Americans are feeling the impact of rising airfare costs in 2025, but there are still plenty of opportunities for savvy travelers to score a deal. Whether you’re booking a quick domestic getaway or planning an international escape, understanding how much you’ll be shelling out for a ticket can make or break your travel budget.
Key Takeaways
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Domestic Flight Prices: The average U.S. domestic ticket cost is $366 in the third quarter of 2024, dipping slightly from $382 in the previous quarter.
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International Fare Shocker: An average international economy-class ticket costs Americans $1,217—though this figure can vary dramatically based on the destination.
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Airfare Savings Tips: Use travel rewards, set price alerts, and avoid peak days to get the best deals.
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Domestic Flights: How Much Are Americans Really Paying?
In the U.S., the average price for a domestic flight in 2024 hovers around $366, based on the latest Department of Transportation data. While this is a slight dip from earlier in the year, it’s about the same as it was last year. After the pandemic’s price plunge in 2020, when tickets were as low as $250, airfare has steadily crept up.
By the second quarter of 2022, the cost of domestic tickets stabilized and has stayed consistently above $350 ever since. So, if you’re planning to fly this year, expect the prices to hover around or above that average.
Factors Driving Domestic Airfare Prices: Several elements influence the cost of domestic flights, including:
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Jet Fuel Prices: Fluctuations in fuel costs are directly passed onto consumers. A spike in oil prices can lead to higher ticket costs.
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Supply and Demand: Airlines adjust prices based on demand, especially during peak travel periods like holidays or summer vacation.
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Airline Competition: More carriers on a route often result in lower prices. Fewer airlines competing for your ticket often means higher fares.
Which Airports Are Charging the Most?
Airfare costs vary significantly depending on where you’re flying from. Smaller, more remote airports tend to have higher fares, while larger hubs offer cheaper options.
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Most Expensive Airports for Domestic Flights:
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Guam International Airport: $1,659
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Unalaska Airport, Alaska: $1,305
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Telluride Regional, Colorado: $818
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Least Expensive Airports for Domestic Flights:
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Branson Airport, Missouri: $91
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Hagerstown Regional, Maryland: $95
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Mobile International, Alabama: $99
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The biggest cities—Los Angeles (LAX), Chicago (ORD), and Denver (DEN)—offer flights that reflect the national average, but head to smaller regional airports for your best chance at a bargain.
What Routes Are Americans Paying the Most For?
Americans flying between major cities like New York City and San Francisco ($478) or Los Angeles to New York City ($450) will likely face steep prices. However, the least expensive routes are often offered by budget airlines and tend to service leisure destinations like Florida or Utah.
For example:
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Phoenix to Provo, Utah (Allegiant): $83
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Allentown, PA to Sanford, Florida (Allegiant): $83
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Latrobe, PA to Orlando, Florida (Spirit): $86
Insider Tip: If you’re flying to a popular tourist destination like Orlando or Las Vegas, airlines often hike prices because of increased demand. Avoid flying during school breaks or holidays if you want to save.
International Flights: Sticker Shock for Americans
Flying internationally? Brace yourself. The average cost for an international economy-class ticket is a whopping $1,217, with significant price swings depending on your destination. For example, flying to neighboring Mexico or Canada will cost far less than booking a flight to Europe or Australia.
Price Variations by Region:
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To Europe: Average ticket prices from the U.S. to Europe range from $500 to $1,200, with some routes like New York to Paris hovering around $800 in off-peak seasons.
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To Asia: Flights to Japan or China from the U.S. can easily surpass $1,000, especially if booked last minute. Routes from the West Coast tend to be cheaper.
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To Australia/New Zealand: Flights to Australia or New Zealand can be hefty, often exceeding $1,200, with some peak season tickets hitting $2,000 or more.
How to Save Money on Your Next Flight
There are several strategies you can use to save on airfare:
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Use Travel Credit Cards: Many travel credit cards offer points or miles for everyday purchases, which can be redeemed for flights. Some even come with perks like free checked luggage, priority boarding, or airport lounge access.
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Set Price Alerts: Flight prices fluctuate constantly. Set up price alerts using apps like Hopper, Skyscanner, or Google Flights to get notified when fares drop, allowing you to jump on deals as they appear.
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Book in Advance (But Not Too Early): While booking months in advance used to guarantee the best deals, airlines have changed their pricing models. It’s often best to book 3–6 weeks in advance for domestic flights and 6–8 weeks for international trips.
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Fly on Off-Peak Days: Tickets are usually cheaper on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so if you’re flexible with your travel dates, consider avoiding weekends and holidays. Also, flights early in the morning or late at night are often cheaper.
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Look for Hidden Fees: Low-cost carriers like Spirit or Frontier often offer seemingly cheap tickets, but hidden fees for things like carry-ons, seat assignments, and even water can quickly add up. Always check the total cost before purchasing.
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Use Multiple Search Engines: Different booking sites sometimes show different prices. Check Google Flights, Kayak, Expedia, and individual airline websites to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Bottom Line: What Americans Can Expect to Pay
Airfare costs continue to fluctuate based on numerous factors, including demand, fuel prices, and competition between airlines. While some Americans are seeing lower prices, many still face hefty fees, particularly on international flights. However, a little planning and flexibility can make a big difference when it comes to saving money.