Fall is one of the smartest times of year to travel if you know how to shop for airfare. From booking at the right time to choosing cheaper travel days and avoiding unnecessary fees, these simple strategies can help you spend less, stress less and keep more money for the fun part of your trip.
Key Tips for Finding Cheap(er) Airfare
- Use every money-saving tool available. Fare alerts, airline loyalty points, independent carrier websites and airport transportation discounts can all add up to meaningful savings.
- Book strategically. Start tracking fares early, book holiday trips before prices climb and consider flying on less popular days for the best deals.
- Compare more than just price. Read fare rules, check alternate airports and compare booking options before you buy to avoid costly surprises.
Are you ready to explore off the beaten path? Let us inspire you!
1. Book at the Right Time
- Lowest fares: now through mid-October
- Thanksgiving flights: book by mid-October
- December holidays: book before Halloween
- Even if you don’t know your dates, start tracking now
2. Fly on the Cheapest Days
- Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often the least expensive, particularly for domestic travel
- Flying internationally? Fridays are often the best US departure day
- Avoid Sunday travel which is often the most expensive day to fly
- Fly on the actual holiday – Thanksgiving and Christmas mornings are often cheap
If your travel dates are flexible, compare rates on either side which may generate significant savings.
3. Discover Shoulder Season Savings
After Labor Day and before holiday travel begins, demand drops.
- Consider departures from early September through mid-October.
- Popular cities, beach destinations and Europe often see lower fares during this window.
- You’ll usually find smaller crowds and lower hotel prices, too.
4. Sign Up for Fare Alerts
- Use Google Flights, Hopper or Kayak to track price drops
- Once you know the deal, book directly with the airline for fewer headaches
5. Read the Fine Print
- “Basic” fares = no cancellations, no credits, strict bag rules
- Some include only a personal item, others allow a carry-on but charge for checked bags
- Often worth paying $30–$50 more for the next fare level with bag allowance and change flexibility
6. Check Alternate Airports
- California: Santa Ana, Burbank, Ontario, Long Beach, Santa Rosa, Santa Barbara
- Tri-State New York Area: White Plains, Islip on Long Island, Tweed (New Haven, CT)
- Smaller airports often mean faster security, less stress and better fares—even if it requires a connection
7. Visit Independent Airline Sites
- Some airlines, including Southwest, Breeze and Avelo, don’t always appear in every airfare search engine or online travel agency. Check their websites before booking
- Fares can be fantastic, but budget for extras like carry-on fees or seat selection
8. Pool Your Points
- Combining balances can get you to a free ticket faster.
- JetBlue, British Airways, Emirates: free family pooling
- Capital One: send miles to another user at no cost
9. Save Money Before You Even Reach the Airport
- Reserve your airport ride a few days ahead to lock in pricing and avoid surge fares
- Compare rideshare apps, airport shuttles and public transit to find the cheapest option
- If you use Lyft, scheduled rides include an On-Time Pickup Promise in many markets
- In select states, the FARE rideshare app may offer lower prices than larger competitors.
SheBuysTravel Tip: We partnered with Lyft to offer readers 25% off one scheduled airport ride with code SBT25. If FARE is available in your area (currently California, Oregon, Florida and Georgia), referral code ODJA7YDH can help you get started.
FAQs
For most fall trips, book between mid-summer and mid-October, especially if you are trying to book Thanksgiving flights.
Tuesdays and Wednesdays usually offer the best fares and shorter airport lines. Fridays and Sundays tend to be the busiest and most expensive travel days. If you’re traveling over Thanksgiving, flying on Thanksgiving Day itself can often save you money.
Comparison sites are great for finding deals, but I recommend booking directly with the airline once you’ve found the fare you want. It can make changes, cancellations and customer service much easier if your plans change.
Read More
- Think Your Cheap Airline Ticket Is Non-Refundable? Not Always
- Do What We Say Not What We Do: 26 Rookie Airport Mistakes and How to Fix Them
- TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry vs. Clear: Which is the Best Way to Speed Through Airport Security?
- Survival Tips for Long-Haul Flights in Economy Seats
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