Affordable Options for Domestic and International Travelers

If you postponed your summer travel plans due to high airfares, you’re in luck. The fall season brings a welcome change, as flight prices to both domestic and international destinations are experiencing significant reductions, as revealed in the Fall Shoulder Season Report by travel booking site Hopper.

For domestic travelers, the average cost of flights in September and October stands at $211 per ticket, marking a noteworthy 29% decrease from the summer months of June, July, and August.

International travel enthusiasts are also benefiting from these lowered fares. European flights, which witnessed high demand during recent months, now average $738 for September and October, down from the $1,000+ range seen this summer. Mexico and Central America routes have seen a 19% drop in prices, while flights to Asia have seen a reduction of 26%.

Hopper’s Lead Economist, Hayley Berg, explains this trend, saying, “In an effort to incentivize travelers to book trips in early fall, airlines will drop prices to encourage travelers to schedule one more trip before the busy holiday season begins. This means travelers who plan anything from a weekend getaway to a bucket list vacation will enjoy significantly lower prices in September/October compared to peak summer months.”

Here’s a breakdown of the reduced airfares for both domestic and international flights:

Domestic Flights:

• Flights to Los Angeles now average $179 this fall, marking a substantial 40% reduction.
• Travelers heading to New York City can expect to pay $174, representing a 34% decrease.
• Flying to Orlando will cost an average of $137, while Las Vegas and Dallas fares come in at $188 and $203, respectively, all down more than 20% compared to summer prices.

International Flights:

• Paris-bound travelers will find fares averaging $684, marking a 41% reduction compared to summer rates.
• Flights to Shanghai now cost $1,523, reflecting a significant 37% decrease.
• London-bound passengers can book tickets at an average of $677, while Tokyo and Seoul fares are priced at $1,172 and $1,316, respectively, each representing a reduction of 25% or more.

Beyond flights, travelers can also enjoy savings on other aspects of their trips. Hotel accommodations, on average, have seen a 5% reduction from summer peak prices. Rental car costs have also decreased, with an average daily rate of $40.

Furthermore, while gas prices have seen a gradual increase in recent months, they remain notably lower than the peak prices observed last summer when some regions experienced prices exceeding $6 per gallon.

For travelers seeking affordability and a chance to explore their dream destinations, this fall presents a prime opportunity to make travel plans without breaking the bank.