Escape BHM with direct flights to these 19 destinations now

If you’ve walked outside recently and thought “who cranked the heat up to full blast?” you’re probably with me in having some escape fantasies right about now.

Luckily, Birmingham now has 19 direct flights you can book to get outta town, so what are you waiting for?

To make it even more fun, I’ve ranked them from highest to lowest current temps in case you’re looking for a cooler clime. You’re welcome.

Places for heat-lovers or those who want to visit indoor attractions

Yes, you can get a direct flight from Birmingham to most of these places, but as my Mom would say, “Why would you want to?”

All joking aside, there are tons of fun things to do in each of these spots, and every single one is a jumping-off point for other adventures you can have.

• Phoenix – 117/89: Plan your Grand Canyon vacation once Southwest starts direct flights there this November.
• Las Vegas – 113/85: Even if gambling’s not your scene, and it’s too hot to explore the great outdoors, I have it on good authority that The Sphere alone is worth the trip.
• Baltimore – 98/82: Baltimore’s a great jumping-off point to the Chesepeake Bay, the DC area, West Virginia, Delaware + more. Head to Charm City on Southwest.
• Houston International or Hobby – 98/81: Head to Space Center Houston, go indoor skydiving or relax at Hines Water Wall Park. Southwest is your ticket to the nation’s fourth largest city.
• Washington, DC – 98/80: There’s always more to see at The Smithsonian. Fly to Reagan National or BWI on Southwest.

• Charlotte, NC – 98/77: Explore the city or head to the mountains. Your choice, after American drops you off.
• Philadelphia – 94/79: See the Liberty Bell in the City of Brotherly Love, head to Amish Country or eat a Philly Cheesesteak. Get there on Southwest or American.
• Atlanta – 93/85: If you’ve never seen the whale shark at The Atlanta Aquarium, you haven’t lived. Fly there on Delta.
• Dallas Love Field + Ft. Worth – 92/74: If life takes you to Dallas in the summer, head to the Dallas Galleria Ice Skating Center via American.
• Ft. Lauderdale – 91/79: Whether you’re in the mood for Ft. Lauderdale’s beaches or want to head to Latin America or the Caribbean, Spirit Air can get you there.

These spots have slightly cooler temps than BHM

• Miami – 90/80: Check out the Everglades, Little Havana + more, after you fly there with American.
• Nashville – 90/68: By the time Southwest starts direct flights there this November, this heat will hopefully be a memory.

To beat the heat, head to one of these destinations

• New York City – 85/74: After taking Delta’s new-ish non-stop flight to NYC last month, I can personally vouch for this one. Get out on the water if you can to enjoy the best breezes.
• Denver – 83/59: Check out the city that has 26 Michelin-recognized restaurants, plenty of patios for you to enjoy, craft breweries galore and the Colorado mountains on your doorstep. Southwest can take you there.
• Chicago O’Hare + Midway – 82/64: So much to do in The Windy City, from comedy at Second City to The Museum of Ice Cream, Cocktail Cruises + more. Fly there on Southwest.
• Detroit – 81/67: From Detroit, you’re just a bridge away from Ontario, Canada, and close to Ann Arbor, the Upper Peninsula, the Great Lakes + more. Fly there on Delta.

Prefer to fly out of Huntsville? Check out all the places you can go on nonstop flights from Rocket City.

Have a different city on your list? Visit the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport’s site for even more direct routes and the most up-to-date information.