Fall is a great time to travel as it is shoulder season, which means lower airfares and hotel prices. The period from September after Labor Day to mid-November before Thanksgiving is typically low-demand, making it a more affordable time to travel. Melanie Fish, head of Expedia Group Brands public relations, stated that fall is a fantastic time to travel and there is still time to plan a getaway. The week following Labor Day is the best time for domestic airfare deals, while Oct. 20 is the best for international trips and for the start of leaf-peeping season.
International travel during the week of Oct. 20 sees average ticket prices nearly $260 lower than in the summer. The cheapest travel dates domestically are the week of Sept. 1, when average ticket prices are nearly $100 cheaper than during the summer peak. According to Expedia, airfare prices in fall are about 10% lower than summer prices. Flying on Mondays or Saturdays can save fliers as much as 15% more. Analysis from Hopper found that domestic airfare in September averaged $240, down 8% from September 2023.
There are specific destinations that have lower average ticket prices during the shoulder season compared to peak summer travel season. Domestically, ticket prices are cheaper to Seattle (down nearly 20%), Honolulu (down 15%), Houston (down 10%), Denver (down 10%), and Los Angeles (down 10%). Internationally, it’s cheaper to travel to Toronto (down more than 25%), Santo Domingo (down 25%), London (down nearly 15%), Oranjestad (down nearly 15%), and Calgary (down 15%). Hotel prices have slightly increased since 2019, but the average price is still reasonable at $161 a night.
Expedia shared some additional travel tips to make the most out of your money during shoulder season. Set up price alerts for your preferred flights to snag the best deals. Opt to fly in the morning for cheaper flights that are less likely to be delayed or canceled. Book hotels offering “free cancellation” or “reserve now, pay later” options, and select the refundable room to avoid penalties. Save by bundling hotels and flights together to get a better overall deal. Fall is a great time to take advantage of lower prices and avoid the crowds, making it an ideal season for travel with a flexible schedule.
