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Airfares are trending downward—5% year-over-year in March. This is stellar news heading into the summer peak travel season, particularly for travelers who value a good deal (and really who doesn’t?).
Economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and tariffs are softening demand for a season that usually delivers big revenue for airlines. These deep discounts on long-haul flights during the pricey months of July and August suggest even airlines are noticing a shift in how people are spending and where they are coming from to spend (a nod to the dip in foreign arrivals).
Long story short: If you’ve put off booking or fear summer travel is out of your budget, now is your sweet spot for finding a diamond deal in this rough situation. For tips on how to score cheaper flights this summer, read to the end of this newsletter. And as always, find all the best deals in the Going app.
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Domestic average airfare that we’re seeing right now for June through August is $432 roundtrip, while international fares are higher at $1,513 roundtrip. (Note: These are normal prices, not Going deal prices.) Summer flights are still more expensive than other times of year, but with the right strategy, you can still find real savings.
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The big picture
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Fewer people flying = cheaper flights. When demand dips, airlines drop prices to fill seats. This summer, that could mean more flash sales, fare wars on major routes, and deals targeting budget-conscious travelers.
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International deals will be disproportionately abundant. Deals to Europe during peak summer dates are popping up more—and sticking around longer than usual—due to the dip in international arrivals to the US.
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Premium cabins are becoming more accessible. For several years, airlines have capitalized on premium-leisure demand. Now, shifting traveler priorities may make premium cabins more affordable as fewer people splurge on business class seats.
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There will be significantly higher award availability. Airlines release seats to award availability that they don’t expect to sell at a high profit. With consumer sentiment down and travel volume stagnating, airlines can’t expect the same profitability they’ve enjoyed in years past. Good news for those with a stash of frequent flyer miles!
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The cheapest times to fly this summer
August, on the whole, is the most budget-friendly month for air travel this summer for both domestic and international flights. Looking a little closer, we’re finding that you’ll likely find the lowest airfares if you travel during the first two weeks of June or the last two weeks of August. Prices peak during the middle eight weeks when just about everyone’s out of school.
Take Hawaii, for example, which sees fewer tourists in September than any other month of the year. If you can target the very end of August into Labor Day, you just might score the best of both worlds—fewer crowds and better fares.
Head to the Going app and set a flight alert to get notified when our Travel Experts find great deals when and where you want to go!
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Where to find the cheapest summer flights in 2025
Going has found hundreds of deals for summer 2025, so if you’ve been on the fence about booking, good news: You can still score major savings.
Here are a handful of deals (all roundtrip) live in the app at the time of writing this newsletter. We aimed to include ones that are likely to still be around by the time you get this...but as you know, deals are fleeting. Upgrade to set a flight alert if you have a specific destination or travel period in mind.
Domestic deals:
- Philadelphia, Pensacola, Miami, Baltimore, and Seattle to Chicago for $177 (58% off)
- Cincinnati and Hartford to Charleston for $78 (75% off)
- NYC to Nashville (business class) for $326 (58% off)
Europe deals:
- DC to Copenhagen for $447 (53% off)
- Boston to Dublin for $397 (65% off)
- Dallas to Amsterdam for $595 (41% off)
Canada deals:
- LA to Toronto for $161 (68% off)
- Denver to Calgary for $153 (75% off)
- Miami to Montreal for $216 (64% off)
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Tips to score cheaper flights this summer
These tips are all about getting the best fare, not just surviving the airport.
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Book early, while you still can. Use the Goldilocks Window: Book 3–7 months ahead for domestic and 4–10 months ahead for international travel.
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Set a flight alert. Prices change fast, especially for summer travel. Setting a flight alert in the Going app lets you track specific routes and get notified the moment prices drop, so you never miss a great deal. Upgrade your membership to get access to this feature!
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Fly on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, and avoid Sundays. When it comes to timing your trip, your departure day can make a big difference. Airfare trends consistently show that Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the cheapest days to fly, while Sundays are the most expensive.
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Redefine what a “deal” looks like. During peak summer, $600 roundtrip to Europe is often a great fare from major US cities. For smaller airports, it’s closer to $900 roundtrip. (By contrast, off-peak prices are regularly sub-$500 and sub-$600, respectively.)
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Get creative with routing. Can’t find a cheap flight to your final destination? Use the “Greek Islands Trick” and fly to a cheaper nearby city, then book a separate budget flight, train, bus, or ferry to get to your intended end point. You can save hundreds per ticket.
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Act fast, but use the 24-hour rule. Airlines let you cancel within 24 hours if you book at least 7 days before departure. Use this window to grab a deal now and firm up plans later.
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Cash in your points. Summer is the perfect time to use miles or credit card points, since cheap cash fares are harder to find. You’ll get more value per point during peak season, and with Going with Points, members can easily spot award deals that are actually worth booking.
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