Five Ways to Buy Cheap Flights in 2026

Airfare prices remain high in 2026, but new data from online travel platform Expedia shows that strategic travelers can save hundreds of dollars per trip, writes GoBankingRates.

Expedia's 2026 Air Hacks report used millions of data points and new consumer research to identify the best ways to save on air travel this year.

Fly in August

The report found that August is the most affordable month for travel. Flights in August are typically 29% cheaper than trips in December, representing a savings of approximately $120 per ticket.

If you're traveling domestically, January is the cheapest month to fly, due to the drop in demand after the holidays.

Friday is the cheapest day to book and fly

If you want to maximize savings, wait until Friday to book your tickets. And if you have flexibility in your travel plans, consider departing on Friday to get the lowest prices.

"The day you book your flights matters," said Melanie Fish, vice president of global brand communications for Expedia Group. "The day you book and the day you fly can mean the difference between overpaying and saving big."

On the subject: Airlines are starting to cancel flights due to fuel shortages caused by the war with Iran.

According to Expedia, flying on Friday instead of Sunday can save up to 8%. However, for domestic flights, the cheapest day to fly is Tuesday: these flights are typically 14% cheaper than Sunday flights.

Find the best time to book tickets at the lowest prices

"My recommendation is to book tickets closer to your departure date, but not wait until the last minute," Fish noted.

The most affordable time to book economy class tickets for domestic flights is 15–30 days before departure. This results in an average savings of $130 compared to booking more than six months in advance.

International airfare pricing is less clear—and waiting can sometimes pay off. Book 31–45 days before departure to see an average savings of $190 compared to booking six months in advance. You can potentially save even more by waiting until closer to departure—booking international flights 8–15 days before departure can save you an average of $225.

"But there's a caveat: you may encounter issues such as fewer direct flights and limited seat selection," the vice president clarified.

Choose your departure airport wisely

The most convenient airport for you isn't necessarily the cheapest, so it might make sense to travel a little further to save some money.

"Being flexible in your departure airport can be one of the smartest ways to save money," Fish emphasized.

Expedia's analysis shows that Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Las Vegas, and Orlando, Florida are the most affordable major departure airports in the US, with average fares about 25% lower than the national rate.

On the other hand, Washington Dulles, San Francisco and New York's Kennedy Airport are the most expensive airports to fly out of.

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Take advantage of advantageous flight routes

If your 2026 travel goal is to find the cheapest flights possible, consider routes known for their low prices. Domestic flights from Orlando, Florida, to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, from Las Vegas to San Diego, and from Los Angeles to Las Vegas average under $160.

International routes under $275 include flights from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Nassau, Bahamas; Houston to Comayagua, Honduras; and Orlando, Florida, to Toronto.

This is a good year to travel to Honduras, Morelia (Mexico), and Tokyo, with airfare prices to these destinations down up to 25% compared to last year.

Read also on ForumDaily:

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