Taking domestic flights for your summer vacation might be the answer if you're looking for a cheap getaway this year. However, the cost of flying further afield is more expensive than ever, research has revealed.
Data from travel company Hopper shows that flights to Europe are down 8% compared to this time last year, but remain 15% higher than at this time in 2019. Airfare to Asia this summer is averaging 45% higher than at this time in 2019 as capacity continues to recover on transpacific routes. The average ticket to Europe costs $947 and an average flight to Asia costs more than $1,500.
But it isn’t all bad news, U.S. domestic flights are 6% cheaper than last summer, and airline fares fell 3.6% from May to June, according to the most recent CPI report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
However, while domestic fares are lower, other aspects of summer travel will remain high. The price for lodging, including hotels and motels, is up 1.7% over the past month and down 1.7% since May 2023, according to the CPI. Additionally, the cost of food away from home was up 0.4% over the prior month and up 4.0% since May 2023. You can use NerdWallet's travel inflation price tracker to view how various travel prices have changed compared to pre-pandemic prices.
Here are all the details on why domestic flights are cheaper and which destinations are trending this year.
Why Are Domestic Flights Cheaper Than Last Summer?
Now is a great time for a vacation in the U.S. even if it’s an airfare away, as flights are 6% cheaper than last summer, according to Hopper. This summer marks the first year since 2020 where prices have dropped compared to the previous year. Here's a look at the best summer travel deals of 2024.
So, why have international flights gone up in price while domestic flights are cheaper? Hopper puts it down to a couple of things: greater airline capacity this summer and lower jet fuel prices.
The average price of a domestic flight currently stands at around $305, which is down from last summer, but up modestly from pre-pandemic levels. Prices are up 6%, or about $18 from 2019 when the average price of a domestic flight was $288.
Prices for travel at peak times will vary. Hopper says over July 4th Weekend, average flight prices will be $315 per ticket, and Labor Day Weekend flights will average $302 per ticket.
If you do want to travel overseas and don’t mind spending a few more dollars, off-peak airfares to Canada have gone up by only 6% since last summer — now around $410 on average. Airfares to Mexico and Central America (average price $461) and to the Antilles (average price $453) have decreased by 8%.
Most searched destinations in the U.S.
If you’re looking for good-priced domestic flights, Hopper analyzed which destinations in the U.S. are the most searched for, along with a good airfare deal. Domestic trending destinations are mostly smaller, more off-the-beaten-track cities and towns across the US.
| Destination | Flight deal from Hopper |
|---|---|
| Hyannis, MA | $538 |
| Cody, WY | $563 |
| Bar Harbor, ME | $650 |
| Sitka, AK | $610 |
| San Francisco, CA | $275 |
| Seattle, WA | $300 |
| Miami, FL | $214 |
| College Station, TX | $687 |
| Portland, OR | $282 |
| Durham, NC | $233 |
It’s a mixed bag of destinations, from city breaks in San Francisco and Seattle to a beach vacation in Miami and hiking at Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor.
Hopper suggests flying mid-week to bag a good deal — you can save up to $51 (or an average of 18% off) per ticket on domestic airfare if you fly on a Tuesday or Wednesday. And try to book the first flight of the day, as you’re less likely to be hit by delays and cancellations.
Related Content
-
Ask the Editor — Tax Questions on What Congress Will Do NextAsk the Editor In this week's Ask the Editor Q&A, we answer questions from readers on what Congress will do next with taxes.
-
When Tech is Too MuchOur Kiplinger Retirement Report editor, David Crook, sounds off on the everyday annoyances of technology.
-
Spirit Airlines' Future in Doubt: What This Means for Budget TravelSpirit Airlines says it may not survive another year. Here's how its potential collapse could affect low-cost flights and what it means for travelers seeking affordable airfare.
-
Bonds Pay in Good and Bad TimesBonds can act as a financial safety net through good times and bad. But different bonds carry different returns and risks, so do your homework before investing.
-
TSA Is Making Security Screening Even Faster for CLEAR+ MembersNew eGates promise to make identity verification a six second process for CLEAR+ members.
-
How Much the Best Travel Credit Cards Can Save You on a $10,000 TripTravel credit cards can help you save on your trips while offering elevated perks.
-
Protect Your Retirement From Extreme Weather EventsA rising tide of storms, fires, and heat is impacting retirees. Here's what you can do about it.
-
Board Service in Retirement: The Best Time to Join a Board Is Before You RetireMany senior executives wait until retirement to take a seat on a corporate board. But making this career move early is a win-win for you and your current organization.
-
Where I'm Stashing My Emergency Fund Before Rates ChangeKnowing what's coming can help savers prepare and maximize returns.
-
My Car Is 10 Years Old. Should I Drop Down to Minimum Coverage on My Car Insurance?Reducing your car insurance to minimum coverage could save you thousands on premiums. But when is it worth the risk?
