Anticipated peak travel days this summer: Identifying busy flight schedules and strategies to cut airfare costs
Hit the Road or Take to the Skies: Your Ultimate Summer Travel Guide
millions of Americans are prepped and raring for their summer getaway. Whether you're opting for an airborne adventure or hitting the highway, here's what you need to know to ensure a smooth journey:
Jet-setter's Journey
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) anticipates a whopping 50,000 flights (including cargo) per day this summer, signifying a 4% increase in summer flight schedules compared to last year. Airlines like United Airlines and American Airlines are gearing up for a record-breaking summer, with United anticipating approximately 50 million passengers from June to August and American Airlines expecting a 5% hike in flights.
American Airlines predicts Sunday, July 6, as its busiest day, with nearly 6,800 flights. Preferred travel days, as per Expedia, are set to be Thursday, June 19 (Juneteenth), Friday, June 27, Tuesday, Aug. 5, and Tuesday, Aug. 26. To save on airfare, Hopper suggests flying midweek, like Tuesday or Wednesday, and snagging savings of up to 20%. If you're waiting for the best domestic deals, Expedia suggests flying on Tuesday, Aug. 19, or Monday, Aug. 25, as demand subsides towards summer's end.
In terms of popular destinations, cities like Las Vegas, New York City, Orlando, Miami, Chicago, San Juan, Puerto Rico, Honolulu, Hawaii, Seattle, Los Angeles, and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina top the list domestically. Internationally, Cancun, Mexico; Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; Paris; London; Tokyo; Rome; the Bahamas; and Barcelona, Spain are the favored destinations.
Wheels on the Road
Good tidings for those planning a road trip - Hopper reports that car rental prices are roughly on par with last year, averaging $47 per day. The cities experiencing the highest car rental demand are Orlando, Las Vegas, Denver, Miami, and Chicago. Budget-friendly cities with affordable rental rates this year include Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, and Tampa, with daily average costs of $26 or less.
The national average for a gallon of gas is $3.14, according to AAA, making it the lowest June gas price since 2021. Best of luck on your journey, travelers! Whether you're hitting the skies or the open road, a memorable adventure awaits you this summer!
Hidden Treasures:Domestic Travel Favorites: Orlando, Florida; Las Vegas, Nevada; New York City; Miami, Florida; and San Francisco, California.International Hotspots: Paris, London, Cancun, Mexico; Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; Tokyo; Rome; the Bahamas; Barcelona, Spain.
International business travelers might find themselves jetting off to popular destinations like Paris, London, Cancun, Tokyo, Rome, or Barcelona this summer, as these cities are among the favored international hotspots for travelers. On the other hand, those who prefer road trips may want to consider budget-friendly cities with affordable car rentals like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, or Tampa, with daily average costs of $26 or less, as they are among the cities experiencing the lowest car rental demand this summer.
