Data also shows that this year’s National Cheap Flight Day could be even more significant than last year. CheapOAir said domestic airfares are down an average of 30 percent compared to the same period last year. International airfares aren’t quite as cheap, but are still 10 percent lower than they will be in 2023.
You will be pleasantly surprised at how much cheaper autumn flights can be. Photo: Prostock-studio/Shutterstock
It is important to note that National Cheap Flight Day is the start of lower prices for Future Flights, not the date you need to fly. This is when you should expect to see significant price reductions on fall flights. Expect costs to slowly rise again as demand for Thanksgiving and Christmas travel increases. So it’s probably OK to wait a few days after August 23rd to book, and you might still find a few deals a few weeks later, too, but the longer you wait, the more expensive the prices you can expect to pay.
That’s a general rule, of course, and a variety of recently announced airline expansions have resulted in some good deals on new routes and airports. Allegiant Airlines has announced nine new routes to cities like Miami and Sarasota, FL, with special fares as low as $39 each way. American Airlines has announced new routes between Miami and New York starting in November (plus more flights to the Caribbean starting in December), and 14 new routes from Frontier to cities like San Diego, Boston and Los Angeles will likely bring a ton of new, cheaper fares for flyers who don’t mind the budget airline experience.
Wondering where to travel? According to Google’s Destination Insights for the period from Memorial Day to mid-August, these are the five most popular cities for domestic travel in the U.S. this summer.
Google trends data on the most popular search queries for domestic travel. Photo: Google Trends
Las Vegas, Nevada
Photo: ON-Photography Germany/Shutterstock
Las Vegas offers a welcome respite from the summer heat in the fall, making it the ideal time to explore the city. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy scenic hikes through Red Rock Canyon, where the cooler temperatures are perfect for taking in the stunning desert scenery. It’s also the best time of year for outdoor rock climbing in the same area, and Vegas is just two hours from beautiful Zion National Park. In the city, world-class golf courses beckon with lush fairways and temperatures that won’t have you teeing off at 5 a.m.
Of course, Las Vegas has plenty of indoor entertainment year-round. And whether it’s the height of summer or mid-January, you can enjoy year-round offerings like the live entertainment at the Freemont Street Experience, the city’s Michelin-starred restaurants, or the multitude of impressive casinos, unique museums, and stage shows on the Strip.
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New York, NY
Photo: Volodymyr TVERDOKHLIB/Shutterstock
New York City is never quiet, but if you’re already dealing with crowds, you might as well do so during the best time of year: fall. And with three airports to choose from, you should have good luck finding a cheap flight to the area on National Cheap Flight Day.
New York City has always been a smorgasbord of cultural and sensory experiences, but fall also brings the city to life. Outside of the famous Central Park, fall offers great temperatures for strolling along the High Line, a 1.5-mile elevated greenway and park in Chelsea. As temperatures drop, it’s fun to settle in for a Broadway show at a historic theater, stroll the charming streets of Greenwich Village, or attend an outdoor New York festival like the Brooklyn Flea or Global Citizen Festival in Central Park. If you have more than a long weekend, you can even plan an extended trip to upstate New York for leaf peeping.
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Chicago, Illinois
Photo: David S. Swierczek/Shutterstock
Google believes Chicago is the third most popular destination this summer. That wouldn’t be surprising considering the city’s ever-popular architecture boat tours, outdoor music events and massive museums. If you’re interested in dinosaurs, don’t miss Sue at the Field Museum.
When the city sheds its summer skin, visitors can explore the Lincoln Park Zoo without the summer crowds or spend cloudy days indoors at the stunning Art Institute. Those looking to experience nature can enjoy the fall foliage at the Chicago Botanic Gardens, which offers a stunning spectacle, and many of the city’s Michelin-starred restaurants go all out on seasonal flavors, especially considering how close Chicago is to many of the U.S.’s agricultural regions. And no matter what nightlife you prefer, whether it’s a cozy jazz club or a bustling brewery, you’ll find it much more enjoyable in October and November when the city isn’t overrun with tourists.
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San Diego, California
Sunset in Torrey Pines. Photo: dfjacShutterstock
Fall in San Diego offers a unique blend of mild weather and plenty of outdoor activities. Although early fall is still warm enough for beach days, it’s also prime weather for exploring Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, hiking along coastal bluffs, or leisurely strolling through the sprawling museums, gardens, and shopping and dining at Balboa Park. Del Mar Racetrack hosts a full schedule of horse racing as well as social events and festivals, and foodies will find plenty of fresh seasonal fish and seafood dishes at seaside restaurants in neighborhoods like Pacific Beach and Ocean Beach. If you can, book a flight on National Cheap Flight Day in October, as the Halloween parties around the Gaslamp Quarter are some of the best in California.
To get a sense of the area’s history, visit Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. And if you’re there in October, take a Halloween walking tour of one of the city’s spookier sites, like the Whaley House or the historic Balboa Theater.
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Orlando, FL
Photo: JHVEPhoto/Shutterstock
Ah, Orlando. This city may be synonymous with family-friendly vacations, but depending on your travel style, you might like it even more when many of the youngest visitors are back in school. Aside from the obvious appeal of theme parks, when lines are shorter and there are fewer crying kids at restaurants and shows, fall is also a great time to explore some of the non-theme park offerings near Orlando. These include world-class dining, a world-famous mermaid show, or a visit to the home of literary legend Jack London. It’s also a nice time to book a stay at an upscale hotel, as prices typically drop a bit in the fall. 
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