If you’re eyeing a summer vacation but haven’t booked your flights yet, a new report might just help you save some serious money. According to Skyscanner’s 2025 Smarter Summer Travel Report, flying on a Wednesday can be the cheapest option this season — and the week of August 25 through 31 is expected to be the most budget-friendly stretch of the summer.
That’s big news, especially as airfare continues to inch higher. Hopper reports that average domestic ticket prices are already up nearly 6% over last year. But with a little flexibility and the right booking strategies, travelers can still snag solid deals.
Here’s what to know — and how to make the most of these summer savings opportunities.
Why Wednesdays are the cheapest day to fly
It’s no coincidence that midweek flights often come with lower price tags. Airlines tend to see lower demand on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, since most travelers prefer to fly out closer to the weekend. To fill those off-peak seats, airlines often lower prices.
This summer, that discount is especially pronounced. Skyscanner found that departing on a Wednesday can save you up to 20% compared to flying on a Friday or Sunday.
If you’re flying round-trip, try to return midweek too. Pairing a Wednesday departure with a Tuesday or Wednesday return typically yields the lowest fares on both domestic and international routes.
Why late August is the sweet spot
Peak summer travel usually runs from late June through early August, when school’s out and families are booking beach trips, theme park getaways and long-haul vacations. But once mid-August hits, demand starts to drop — and so do prices.
Skyscanner’s report highlights the week of August 25 through 31 as the most affordable time to fly this summer. That late-August dip is ideal for flexible travelers who want warm-weather vacations without paying peak-season prices.
For families with wiggle room in their school calendars — or solo travelers and couples who can wait until the rush dies down — this timing is gold.
Use fare alerts to track deals before they disappear
Once you know your ideal travel dates, set up price alerts to monitor fluctuations. Several platforms make this easy:
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Google Flights: You can track specific travel dates or a flexible range and receive email updates when fares rise or fall.
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Hopper: This app not only tracks prices but also predicts when fares are likely to change.
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Skyscanner: Known for its “cheapest month” and flexible date tools, it’s perfect if your travel window is wide open.
It’s smart to set alerts across a few platforms — you’ll increase your odds of catching limited-time deals that might vanish quickly.
Be flexible with airports, dates and airlines
Flexibility is key to unlocking the best fares. Even if you can make just small changes, you could see huge savings.
Consider these tips:
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Look at nearby airports. For example, flying out of Oakland instead of San Francisco, or into Fort Lauderdale instead of Miami, can make a significant difference.
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Search a few days before and after your ideal dates to compare prices.
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Don’t assume round-trip are always cheaper. Booking two one-way flights on different airlines — especially budget carriers — can sometimes yield better value.
Book now — and check the fine print
The best time to book domestic summer flights is typically one to three months in advance, and two to five months out for international trips. So if you’re hoping to travel in late August, don’t wait much longer.
Also, make sure to review your fare’s change and cancellation policies before clicking “purchase.” Some of the cheapest tickets — especially from budget carriers — offer no flexibility once booked.
Bottom line
If you’re looking to cut costs on flights this summer, fly on a Wednesday and aim for the week of August 25 through 31. Combined with tools like fare alerts and flexible date searches, these simple strategies could save you hundreds. And in a season when every dollar counts, that could mean an extra night at your hotel — a chunk of change back in your pocket.
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