Are flights cheaper in July or August?

Book a summer trip. Expedia data shows that August is the cheapest warm-weather month to fly, with average ticket prices nearly 10% lower compared with July. Tickets are also cheaper in August than during the December rush. For the lowest fares on domestic flights, travel in January or February.



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Winter is the bargain season to travel, and you can also wait longer to purchase your airline tickets than in any other season. If you like, in the winter months you can wait up to 26 days before departure to get a good flight deal. The spring and fall shoulder seasons offer the next lowest prices for travelers.

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There's no guarantees when you're looking for cheap flights in the summertime, especially if you need a cheap flight in July. July is especially expensive. Here are a few tried and true tips for getting more reasonably priced airline tickets in a month that doesn't offer a lot of bargains.

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According to Expedia data, late August is the cheapest period for flights this summer, when average ticket prices drop $125 compared to the priciest stretch in early July.

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Tip: The most expensive time to fly – peak summer season – is June 23 to Aug.

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According to the latest data from online booking site Hopper, airfares are mostly up this summer, owing to high demand and limited airline capacity. In addition, in first quarter earnings calls, both United Airlines and Delta Air Lines reported strong summer bookings, especially on long-haul international routes.

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More demand for fewer seats is the classic formula for increasing prices. Inflation of all kinds is also at play here. Higher fuel and labor costs are also incentivizing airlines to try to raise prices where they can. Eventually, the higher prices will take a bite out of demand.

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Some more helpful tips. Fly the cheaper days: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays will generally be a little cheaper than other days (especially Fridays and Sundays) and this is true year-round.

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Why: According to the airline calendar, August 23 marks the start of the fall travel season because a lot of kids are back in school and demand for leisure travel drops significantly. The airlines know when we want to fly (and when we don't) and price fares accordingly.

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In general, prices are lower between 23 and 59 days prior. July and August summer vacation travel is best booked 14 to 44 days ahead, with prices generally bottoming out around 21 days.

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May to July is the best time for perfect weather While ideal weather windows vary across the country, this is the period when most places have shaken off their winter chill and embraced the vibrant bloom of spring and early summer.

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Average domestic airfare price by day
  • Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the cheapest days to fly domestically.
  • Saturday and Monday flights can help you avoid the Sunday rush.
  • Wednesdays and Thursdays are the cheapest day to fly internationally.
  • Book one to three months in advance.
  • Set a price alert.


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Timing plays an important part. Specifically, plane tickets usually don't get cheaper closer to the departure date. Instead, flights tend to be the most inexpensive when you book between four months and three weeks before your departure date.

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Factors such as fuel costs, staffing shortages, aging IT infrastructure and hidden fees all contribute to expensive flights in 2023.

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And that high demand for peak season raises flight prices for you. Typically, flight prices increase from mid-May or maybe early June through to mid-August or early September as families get out for summer break and other travelers set out for sunny adventures.

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How often do airlines update airfare information online? The airlines update fare information 3 times a day. They do not necessarily change airfare prices all three times, but they certainly can, and often do.

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It mostly comes down to supply and demand. Demand is contributing to higher prices as travel continues to surge post-pandemic, Berg said. Sustained strong demand in 2023 continues to put additional pressure on prices, especially to and within regions where travel has only recently reopened like parts of Asia.

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