With airfare down 5% compared to March 2024, summer 2025 may present favorable conditions for travelers looking to reduce their flight costs, according to travel app Going.
Going reports that average roundtrip airfare for domestic flights this summer sits at $432, while international flights average $1,513. While these figures remain elevated due to peak season demand, the company says lower overall demand could create opportunities for travelers to book flights at reduced prices.
“Economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions and tariffs are already softening demand for a season that usually delivers big revenue for airlines,” said Katy Nastro, a Going travel expert. “Deep discounts on long-haul flights during 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.”
Key Findings From Going Data
Data compiled by the company shows that domestic flights during August average $424 roundtrip, while international fares come in at $1,224. These figures represent a $22 savings compared to July domestic fares and more than $180 less than international fares in June.
Several factors contribute to August’s lower prices. As schools in many southern U.S. states resume classes in early August, family travel demand begins to drop, particularly in the latter half of the month. This reduction in demand often leads to lower airfare.
By destination region, Latin America and the Caribbean show the strongest value, with average roundtrip fares at $752 and $703, respectively. These are notably lower than the averages for Europe ($1,232) and Asia ($2,064).
“If you’re looking for a good deal on summer travel, your best bet is to aim for the first two weeks of June or the last two weeks of August,” said Katy Nastro, travel expert at Going. “Prices peak during the middle eight weeks when just about everyone’s out of school, but things are a bit more scattered at the edges. Take Hawaii for example, which sees less 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.”
Strategies for Booking Cheaper Flights This Summer
Based on the company’s ongoing analysis of airfare patterns, the following guidance is designed to improve the chances of securing a better deal.
Book Early
Travelers are advised to follow what Going calls the "Goldilocks Window" — booking three to seven months in advance for domestic trips and four to ten months ahead for international travel — to increase the likelihood of finding lower fares.
Set Flight Alerts
With prices subject to rapid change, the company recommends setting flight alerts for specific routes. This enables travelers to receive immediate notifications when fares drop.
Travel Midweek
Tuesday and Wednesday are typically the least expensive days to fly, while Sundays tend to be the most costly, according to long-standing airfare trends.
Adjust Fare Expectations
During the high-demand summer months, a $600 roundtrip fare to Europe from major U.S. airports may be considered a good deal. For travelers departing from smaller airports, a more realistic target is around $900. In contrast, fares below $500 or $600 are more common during off-peak seasons.
Use Alternative Routing
Going suggests considering indirect routes when direct flights are too expensive. For example, travelers might fly to a nearby city with cheaper fares and then continue on to their final destination via a budget airline, train or ferry.
Book Quickly, But Know the Rules
Airlines generally allow travelers to cancel bookings within 24 hours if the flight departs at least seven days later. Going encourages travelers to use this policy to secure a fare while finalizing travel plans.
Use Miles and Points Strategically
Peak season can be a good time to redeem frequent flyer miles or credit card points, as these may offer more value when cash fares are elevated.
Rely on Deal Monitoring Services
Going notes that it continually monitors fares and notifies its members — which number more than two million currently — when it identifies significant savings. According to the company, members save an average of $200 on domestic flights and $550 on international routes.
Notable Deals and Destinations
Noteworthy deals Going has spotted for this summer include domestic flights from Phoenix, Las Vegas, Orlando and Nashville to Alaska (from $327 roundtrip); from Washington, D.C., Charlottesville, Virginia and Asheville, North Carolina to Nantucket, Massachusetts (from $127 roundtrip); and Manchester, New Hampshire and Hartford, Connecticut to Myrtle Beach, Florida (from $88 roundtrip).
International deals include flights from Washington, D.C., to Valencia, Spain ($455 roundtrip); Boston to Geneva, Switzerland ($483 roundtrip); Newark, New Jersey, to Milan, Italy (business class, $1,687 roundtrip); and New York City to the Greek Islands (from $584 roundtrip).
According to Going, trending destinations for summer 2025 include Tokyo, Lisbon, Athens, Seattle, Denver and Honolulu, driven by increased airlift, affordability and traveler preference shifts.
Editor’s Note: This article was generated by AI, based on a press release distributed by Going. It was fact-checked and reviewed by a TravelAge West editor.
