If you’re still trying to lock down affordable airfare for a last-minute trip, a recent report shares the cheapest time to travel this summer – and where to go.
Travel fares search engine and comparison site Skyscanner released “The Smarter Summer Report” earlier this month. It shares major insights for travelers still wanting to make a summer vacation happen, even though the season already kicked off on June 21 in the Northern Hemisphere. The company found that August 17-23 is the sweet spot for the cheapest time to travel this summer, and that Monday is the cheapest day to fly.
June is a shoulder month ahead of the peak summer travel, and though it’s over, travelers may still be able to score deals in September. Skyscanner describes the two months as “summer’s quieter overachievers,” saying, “You still get the sunshine, but with lower prices, shorter lines, and a much easier shot at that dinner reservation.” The company added, “It’s the best of summer, with a bit more breathing room.”
Also pulled from the report, if you’re trying to spend less, consider avoiding TikTok travel hotspots. Destination dupes may be a jet-setter’s key to affordable travel, as Skyscanner highlighted the need to lean into “clever alternatives.”
“Make your money go further,” the company said. “With lots of people eyeing the same places, it pays to look elsewhere. These cheaper, handpicked alternative summer destinations serve up similar sunshine, scenery, or city vibes, often with lower prices, fewer crowds, and a bit more room to explore.”
Real-Time Tools For Tracking Down Cheap Summer Fares
If you’re interested in booking a September trip, it’s best to compare airfare and destination options right now. Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Kayak all have their own “explore” features that provide destination options and airfare details for comparison.
Based on Travel Noire’s June 30 hunting, Skyscanner found direct flights within the U.S. starting at $45 for direct, round-trip airfare. Direct round-trip flights to and from Puerto Rico and Mexico, two summer hotspots, are as low as $100 and $187, respectively. Just keep in mind that a traveler’s departure and arrival destinations significantly impact pricing. Additionally, travelers must factor in expenses they may incur (some of which may be added to their airfare), such as luggage fees, accommodations, and dining.
Another Skyscanner report, published in March, compared April rates to find the cheapest places to fly domestically in September. The list of affordable hotspots included popular destinations, but travelers should be aware that average flight prices may not reflect current rates. Moreover, they may not match the prices they’ll see when they’re hunting for airfare deals even later this summer.
See what Skyscanner noted as “the cheapest destinations to go to in September 2026” down below.
- Asheville, United States – Average flight price: $230
- Fort Lauderdale, United States – Average flight price: $252
- Myrtle Beach, United States – Average flight price: $253
- San Francisco, United States – Average flight price: $268
- Chicago, United States – Average flight price: $269
- Miami, United States – Average flight price: $270
- Nashville, United States – Average flight price: $273
- Syracuse, United States – Average flight price: $273
- San Diego, United States – Average flight price: $282
- Hartford, United States – Average flight price: $283
