Flight prices remain high in 2026, but new Expedia data shows travelers who book and fly strategically can still save hundreds per trip.
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Expedia’s 2026 Air Hacks Report used millions of data points and new consumer research to determine the best ways to save on flights this year. Here are the hacks revealed by this expert analysis.
1. Fly in August 2026 for the Cheapest Flights
The report found that August is the most affordable month to travel. Flying in August typically costs 29% less than traveling in December, which translates to roughly $120 in savings per ticket.
If you’re traveling domestically, January is the cheapest month to fly, driven by lower demand after the holidays.
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2. Friday Is the Cheapest Day To Book and Fly
Wait until Friday to book flights if you want to unlock the biggest savings. And if you have flexibility in your travel plans, consider flying on Fridays to secure the lowest flight prices.
“When you book really matters,” said Melanie Fish, vice president of global public relations for Expedia Group brands. “Your booking day and your travel day can be the difference between overpaying and unlocking meaningful savings.”
According to the Expedia data, flying on a Friday instead of Sunday can translate to savings of up to 8%. However, for domestic flights, the cheapest day to fly is Tuesday — flights typically cost 14% less than Sunday departures.
3. Know the Best Time To Book Flights for the Lowest Prices
“My recommendation is to book your flights closer than you think, but avoid waiting until the last second,” Fish said.
The most affordable booking window for domestic economy flights is 15 to 30 days before departure. You’ll save an average of $130 compared to bookings made more than six months out.
International airfare pricing is less intuitive — and waiting can sometimes pay off. Book 31 to 45 days before departure to score average savings of $190 compared to those made six months out. You can potentially save even more by waiting until very close to departure — booking international flights eight to 15 days ahead can offer average savings of $225.
“The catch is, of course, you can run into issues like less availability of nonstop flights and limited seat options,” Fish said.
4. Choose Your Departure Airport Wisely
The most convenient airport for you might not be the cheapest, so it could be worth traveling a bit farther for significant savings.
“Being flexible with your departure airport can be one of the smartest ways to save,” Fish said.
Expedia’s analysis shows that Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Las Vegas and Orlando, Florida, are the most affordable mainstream U.S. departure airports, with average fares about 25% lower than the national average.
On the flip side, Washington Dulles, San Francisco and New York’s JFK are the most expensive airports to fly out of.
5. Take Advantage of Cheap Flight Routes
If your priority for 2026 travel is to find the cheapest flights possible, take advantage of the travel routes that are known for low fares. Domestically, flights from Orlando, Florida, to Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Las Vegas to San Diego; and Los Angeles to Las Vegas all cost under $160 on average.
International saver routes under $275 include Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Nassau, Bahamas; Houston to Comayagua, Honduras; and Orlando, Florida, to Toronto.
This is also a great year to travel to Honduras; Morelia, Mexico; and Tokyo — flight prices to these destinations have dropped up to 25% year-over-year.
“These are excellent destinations to explore beyond the usual favorites,” Fish said.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 5 Ways To Find Cheaper Flights in 2026, Backed by Expedia Data
