Airfares have climbed to record highs throughout 2026, creating a difficult environment for travelers looking to save money.
In July 2026, average fares were nearly 26% more expensive than the same period the previous year, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. While fall is typically a time when prices cool off, the shoulder season this year is proving more difficult to manage. Data from Expedia indicates fall fares are trending about 2% higher than summer prices, with domestic round‑trip flights averaging between $150 and $400 and international routes to Europe reaching up to $800 round‑trip.
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Choosing the right departure airport
Where you fly from can have a major impact on the final cost of your ticket. An analysis of 2026 flight‑deal data by Going found Denver (DEN) offered the most affordable domestic flights, with 150 deals averaging $219. New Orleans (MSY) followed closely with 166 deals at about $228, while Orlando (MCO) provided 146 deals averaging $211.
Other top airports for domestic deals included Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Los Angeles (LAX), Charleston (CHS), Raleigh‑Durham (RDU), Tampa (TPA), Portland (PDX), and Las Vegas (LAS). On the international front, Boston (BOS) led with 415 deals at about $451 round‑trip, followed by New York (JFK) with 404 deals averaging $445 and Newark (EWR) with 333 deals at approximately $450.
Going also noted that specific airlines are offering a greater number of deals this year. American Airlines has provided the most domestic deals (646 so far in 2026), while United offers the most international deals (1,850 and counting). Targeting these carriers first can help uncover the most affordable fares quickly. If it’s feasible, driving or taking a train to one of these high‑deal airports can add up to significant savings.
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Timing your travel for savings
The timing of your vacation can make all the difference in finding affordable airfare. While shoulder season is traditionally an off‑peak stretch with added savings, the window is shrinking this year.
Fall savings are slipping away.
Expedia’s fall travel outlook report suggests that summer demand has spilled into fall. Pushing trips later into October or the first week of November might be a sweet spot for fare savings, as domestic travel volume typically increases as the holidays approach.
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For international flights, the week of Thanksgiving is usually a guaranteed window for deals because domestic travel soars at this time.
Using points and miles to offset costs
Travelers can leverage frequent‑flyer miles and credit‑card points to unlock airfares. Points Path plugs into Google Flights to help travelers compare the best airfare deal across credit cards and loyalty programs. The tool will “tell you if using cash or points is a better deal, without having to search multiple airline websites individually,” Yellin says.
