Flight prices change throughout the year, and understanding these trends can help you save money. Here’s what you need to know:
- Spring: Moderate prices, especially in late April and early May. Domestic flights range from $250–$350.
- Summer: The most expensive season due to high demand. Domestic fares peak at $499 in June, and international tickets average $1,724 in July.
- Fall: The cheapest season for flights, with domestic fares around $399 and international fares dropping to $1,024 in October.
- Winter: Prices spike during holidays like Christmas but drop sharply in January and February. Domestic flights average $382 during these months.
Key tips:
- Book 1–3 months in advance for domestic flights and 3–5 months for international trips.
- Travel during shoulder seasons (spring and fall) for better deals.
- Use services like Dollar Flight Club to find discounts of up to 90%.
Timing your travel and bookings can make a big difference in your budget.
1. Spring Flight Prices
Spring is a sweet spot for airfare, offering prices that sit comfortably between winter’s lows and summer’s highs. Domestic flights during this season typically range from $250 to $350 for major U.S. cities, making it an appealing option for travelers looking to save some cash.
Average Fare Trends
Spring airfare follows a predictable rhythm that savvy travelers can use to their benefit. For instance, flights to popular spots like Orlando average $150, Denver comes in at $160, and Austin hovers around $180 during March and April 2025. These prices are competitive, especially when compared to the sharp increases expected in the summer months.
While spring fares have seen a 3.2% increase this year, they remain relatively steady thanks to manageable demand. This stability makes spring an attractive time to fly without breaking the bank.
Peak Travel Periods
Spring break, which typically runs from mid-March to early April, is the season’s most expensive time to travel. During this period, fares can spike by 20% to 50%. Destinations like Miami, Orlando, Las Vegas, and various spots in California see the biggest jumps in ticket prices as travelers flock to these hotspots.
Easter weekend is another pricey travel period, with routes to family-friendly destinations and major cities experiencing noticeable fare hikes. Many travelers book flights for holiday gatherings or quick getaways, driving up demand.
Events also play a major role in spring airfare trends. For example, Austin’s average fares rise to $180 in March, largely due to the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival. Similarly, Denver’s $160 average reflects the tail end of ski season, as travelers take advantage of the final weeks of snow sports.
Off-Peak Periods
If you’re looking to save, the best deals can usually be found in late April and early May. By this time, spring break crowds have thinned out, and summer travel hasn’t yet ramped up. During these quieter weeks, travelers can save between 10% and 30% compared to peak spring break fares.
Flying on Tuesdays and Wednesdays during these off-peak periods can save you as much as $60 per ticket compared to weekend departures. Additionally, early morning flights often come with lower fares due to reduced demand. These savings underscore the importance of timing your travel strategically.
Best Booking Windows
When it comes to booking spring flights, timing is everything. The ideal time to book is 1 to 2 months before departure. Specifically, the lowest fares are often available 23 to 51 days in advance. Waiting until the last minute can cost you – fares typically jump by $100 to $200 within 21 days of travel as airlines capitalize on procrastinators.
For spring break travel, you’ll need to plan even further ahead. Booking around 44 days before departure is your best bet for snagging the lowest rates.
Recent examples from Q2 2025 highlight these trends. During spring break, round-trip flights from New York to Miami ranged from $400 to $500, while off-peak fares in April dropped to $250 to $300. Similarly, flights from Chicago to Orlando peaked at about $450, but off-peak tickets were available for around $275.
If you’re a flexible traveler, services like Dollar Flight Club can help you score incredible deals, sometimes offering discounts of up to 90% off regular fares through email and SMS alerts.
2. Summer Flight Prices
After the relatively manageable costs of spring travel, summer brings a sharp rise in airfare. It’s one of the priciest seasons to fly, driven by soaring demand as millions of Americans take to the skies for vacations and school breaks. This high demand, paired with limited flight availability, pushes ticket prices to their annual peak.
Average Fare Trends
The numbers speak for themselves. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the Consumer Price Index for airline fares jumped from 248.583 in July 2025 to 270.336 by September 2025, marking a steep summer increase. Domestic flights during June and July average around $499, while international tickets climb to about $1,724. By August, prices ease slightly, with domestic fares dropping to $424 and international to $1,224 – offering savings of 15% and 29%, respectively. However, airlines often tack on extra fees for checked bags, seat selection, and early boarding, adding to the overall expense.
Peak Travel Periods
The busiest – and most expensive – time to fly is from June through mid-August. The July 4th holiday, in particular, sees a surge in demand, driving prices even higher. Popular domestic spots like Orlando, Denver, and Las Vegas experience some of the most dramatic fare increases during these peak weeks.
Off-Peak Periods
For those with flexible schedules, late August offers a reprieve from sky-high prices. As families gear up for the school year, demand dips, and so do fares. For example, international flights in late August can save travelers an average of $546 compared to early July departures. This makes late summer an ideal time for budget-conscious travelers to take advantage of lower prices while still enjoying favorable weather.
Best Booking Windows
Planning ahead is crucial for summer travel. For domestic flights, aim to book 2 to 3 months in advance. For international trips, extend that timeline to 3 to 4 months to secure the best deals. Waiting until the last minute will almost always result in significantly higher costs.
To stretch your travel budget further, consider using tools like Dollar Flight Club. Their email and SMS alerts notify subscribers of major discounts and flash sales, which can be especially helpful during the high-demand summer months.
Ultimately, saving on summer flights comes down to two key strategies: flexibility and early planning. By avoiding peak travel dates and booking well in advance, you can navigate the season’s high prices with more ease and less stress.
3. Fall Flight Prices
Fall is a breath of fresh air for travelers after summer’s pricey airfare. Once Labor Day wraps up the unofficial vacation season, flight prices take a noticeable dip. With fewer people traveling and schools back in session, airlines adjust fares to attract passengers. Unlike summer’s steep price hikes, fall offers a more wallet-friendly option for those looking to book.
Average Fare Trends
After Labor Day and into October, domestic flights are typically about $100 cheaper than the summer highs, while international fares can drop by around $200. However, even with these savings, overall ticket prices were still 3.2% higher year-over-year as of September 2025, reflecting broader economic trends. For instance, popular spots like Orlando, Florida, often see fares hovering around $150 in September, a significant drop compared to summer rates.
Over the past ten years, fall base fares have decreased by 6.1% when compared to 2015 levels.
Peak Travel Periods
Thanksgiving week is the big exception to fall’s lower prices. During this time, fares skyrocket, with domestic round-trip tickets averaging about $751. Prices climb as the holiday nears, driven by the surge of families traveling to celebrate together. Columbus Day weekend can also see slight increases, but these are far less dramatic than the Thanksgiving rush.
Off‑Peak Periods
The best time to snag affordable fall flights is typically from mid-September through early November, as long as you avoid holiday weekends. During these weeks, airlines tend to offer their most competitive rates. Leisure travel slows down, while business travel remains steady, creating a sweet spot for deals. For example, heading to Austin, Texas, in October might cost you around $180 on average, making it a great time for a domestic getaway. This period is perfect for exploring popular destinations without the crowds or high costs of peak seasons.
Best Booking Windows
For general fall travel, planning and booking your flights 1 to 3 months ahead is usually your best bet for snagging good deals. For Thanksgiving travel, though, you’ll need to be more strategic. The ideal time to book is typically between 23 and 51 days before your trip. Waiting until less than three weeks before Thanksgiving can mean paying $100 to $200 more for your ticket.
To stretch your travel budget even further, consider signing up for Dollar Flight Club‘s email and SMS alerts. These notifications can help you catch flash sales and exclusive deals during the fall travel season, with potential savings of up to 90% off regular fares.
4. Winter Flight Prices
Winter airfare can be a rollercoaster, swinging from holiday highs to post-holiday lows. If you time it right, you can save hundreds on your travel plans. Let’s dive into how winter pricing works and how you can snag the best deals.
Average Fare Trends
December is notorious for sky-high ticket prices, thanks to the holiday rush around Christmas and New Year’s. On the flip side, January and early February bring a welcome drop in fares. The difference is striking – a domestic round-trip ticket priced at $500 during Christmas week could plummet to $300 or less in mid-January. The same trend applies to international flights, with significant savings available after the December travel frenzy. For travelers with flexibility, these off-peak winter months can be a budget-friendly dream.
Peak Travel Periods
The holiday season kicks off with Thanksgiving week in late November, followed by Christmas and New Year’s weeks. During these peak times, fares often double or even triple compared to off-peak weeks. Flights just before Christmas and immediately after New Year’s are particularly expensive. However, flying on the holidays themselves – like Christmas Day or Thanksgiving Day – can sometimes offer a surprising price break.
Off-Peak Periods
Winter’s best deals can be found in early December (after Thanksgiving but before mid-December) and from mid-January through February. During these quieter weeks, airlines slash prices to fill seats, offering savings of 20% to 40% or more compared to peak holiday fares. Popular destinations become much more affordable during these times. For example, round-trip flights in January average just $126 to Raleigh, North Carolina, $131 to Charleston, South Carolina, and $157 to Miami, Florida.
Best Booking Windows
Timing your booking is just as important as choosing the right travel dates. For Thanksgiving, the lowest fares are typically available about 35 days before departure, with the sweet spot falling between 24 and 59 days in advance. Booking in October gives you a good shot at a reasonable Thanksgiving fare. Christmas travel requires even more lead time, with the ideal booking period around 51 days before departure, or anywhere from 32 to 73 days ahead. For Christmas, aim to book between mid-October and mid-November for the best prices.
If you’re traveling during off-peak winter weeks, plan to book domestic flights 1–3 months in advance and international flights 3–5 months ahead. Flying midweek can also save you an average of 13% compared to weekend departures.
For even greater savings, consider signing up for Dollar Flight Club alerts. These notifications can help you catch flash sales during off-peak periods, with discounts of up to 90% on domestic and international fares.
Seasonal Flight Comparison
Knowing how flight prices vary by season can help you make smarter choices when planning your trips. Seasonal shifts in pricing, booking flexibility, and deals are often more dramatic than many travelers expect. These trends can help you time your bookings to save money throughout the year.
Looking at the seasons, winter stands out as the most unpredictable for flight prices. December sees some of the year’s highest fares, with Christmas travel averaging about $685. But by January and February, prices take a sharp turn downward. Domestic flights average $382, and international fares drop to around $1,040 in February – much lower than the summer peak.
Spring strikes a balance with moderate pricing. Domestic flights average $410, while international fares hover near $1,180. Booking tends to be easier than during the winter holidays, though spring break can still cause price surges.
Summer is the priciest season for air travel. Domestic flights hit their peak at $499 in June, and international fares climb to $1,720 in July. High demand during this time means fewer deals and less flexibility when booking.
Fall offers the best value for travelers. Domestic fares average $399 in September and October, while international flights drop to roughly $1,024 in October. With lower prices, plenty of deals, and flexible booking options, fall is ideal for budget-conscious travelers.
Here’s a breakdown of average prices, booking flexibility, and deal availability by season:
| Season | Avg. Domestic Price | Avg. International Price | Booking Flexibility | Deal Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | $382 (Jan-Feb) | $1,040 (Feb) | High | High |
| Spring | $410 (Mar-Apr) | $1,180 (Mar) | Moderate | Moderate |
| Summer | $499 (June) | $1,720 (July) | Low | Low |
| Fall | $399 (Sep-Oct) | $1,024 (Oct) | High | High |
Deals follow a seasonal rhythm. Winter is a mixed bag: December rarely offers discounts, but January and February are packed with opportunities. Summer, on the other hand, is sparse when it comes to deals. Shoulder seasons – spring and fall – offer more chances to snag discounts as airlines compete to fill seats. Services like Dollar Flight Club can help you find flash sales with savings of up to 90% on both domestic and international flights.
Weather also plays a role in travel decisions. Winter brings a higher risk of delays and cancellations, especially in northern regions. Summer generally offers more stable flying conditions, while fall combines great weather with minimal disruptions, making it appealing for both cost and convenience.
During peak travel times, flexibility becomes essential. Summer travelers often face higher fare classes as cheaper tickets sell out quickly. Winter holidays show similar trends, leaving little room for last-minute deals. Meanwhile, spring and fall maintain better availability across fare types, giving travelers more options even with shorter booking windows. This flexibility makes these seasons particularly attractive for planning your next trip.
Conclusion
Seasonal flight pricing patterns can make a huge difference in your travel budget. Fall often brings some of the best deals, thanks to lower demand, while winter fares vary – steer clear of the busy December holiday season, and you’ll likely find better prices in January and February.
Timing your bookings is just as important as choosing the right season. For instance, booking 39 days before Thanksgiving or 51 days ahead of Christmas can save you anywhere from $100 to $200. Flying midweek can shave off another $50 to $100 per ticket, and opting for early morning flights not only reduces the risk of delays but often comes with lower fares as well.
Summer, on the other hand, tends to be the most expensive due to high demand, while spring offers a nice balance between pricing and flexibility. If you’re looking for the sweet spot, shoulder seasons – like late winter, early spring, and fall – are ideal for travelers trying to stretch their dollars.
Lastly, don’t underestimate the power of deal alerts. Services like Dollar Flight Club can help you snag discounts of up to 90% off regular fares. With over 3 million members already taking advantage of these alerts, it’s a simple way to keep your travel costs in check.
FAQs
What’s the best way to save money on flights during busy travel seasons like summer or the winter holidays?
To cut costs on flights during busy travel times, think about signing up for fare alert services. Platforms like Dollar Flight Club can notify you of discounts, sometimes offering savings of up to 90% on both domestic and international flights.
By keeping an eye on price drops and acting fast when a deal comes up, you can dodge the steep prices that often come with high-demand seasons. Being flexible with your travel dates and planning ahead can also go a long way in helping you snag budget-friendly fares.
What are shoulder seasons, and why are they a good time to travel?
Shoulder seasons are those in-between times when a destination transitions from its peak travel period to its quieter off-peak phase. Traveling during these windows often means cheaper flights, smaller crowds, and pleasant weather – a perfect recipe for a more affordable and laid-back getaway.
To figure out the shoulder season for your destination, take a closer look at its tourism patterns and climate trends. For instance, in many regions, spring and fall mark these periods, as summer travelers head home and the rush of winter holidaymakers has yet to begin. Choosing to travel during these times can stretch your budget further while offering a more peaceful experience.
How can Dollar Flight Club help me save money on airfare, and what kind of discounts can I expect?
Dollar Flight Club takes the stress out of hunting for flight deals by delivering email and SMS alerts for heavily discounted fares to both domestic and international destinations. With savings of up to 90% on airfare, members can snag incredible deals without spending hours scouring the web.
This service not only helps you save big but also makes planning budget-friendly trips a breeze, giving you access to exclusive offers and travel perks – all without the hassle of doing the legwork yourself.
