Sky-High Fares Got You Down? Here’s How to Still Score a Deal This Summer
Air travel is getting pricier, and the reasons are no mystery. Global turmoil has sent fuel costs soaring, and U.S. airfares are roughly 15 percent higher than they were a year ago, according to NerdWallet. The trouble traces back to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, where blockades and conflicts have pushed up oil prices. Airlines, already squeezed by thin margins, are passing those costs along to passengers. But if you’re determined to fly this summer, there are still ways to keep more cash in your pocket. After a decade covering transportation and recent chats with industry insiders, I’ve gathered a few strategies that work right now.
First, book soon. Airlines have been warning about steep price changes since early March, when fuel costs first spiked. Fuel eats up more than a quarter of their expenses, so they’re cutting routes and flights, leaving travelers with less flexibility. Travel expert Katy Nastro from the flight deals site Going says the old rule—booking domestic trips four to six weeks out and international ones three months ahead—no longer cuts it. For summer travel, she suggests looking three to seven months out for domestic flights and four to ten months for international. Waiting could cost you, especially with potential airline consolidation on the horizon. Spirit Airlines has reportedly asked the government for a financial lifeline, while JetBlue and Alaska Airlines have flagged their own struggles. Less competition usually means higher fares.
Another smart move: stick with popular routes. High-traffic destinations where multiple airlines compete tend to keep prices down. Think New York to Los Angeles, LA to San Francisco, Atlanta to Orlando, or Las Vegas to LA. If you’re not near one of those hubs, a short drive or train ride to the nearest big airport can save you a bundle.
Flexibility also helps. If you’re open to different destinations, try Google Explore. Enter your home airport and a rough timeframe—say, a week in the next three months—and it shows you affordable options. A Miami-to-New York trip in mid-May looks like a steal, as does a weekend jaunt from Oklahoma City to Las Vegas in June.
Packing light is another way to cut costs. Major airlines like American and Delta have raised checked-bag fees, with a third bag now costing up to $200. Rolling your clothes instead of folding can save space, letting you skip that extra suitcase. If you need a better carry-on, WIRED has recommendations.
Don’t forget to check your credit card perks. Many cards offer trip insurance, free checked bags, lounge access, or no foreign transaction fees. Every bit helps. And don’t expect holiday sales—airlines rarely slash prices like retailers do. “People wait too long and end up paying more,” Nastro warns. Book now.
Finally, consider skipping the plane altogether. Trains and buses can be cheaper and less stressful. WIRED has a list of sites for finding low-cost ground travel. You’ll save money and skip the ear-popping takeoffs—a win all around.