HOUSTON \u2013 Expedia\u2019s 10th annual Air Hacks report draws on millions of internal data points and new consumer research to help travelers plan smarter for 2026. <\/p>\n
Expedia travel expert Melanie Fish shared the trends on Houston Life.<\/p>\n
One clear tip: book and fly on a Friday to save up to 8%. For domestic travel, the sweet spot is 15\u201330 days before departure \u2014 travelers can see savings up to about $130. For international flights, aim to book within 45 days of travel instead of six months out to find better prices.<\/p>\n
When and where to go for the best deals <\/p>\n
August tops the list as the most affordable month to fly, according to the report. Your departure airport also matters: mainstream U.S. airports with the lowest average fares include Fort Lauderdale, Las Vegas and Orlando, with fares roughly 25% below the national average. The report also highlights growing interest in \u201cmicrocations\u201d \u2014 quick trips, sometimes as short as 24 hours \u2014 popular especially with Millennials and Gen Z.<\/p>\n
Tools, trends and on-board habits <\/p>\n
If you want to cut costs, Expedia offers: Flight Deals, Price Tracking and Price Drop Protection – which can alert you to savings while booking online. <\/p>\n
In-flight habits are changing, too: carry-on only travel is rising (48% of travelers say they fly with just carry-ons), and more than 45% of Millennials and Gen Z are layering clothing to avoid checked bag fees. <\/p>\n