dates.
Booking Platform Recommendation: Delta Airlines Official Website
2. Flights from Los Angeles to Winston-Salem
Flight Route: Los Angeles (LAX) to Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO)
Airlines: American Airlines, Delta, United Airlines
The flight from Los Angeles to Winston-Salem isn’t a direct route, as there are no non-stop flights from LAX to GSO. Most flights have one layover, typically in Dallas, Charlotte, or Atlanta. From personal experience, I find that a layover in Charlotte is the most efficient and manageable.
Recommended Flight: American Airlines Flight AA5224
- Departure: Los Angeles (LAX)
- Arrival: Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO)
- Stopover: Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
- Total Duration: Approximately 5 to 6 hours, including layover
- Ticket Price: Around $250–$350 (depending on when you book)
This is one of my go-to flights when I’m traveling from Los Angeles to Winston-Salem. The layover in Charlotte is usually about 1.5 hours, which is the perfect time for a quick rest and some light shopping before the final leg of the journey. The American Airlines cabin service is always smooth, and I appreciate their efficient boarding process, especially when traveling with a carry-on bag.
Booking Tips:
Flights from Los Angeles tend to be more expensive, so booking early is essential. I use Expedia to check prices and compare with other sites like Priceline or Google Flights to ensure I’m getting the best deal. Also, checking flight prices mid-week, especially on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, can often yield cheaper rates compared to booking on weekends.
For frequent flyers, American Airlines’ AAdvantage program offers great benefits, including free checked bags and priority boarding. I’ve personally used the points to save on flights during my last few visits to Winston-Salem.
Booking Platform Recommendation: Expedia
3. Flights from Chicago to Winston-Salem
Flight Route: Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) to Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO)
Airlines: United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Airlines
Chicago is a major hub for flights to various U.S. cities, and there are plenty of options available to get to Winston-Salem. The most common flight from Chicago involves a layover at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), though it’s possible to find connections through Atlanta or Dallas/Fort Worth as well.
Recommended Flight: United Airlines Flight UA1951
- Departure: Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
- Arrival: Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO)
- Stopover: Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
- Total Duration: Approximately 4.5 to 5 hours, including layover
- Ticket Price: Around $220–$320
I flew this route with United Airlines and was impressed with the timeliness and overall comfort of the flight. The flight crew was friendly, and the seating was spacious, which made the 3-hour journey more pleasant. The layover in Charlotte was short, and the connection was easy to navigate, even for someone unfamiliar with the airport.
Booking Tips:
United Airlines often runs promotions, so I recommend subscribing to their MileagePlus newsletter to get alerts on deals. I’ve found that booking flights through United’s official website or Google Flights usually provides the best prices. Additionally, you can check Kayak for comprehensive comparisons of all airlines on this route.
If you’re flexible with your travel dates, using Skyscanner to look for the lowest fares in a month-long window can be an excellent strategy for getting cheaper tickets.
Booking Platform Recommendation: United Airlines Official Website
4. Flights from Atlanta to Winston-Salem
Flight Route: Atlanta (ATL) to Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO)
Airlines: Delta Airlines, Southwest Airlines, American Airlines
Atlanta, being a major hub for Delta, is one of the most convenient cities to fly from when heading to Winston-Salem. The direct flight from Atlanta to Greensboro is typically the most efficient route, with no layovers and a quick 1-hour flight time. I’ve flown this route many times, and it’s one of the easiest, especially with the numerous daily flights available.
Recommended Flight: Delta Airlines Flight DL2895
- Departure: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
- Arrival: Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO)
- Non-Stop Flight
- Total Duration: 1 hour
- Ticket Price: Around $100–$180
Delta offers numerous non-stop flights from Atlanta to Greensboro, making this one of the easiest and most affordable options for travel. With a short flight duration, I found the in-flight service to be efficient, and the legroom was surprisingly good for such a quick flight. The best part? The airport connection was a breeze, and I was in Winston-Salem within no time.
Booking Tips:
I usually book Delta flights directly through their website to avoid third-party fees. For those booking on a budget, checking Google Flights and Skyscanner for flight alerts can help you find discounted fares. If you’re flexible with your dates, booking earlier in the day tends to offer lower prices.
Booking Platform Recommendation: Delta Airlines Official Website
5. Flights from San Francisco to Winston-Salem
Flight Route: San Francisco (SFO) to Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO)
Airlines: United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Airlines
Traveling from San Francisco to Winston-Salem is not the shortest journey, but it’s well worth it for the unique experience. There are no direct flights from San Francisco to Winston-Salem, so the flight usually includes one or two stops.
Recommended Flight: American Airlines Flight AA121
- Departure: San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
- Arrival: Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO)
- Stopovers: Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) and Charlotte (CLT)
- Total Duration: Approximately 7.5 to 8 hours
- Ticket Price: Around $300–$450
I recently flew this route with American Airlines and appreciated the smooth connection through Dallas/Fort Worth, which is a major hub for American Airlines. The second stop in Charlotte was quick, and the flight to Greensboro was easy. I found the entire journey to be comfortable, and the crew was helpful throughout.
Booking Tips:
Flights from San Francisco to Winston-Salem tend to be more expensive, so booking early is essential. I often use Expedia for flights between the West Coast and the East Coast to compare prices. For those seeking cheaper alternatives, checking out Kayak for flexible date searches is a great way to lock in a deal.
Booking Platform Recommendation: Expedia
Flying to Winston-Salem is a straightforward journey, no matter where you’re coming from. By following these recommendations and booking in advance, you can enjoy a smooth and affordable trip to this charming city. Whether you’re flying from New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, or San Francisco, choosing the best flight route and airline is key to making your travel experience as comfortable as possible.
For the best deals, booking directly through airline websites like Delta, United, or American Airlines is a good starting point. Additionally, platforms such as Google Flights, Expedia, and Skyscanner are excellent resources for comparing flight prices and setting up alerts for last-minute discounts. Enjoy your trip to Winston-Salem!
