Understanding National Cheap Flight Day 2025
National Cheap Flight Day, set for August 23, 2025, marks a time when airfares tend to be lower. This is part of a broader trend that occurs during the shoulder season, which typically spans from after Labor Day through the week before Thanksgiving. During this period, many people are back in school or working, leading to fewer vacation bookings and, consequently, more affordable flights.
Why the Fall Shoulder Season Is Ideal for Travelers
The fall shoulder season is considered an off-peak time for air travel. With fewer people traveling, airlines often offer discounted fares to fill seats. This makes it an excellent opportunity for those who have the flexibility to plan their trips around this time. According to Ellie Breslin, a spokeswoman for the airfare tracking website Hopper, the average round-trip ticket in September 2024 was $240, which is $27 less than the previous month. This trend suggests that travelers can expect even better deals in the coming years.
Tips for Finding Affordable Flights
To take advantage of these lower prices, travelers should use tools like Google Flights, Kayak, and Skyscanner to compare fares across different airlines. These platforms allow users to filter flights based on whether they are nonstop or include layovers, as well as arrival and departure times. Additionally, many travel websites and apps offer price monitoring tools that track airfares in real time and send alerts when prices drop.
Breslin also recommends flying on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, as midweek flights can save travelers up to $100 round-trip. However, she notes that the best time to book depends on several factors, including the destination, the type of flight (nonstop or with layovers), and the cabin class.
When to Book Your Flight
Experts generally advise booking flights no later than one to two months in advance to secure the best fares. For domestic flights, it’s recommended to start monitoring prices three to four months before your planned departure. International travelers should consider booking three to five months ahead, as last-minute or overly early bookings can lead to higher costs.
For holiday travel, such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s, Breslin suggests booking in September or early October. Prices for these holidays could be around $100 cheaper per ticket compared to current rates.
The Best Time to Book a Flight
While some believe that certain days, like Tuesdays, are cheaper to book flights, experts emphasize that the cheapest time to book depends on the specific flight and its popularity. Gemma Jamieson, a travel expert with Skyscanner, explains that airlines often release sales starting from Monday night or Tuesday morning. However, the primary factor influencing flight prices is supply and demand.
Destinations with the Lowest Fares
Several destinations from Phoenix offer some of the lowest-priced nonstop airfares. Cities like Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and San Diego are popular choices for weekend getaways. Additionally, some round-trip flights to cities like San Francisco, Salt Lake City, and Denver can be more cost-effective than driving.
Here are some sample round-trip airfare prices for September and October 2025:
- San Diego: $78-$98 with Frontier; $92-$117 with Alaska; $92-$213 with Southwest; $94-$237 with American.
- Los Angeles: $85-$171 with Frontier; $110-$157 with Southwest; $110-$217 with American or Delta; $110-$265 with United.
- Denver: $90-$117 with Frontier; $157-$237 with Southwest; $157-$267 with American or United.
- Las Vegas: $98-$124 with Frontier; $158-$212 with Southwest; $158-$379 with American.
- Salt Lake City: $118-$162 with Frontier; $198-$272 with American, Southwest, or Delta.
- San Francisco: $124-$229 with American or Southwest; $124-$262 with United.
Ultra-low-cost carriers like Frontier and Spirit often offer the lowest base fares, but travelers should be aware of additional fees for seat assignments, carry-on luggage, and other amenities.
Conclusion
By planning ahead and using the right tools, travelers can take full advantage of the lower airfares available during the fall shoulder season. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a longer trip, there are plenty of opportunities to save money on flights if you know where and when to look.
