All eyes are on the summer travel season, but it’s never too early to start thinking ahead and planning for travel later in the year. Online booking site Hopper has released its Q2 Domestic Travel Index, which reveals good news for travelers as well as when to book flights before prices peak.
Data shows that airfare prices are slightly lower than 2023 overall, but Hopper expects prices to begin rising starting in May. While airfare will not likely top pre-pandemic levels, it’s best to book before June, when airfare prices will peak at around $315 for one-way domestic flights. International fares are higher than pre-pandemic levels in most regions, so your best bet for a frugal tip is to travel domestically.
According to Hopper, fares will rise 3 percent into December for the holiday season before dropping 11 percent in January. January will be the cheapest month of the year to book travel, followed by the fall shoulder season in September and October. Fares will then rise again into late spring and into the summer travel period.
Domestic travelers are still heading to the country’s most popular destinations, but smaller cities like Cape Cod, Massachusetts; Cody, Wyoming and Bar Harbor, Maine are increasing in popularity. These destinations
Hopper’s data also reveals level prices for hotels and car rentals. Now is the time to book a flight and plan for that summer vacation, before prices begin to rise next month.