International Airfare Is Dropping and Here’s What You Need to Know
International airfare in 2025 is trending lower than in past years. For travelers who have been holding off, the shift offers some relief. Routes across different regions are starting to show better prices, and that change is drawing attention from both frequent fliers and those simply planning a single trip abroad.
For anyone budgeting carefully, lower ticket costs can make travel feel more approachable. The trend doesn’t remove every challenge of going overseas, but it does open the door for more people to consider trips that once felt out of reach. Knowing how and when to book is now part of the conversation.
Why Are International Flights Getting Cheaper?
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The increase in airline capacity across most regions is a major reason behind the price drop. With more seats available, airlines are competing for customers by lowering fares to attract travelers. However, it’s not all good news. Flights to destinations like the Caribbean and Mexico have gone up by almost 10%, so those looking for a tropical getaway might need to dig deeper into their pockets.
On the bright side, if you’re willing to get adventurous with your travel plans, you could find cheaper options to off-the-beaten-path spots in Europe. For example, flights to São Jorge, a lesser-known island in Portugal, are 25% cheaper than they were last year. Cities like Oradea, Romania, known for its hot springs and stunning Art Nouveau architecture, have also seen a 21% price drop.
The Best Time to Book International Flights
Experts suggest booking your international flight about four to 10 months in advance, especially if you’re flying during peak travel periods like the summer months or holiday seasons. For off-season travel, booking two to eight months ahead can yield better prices.
Booking in advance isn’t just about finding cheaper fares. According to data from Expedia, booking one to three months before a domestic flight can save you up to 25% compared to waiting until the last minute. This rule also applies to international flights, but as a general guideline, aim to book around 101 days ahead to get the best deal.
Tracking Airfares and Setting Alerts
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When it comes to finding the best deals on airfare, setting up price alerts is your best bet. Websites like Google Flights, Thrifty Traveler, and Dollar Flight Club allow you to track your desired flights and notify you when prices drop. This way, you won’t have to constantly check and can book as soon as the price hits a sweet spot.
And here’s a bonus tip: if you book a flight and the price drops after your purchase, most major U.S. airlines now allow you to rebook at the lower price without penalty (unless you’ve opted for basic economy). So, don’t be afraid to monitor your flights after booking. If the fare goes down, you can cancel and rebook to save some cash.
The Days You Should Book and Fly
Gone are the days when people swore that Tuesday at 2 p.m. was the golden hour for booking flights. While there is no definitive “best” day to book, studies have found that some days offer better prices than others. According to Expedia’s 2025 Air Hacks Report, Sunday is generally the best day to book flights. But if you’re flexible, flying on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Saturday often means lower fares since these days tend to see less demand.
If you’re looking to save even more, timing your trip can be just as important as booking early. Flights to Europe are usually cheaper in the winter months (think January and February), while summer months like June tend to have higher fares. However, don’t be discouraged by the idea that all spring and summer months are expensive. If you can swing a trip in late August or September, you could save up to 15% compared to the peak summer prices.
Is Booking Too Early a Mistake?
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Buying tickets far ahead can feel safe, but it doesn’t always mean you’re getting the lowest fare. Airlines rarely post their best prices at the very start of the calendar. Book too early and you may lock into a higher rate than what shows up later in the cycle.
A better approach is to aim for the middle ground: early enough to secure a fair price, but not so early that you miss the dips. Flexibility helps here. If your dates or destinations aren’t fixed, you’ll see more opportunities, especially in off-peak seasons where carriers adjust prices to keep planes full.