PLANE TICKETS ARE GETTING CHEAPER—HERE'S HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF IT THIS SUMMER
After years of sky-high airfare, travelers are finally getting some relief. In 2025, flight prices are trending downward, thanks to softening demand and broader economic uncertainty, especially for domestic trips. That means this summer could be one of the most affordable times in recent memory to book a getaway.
Whether you're dreaming of a beach vacation or a spontaneous international trip, a little smart planning could save you a lot of money. To really take advantage of these lower fares, timing, flexibility, and knowing where to look are key.
From setting up price alerts to picking less obvious destinations, there are more tools than ever to help you travel on a budget. Here’s how to make the most of the summer flight deals while they last.
How To Score Affordable Plane Tickets For Summer 2025
With airfare dipping, summer 2025 presents a perfect opportunity for budget-conscious travelers. The best way to secure a deal is to book early—ideally at least two to three months ahead. Airlines often release their lowest fares well in advance, especially for summer travel, and waiting too long can lead to missed savings.
Flexibility is also key. Midweek flights, particularly Tuesdays and Wednesdays, are typically cheaper than weekend travel. Red-eye departures or early morning flights can cut costs even more, so don’t shy away from a 6 a.m. takeoff if it means saving significant cash.
Consider flying on the actual holiday itself, such as Memorial Day and the Fourth of July, when demand may dip and prices fall.
Using technology to your advantage can also pay off. Set up fare alerts through platforms like Google Flights or Hopper to get notified when prices drop for your preferred routes. These tools monitor thousands of fares in real-time and can help you jump on a deal before it disappears—and with Google Flights, you can often book the cheapest available flight directly through the platform.
Alternative airports can also help to cut costs. For example, flying into Oakland instead of San Francisco, or Fort Lauderdale instead of Miami, can often cut airfare by a wide margin. And if you're sitting on airline points or miles, this is the time to redeem them, especially when cash prices rise closer to departure.
Quick Tips to Save on Summer Fares:
- Book 2–3 months in advance
- Fly midweek or at off-peak hours
- Use fare alerts (Google Flights, Hopper)
- Consider nearby/alternative airports
- Use points and miles when prices surge
Destinations That Are Currently Affordable To Visit
Some unbeatable May flight deals just dropped, including offers from Delta, United, and American Airlines for travel dates this summer. If you’re looking to take advantage of these summer airfare bargains, a handful of destinations stand out as especially wallet-friendly.
Delta is making summer travel even more appealing with flight deals and new perks. You can fly Delta from New York City to San Jose, Bozeman, or Jackson Hole in early June for under $300 round-trip. Plus, thanks to Delta's new loyalty partnership with Uber, travelers can now earn SkyMiles on Uber rides to and from the airport, adding extra value to an already affordable getaway.
If you're a United MileagePlus member, heading north this summer could help you save money while racking up points; United is offering June flights from both Fort Myers and Orlando to Chicago for under $200.
Meanwhile, if you're heading south to Orlando from Philadelphia or Dallas to take advantage of Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary tickets starting at just $100 a day, American Airlines has one-way fares for as low as $90 as part of its current domestic deals.
When Can You Find The Best Flight Deals?
Timing is everything when it comes to finding the lowest fares. The sweet spot for booking domestic flights is generally between 25 and 60 days before departure, with 38 days out often cited as the magic number, according to Google’s travel trends. That means if you're planning to travel in July, start seriously monitoring prices in May.
For international flights, aim for a longer lead time—three to five months in advance is optimal for securing the lowest prices. The best approach is to set fare alerts and begin tracking prices as soon as you know your dates, ideally up to six months out for international trips.
Contrary to popular belief, there's no perfect day of the week to book flights. Research shows that booking on a Tuesday doesn’t offer special savings. Instead, focus on when you travel, not when you buy. Flying midweek, particularly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, continues to be the most cost-effective time to depart.
Since airfare fluctuates, what’s expensive today might drop tomorrow. That’s why fare alerts and flexibility on travel dates can make a big difference. Start monitoring early, adjust your plans if prices spike, and be ready to book the moment a good deal appears.
Timeline Summary For Booking The Best Deals:
Savvy travelers are already taking advantage of this summer’s drop in airfare. With smart booking, a little flexibility, and the right destination, summer 2025 could be your most affordable travel season yet. Plane tickets are getting cheaper, so now’s the perfect time to make the most of it.
2025-05-11T02:12:15Z
