Looking for cheap flights in 2025? Here’s what you need to know:
- January-February: Post-holiday deals make these months the cheapest for domestic (10% less than December) and international travel (15% below holiday rates).
- March-April: Off-peak spring savings, with domestic flights cheapest 44 days before departure.
- May: Early summer deals before peak travel season, with discounted vacation packages and bundled deals.
- August: Late summer price drops – domestic flights are 15% cheaper than in June, and international fares drop by 29%.
- September-October: Fall brings 10% lower fares than summer, with the best savings post-Labor Day and mid-October.
- November-December: Book early for pre-holiday travel deals, with Thanksgiving and Christmas flights cheapest when booked 45–60 days ahead.
Quick Tips to Save:
- Book domestic flights 1–3 months ahead and international flights 3–5 months in advance.
- Fly midweek (Tuesdays/Wednesdays) to save up to 20%.
- Use flight deal alerts to track price drops and mistake fares.
Pro Tip: August and fall months offer the best savings for late summer and early winter vacations.
1. January-February: After Holiday Deals
Once the holiday season wraps up, airlines often slash fares, making this a prime time to snag discounted tickets. On average, domestic flights in January are about 10% cheaper than December prices, while international flights in February offer even steeper discounts, coming in at 15% below holiday rates.
For example, Dollar Flight Club members have scored some incredible deals to destinations like the Caribbean and Europe. One standout is a February 2025 roundtrip fare from New York City (JFK) to Nassau (NAS) for just $318. Keeping a close eye on fare trends can lead to savings like these.
January and February 2025 also feature great deals on flights to Australia. Travelers from major hubs like Atlanta (ATL), Detroit (DTW), Minneapolis (MSP), and Salt Lake City (SLC) can find roundtrip tickets to Brisbane (BNE) for $684. These fares even include perks like free changes, seat selection, and checked baggage.
If you’re looking to make the most of these lower prices, here are some tips:
- Domestic Flights: Book 1–2 months in advance.
- International Flights: Secure tickets 3–5 months ahead of your trip.
- Midweek Travel: Aim for departures on Tuesdays or Wednesdays to save even more.
- Plan Ahead: Use this time to lock in spring and summer travel before prices climb.
One reason for these competitive fares is increased airline competition. For instance, Nassau, Bahamas, has become a hot spot for deals, with six airlines vying for passengers. This rivalry often results in better prices for travelers who are paying attention.
2. March-April: Spring Off-Peak Savings
March and April 2025 bring excellent opportunities for budget-conscious travelers, with off-peak fares making international and domestic travel more affordable. As winter crowds head home from tropical hotspots, airlines are rolling out enticing deals on flights.
For example, Dollar Flight Club members have snagged roundtrip tickets like Boston (BOS) to the Cayman Islands for $295, New York (JFK) to Sint Maarten (SXM) for $335, and Dallas (DFW) to São Paulo (GRU) starting at $332 in basic economy or $396 in Main Cabin.
If you’re planning spring travel, timing is everything. Booking domestic flights about 44 days before departure often leads to the best deals.
Here are some tips to help you save even more this spring:
- Travel Midweek: Flying on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays can cut costs by 13% to 20% compared to weekend flights.
- Choose Layovers: Opting for connecting flights can save you as much as 25%.
- Look to the Caribbean: Destinations like San Juan, Puerto Rico, offer some of the most affordable fares in the region during this time.
Airfare is also trending downward, with a 5.3% drop in March 2025 compared to the previous year. Spring 2025 is also seeing some unique travel trends. Bandera, Texas, is gaining traction thanks to the “cowboy core” movement, while nostalgia-driven destinations like Las Vegas remain budget-friendly. In Vegas, practical options like the $8 Deuce on the Strip day pass ($4 for seniors) make getting around cheap and easy.
To make the most of these savings, set price alerts, stay flexible with your travel dates, and explore flights from alternative airports.
3. May: Early Summer Deals
May 2025 presents a sweet spot for travelers to snag early summer deals before the peak season kicks in. Skyscanner reports that airfare in May tends to be much lower compared to the height of summer travel. The weather is enjoyable, and the crowds are lighter, making it a budget-friendly time to plan your getaway – right between the spring break rush and the bustling summer months.
May also brings a wave of vacation package deals, offering travelers great value. For example, Priceline’s Summer Kickoff Sale is packed with offers like:
- $40 off trips costing $300 or more
- $20 off bookings of $200 or more
- Up to 60% off family resorts when bundling flights and hotels
Here’s a glimpse at some popular May destinations along with their starting prices:
| Destination | Package Price (per person) | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| Costa Rica | $420 | All-inclusive resort + flights |
| Bahamas | $881 | All-inclusive package + flights |
| Nassau (Family of 4) | Save up to $400 | Flight + hotel bundle |
| Aruba (Family of 4) | Save up to $700 | Flight + hotel bundle |
Tips for Scoring the Best Deals in May
- Set up automated alerts to track price drops and grab deals as soon as they appear.
- Combine flights and hotels into bundles to unlock even bigger savings.
Timing and flexibility are key. Historical booking trends show that the best deals are typically found when booking 25 to 150 days before departure.
4. August: Late Summer Price Drops
August may still feel like peak summer, but U.S. airfare prices actually drop by 15% compared to June. This decline ties closely to travel habits and school schedules, as the busiest travel months shift to June and July. Here’s how the numbers stack up for August 2025:
Average Flight Prices for August 2025
| Flight Type | Average Price | Potential Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic | $424 | 15% less than June rates |
| International | $1,224 | 29% lower than early July |
Best Booking Strategies
Late summer presents a great opportunity to snag discounted fares, but timing is everything. Melanie Fish from Expedia Group Brands advises travelers to avoid booking too early, as fares tend to drop later in the season.
Here are some tips to stretch your travel budget:
- Look for flights during the last two weeks of August.
- Aim to fly out on Tuesdays or Wednesdays for better rates.
- Book your tickets on Sundays to save up to 6% on domestic flights and 17% on international routes.
Popular Routes with Significant Savings
Mid-August stands out for its steep price reductions. Historical trends show fares drop by about 29% compared to early July, and domestic travelers can save up to 12% on certain routes. To make the most of these deals, consider setting up price alerts and tracking fare changes throughout the month.
5. September-October: Fall Travel Deals
Fall is a fantastic time for affordable travel, with airfares in September and October averaging about 10% lower than summer prices. Expedia highlights these months as prime opportunities for snagging deals on both domestic and international flights.
Price Trends for Fall 2025
| Travel Period | Average Savings | Best Booking Window |
|---|---|---|
| Post-Labor Day (Domestic) | $100 less than peak summer | 1–3 months ahead |
| Mid-October (International) | $200 less than peak summer | 50–101 days ahead |
| Fall Season Overall | 10% below summer rates | September–October |
These savings make fall an ideal season for strategic travel planning.
Best Days to Travel
Flying on Mondays or Saturdays can help you save up to 15%.
Top Fall Destinations with Lower Fares
If you’re looking for inspiration, here are some destinations with lower fares during the fall:
| Destination | Average Price | Optimal Month |
|---|---|---|
| Las Palmas, Canary Islands | $300 | October |
| Marrakech, Morocco | $310 | October–November |
| Lisbon, Portugal | $330 | September–October |
| Athens, Greece | $340 | September–October |
Strategic Booking Tips
Here are some practical tips to maximize your savings:
- Book domestic flights 1–3 months in advance.
- For international trips, aim to book around 101 days before departure.
- Set up price alerts to track deals on your chosen routes.
- Opt for midweek departures to save even more.
- Stay flexible with your travel dates to take advantage of unexpected discounts.
For extra convenience, consider signing up for services like Dollar Flight Club, which sends email and SMS alerts for discounted flights.
Fall’s shoulder season offers a winning combination: fewer crowds, pleasant weather, and significant savings. With a bit of planning, you can enjoy affordable and comfortable travel during this time of year.
6. November-December: Early Winter Deals
Early winter is a sweet spot for finding affordable airfare before the holiday travel frenzy kicks in. In fact, December holiday airfares have dropped by 9% compared to earlier peaks.
Optimal Booking Windows
Timing is everything when it comes to snagging the best deals. Here’s a quick guide to the ideal booking windows for popular holiday travel periods:
| Holiday Period | Best Booking Window | Days Before Departure |
|---|---|---|
| Thanksgiving | Early to mid-October | 45 days |
| Christmas | Around Halloween | 58 days |
| New Year’s | Around Halloween | 58–60 days |
Booking during these windows can help you lock in some of the most budget-friendly fares of the season.
Early Winter Budget Routes
Looking for affordable destinations? Here are some standout deals for roundtrip flights:
| Destination | Starting Price (Roundtrip) |
|---|---|
| London | $334 |
| Costa Rica | $315 |
| New York City | $124 |
| Toronto | $185 |
| Dublin | $385 |
These prices highlight just how accessible early winter travel can be.
Strategic Booking Tips
Want to maximize your savings? Keep these tips in mind:
- Start monitoring fares as early as August.
- Set up fare alerts to catch price drops.
- Be flexible with your travel dates – flying on the holiday itself often leads to lower fares.
- Consider refundable tickets or fares with price drop protection for added peace of mind.
2025 Flight Price Comparison by Season
Looking at 2025 flight prices can help you figure out the best times to book. Recent data shows a slight drop in airfare compared to 2024, giving travelers opportunities to save.
Year-Over-Year Changes
- Domestic economy tickets are down by 1% compared to 2024.
- International fares are 4% cheaper than last year.
- Flights to Europe have seen an 8% price drop from the previous year.
Monthly Savings Opportunities
| Month | Savings | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| January | 10% vs. December | Post-holiday deals |
| February | 15% on international | Off-peak winter travel |
| August | 15% vs. June | Late summer discounts |
| September | $100 less | Post-Labor Day savings |
| October | $200 less (intl.) | Mid-fall price drops |
Strategic Booking Windows
- For domestic flights, booking 18–29 days before departure can save up to 17%.
- For international routes, the sweet spot is 5–7 months in advance, especially for destinations like Asia or Oceania.
These insights underline the importance of timing your bookings to make the most of seasonal price shifts.
Peak vs. Off-Peak Savings
Timing your travel can lead to noticeable savings:
- Traveling domestically in February instead of August can save 12%.
- For international trips, March offers 7% savings compared to August.
- Shifting from peak summer travel to late August for international flights can save an average of $546.
Conclusion
Timing your bookings wisely and keeping a close eye on fares can help you snag the best flight deals for 2025. If history is any guide, there are clear windows of opportunity to save throughout the year.
Late summer is another great time to save, with August flights averaging 15% less than those in June. And if you’re traveling in the fall, look to book after Labor Day in September or in mid-October for even more affordable options, whether you’re flying domestically or internationally.
Here’s a quick recap: aim to book domestic flights about 38 days in advance and international trips roughly 101 days ahead. For the best fares, try flying on less popular travel days like Tuesday, Wednesday, or Saturday.
With airfare trends for 2025 looking more competitive, combining these booking strategies with consistent price tracking can make a big difference. Tools like Dollar Flight Club’s daily email and SMS alerts can help you catch deals up to 90% off regular prices, ensuring you don’t miss out on incredible savings.
FAQs
When is the best time to book flights for Thanksgiving and Christmas in 2025 to save money?
To score the best airfare deals for Thanksgiving and Christmas in 2025, early planning is your best friend. For Thanksgiving travel, aim to lock in your tickets by mid-October. If you’re flying for Christmas, booking by the end of October is your safest bet to avoid the usual price hikes as the holidays approach.
When it comes to domestic flights during busy travel periods, the sweet spot for booking is typically 3 to 7 months in advance. For international trips, it’s wise to plan even earlier – around 4 to 10 months ahead. If you can, schedule your flights for midweek, like a Tuesday or Wednesday, since these days often see lower demand and cheaper fares. Staying flexible with your travel dates and using price alerts can also help you snag a better deal without breaking a sweat.
How can I save money on international flights during the fall season?
To save on international flights this fall, your best bet is to book your tickets well ahead of time – ideally 3 to 5 months before your trip. This window often offers some of the lowest prices for fall travel.
Being flexible with your travel dates can also make a big difference. Opt for mid-week flights instead of weekends, and steer clear of peak travel times like holidays. Traveling during quieter periods in the fall can uncover even better deals.
Another smart move? Sign up for flight deal alerts. These services track price drops and can help you snag discounts – sometimes up to 90% off – on both domestic and international tickets. With a little planning and some savvy tools, your fall travel can be much easier on your wallet.
Which destinations are more affordable during the off-peak months in 2025?
Some places become much more affordable during their off-peak months in 2025. Take Southeast Asia – countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia often have cheaper flights and lodging during their off-season. Similarly, you’ll find Amsterdam offering lower airfare in April, while the Faroe Islands see reduced travel costs in September.
If you’re planning a spring getaway, consider Scandinavia or the Caribbean. Both regions boast pleasant weather and fewer tourists during this time, which not only makes for a more relaxed experience but can also mean big savings on flights and accommodations.
