Why is September the cheapest month to fly?

Seasonally, demand typically slows around mid- to late June, as most travelers have already booked their vacations for peak May, June and July travel. Lower demand for late summer and early fall travel means you may be able to get lower airfare by traveling in September or October.



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It's often much cheaper to travel from May to early June and September through mid-October. The weather is still relatively warm during the shoulder season, and you'll beat the crazy summer crowds.

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In many places September and October is the shoulder season and this is why both airline and hotel prices are cheaper. It is after all the summer vacations and things have slowed down. Once November rolls around people start wanting to get away from the colder weather to warmer destinations.

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? Cheapest month to fly: January or February
For the lowest fares on domestic flights, travel in January or February. But for international trips, you'll find the cheapest fare in August.

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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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For most destinations, peak summer is madness for travel. 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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Tuesday Around Midnight is the Cheapest Time to Book
In general, flights were slightly cheaper at midnight earlier in the week (Monday through Wednesday). However, this is only applicable to about 1.6% of U.S. markets, meaning that it's not likely you'll find the same savings on your specific route.

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Flights that take off and land on weekends, or Mondays and Fridays generally cost more. So aim for Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

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September is a very popular travel month in the United States. In early September, Americans visit their family members on Labor Day or plan outdoor and adventure activities during the last weekend of summer.

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September is a very popular travel month in the United States. In early September, Americans visit their family members on Labor Day or plan outdoor and adventure activities during the last weekend of summer. Later in the month, several places around the country are at their peak for fall colors attracting visitors.

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resulting in lower prices and the cheapest day of the week to fly. So, you guessed it, that means the most expensive days to book flights are those days when most travelers are heading out – or coming home. That means flying Thursdays, Fridays, Sundays, and Mondays will typically be more expensive.

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Booking a flight through a travel agency can be more expensive because the agency needs to make money for their services. They may charge an additional fee or markup on top of the cost of the ticket, which is why it's often cheaper to book directly online.

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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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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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Fewer people fly in the middle of the week, meaning those who do can take advantage of cheaper prices and more options. On the opposite end, the last day you'll want to depart is Sunday. Sunday is the most expensive day to fly domestically and internationally.

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Another good rule of thumb for travelers figuring out how to get cheap last-minute flights: There is no secret time to score the perfect deal. But generally, the best prices tend to drop off once the flight is less than three weeks away.

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Fares are usually lower on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays and highest on Fridays and Sundays. Flights later in the evening are also usually lower demand. Search nearby area airports. Low fares sold out at one airport, may be available at another nearby airport.

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Watch for sales (They happen frequently)
Southwest has an unofficial but predictable fare sale calendar that drops the prices on some routes nearly every Tuesday. While it's not a published policy, these generally run from Tuesday through Thursday and offer one-way prices on select routes as low as $39.

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