* CONTENT OF THE ARTICLE
As the fall and winter holiday seasons approach, travelers are keen to understand how airfare trends are likely to evolve.
Current Trends in Domestic Airfare
According to a forecast from booking site Hopper, highlights that domestic airfare is expected to average just $240 roundtrip in September, which is 8 percent lower than the same period last year. Despite experiencing a record-setting summer, prices are projected to stay below 2023 levels until the year’s end. However, as travelers start planning for Thanksgiving and Christmas, prices will begin to climb in October.
Peak Airfare Periods
The data suggests that the cost of airfare will peak during the second week of December, averaging about $283 roundtrip. This is still 9 percent lower than what was observed during the same timeframe last year. It’s a small relief for holiday travelers who might be bracing for higher costs.
Impact of Increased Airline Capacity
One contributing factor to the overall lower airfare costs is the increased capacity by airlines. Hopper noted that around 94.5 million seats were flown in July, a 6 percent increase compared to the previous year. Several airlines, including United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and Delta Air Lines, have recently announced large expansions, which is a significant factor in keeping the prices relatively low.
International Airfare Trends
Low costs are not solely confined to domestic travel. Hopper reported that fall fares to popular international destinations such as Canada, Europe, and South America have dropped below 2019 levels. However, travel to Asia remains notably more expensive, with fares approximately 36 percent above 2019 prices.
Conclusion
In summary, while domestic airfare prices will stay lower than 2023 levels through the end of the year, travelers should anticipate price increases starting in October, peaking in December, and dropping again in January. Increased airline capacity plays a crucial role in maintaining competitive prices, benefiting holiday travelers planning both domestic and international trips.
