Last year, Labor Day broke a travel record. Forecasting Sept. stories? Online travel engine Skyscanner has data for jumping off points, including the biggest price drop in average flight price in August 2025 compared to August 2024. Destinations include:
- Dubai (46%)
- Singapore (28%)
- Austin (27%)
- Puerto Vallarta (26%)
- Stockholm (25%)
- Sao Paulo (25%)
- Buffalo (24%)
- Sarajevo (23%)
- San Jose Cabo (22%)
- Florence (22%)
Below are tips to get the cheapest flights through Skyscanner, commentary attributed to Laura Lindsay, Global Travel Trends Expert at Skyscanner
- Travel the Opposite Way of the Crowd:
- “Around major events or holidays, timing your flight can help you secure the best deals. For example, flying out for Labor Day weekend on a Thursday rather than a Friday or Saturday is often more affordable. Over Labor Day, you may also find cheaper flights to Europe compared to popular domestic destinations, since most Americans tend to stay domestic for these holiday weekends.”
- Activate Price Alerts:
- “Activating Price Alerts on Skyscanner is a game changer when it comes to making the most of finding the best flight deals. Once you’ve selected your destination and travel dates, Skyscanner continuously monitors flight prices and sends you notifications when there’s a drop, helping you pounce on the perfect deal at the right moment.”
- Compare Domestic and International Flights:
- “Exploring domestic flight and international flight deals broadens your travel horizons. When domestic travel demand is high, like it is during Labor Day weekend in the U.S., international destinations may be a better deal. When you search for flights on Skyscanner, you can filter flights by price, duration, number of layovers, and more. Plus, get detailed information on baggage policies, amenities, and user reviews for informed choices.”
- Explore Alternative Destinations:
- “Flexibility with your travel destination is key. It lets you capitalize on discounts and explore unique, crowd-free experiences. Use Skyscanner’s “Search Everywhere” feature to find lesser-known gems and savings.”
- For example:
- Instead of Paris, try Lyon or Marseille for affordable French culture
- Opt for Eindhoven or Rotterdam in the Netherlands instead of Amsterdam
- Explore Fukuoka or Sapporo in Japan instead of Tokyo
- Mix and Match Flights:
- “Round-trip flights aren’t always the cheapest. Sometimes you save more by booking two one-way tickets, allowing you to mix and match airlines. Search for both round-trip and one-way itineraries to see which flights price out the best.”
- Consider Nearby Airports:
- “Flying into or out of nearby airports is a smart strategy for finding better flight deals and potentially saving on airfare. It offers travelers more flexibility and the opportunity to explore different airport options, especially if you live in an area with multiple airports nearby or are flying to a destination with more than one option. For example, if you want to fly to Miami, you can choose that airport or fly into Ft. Lauderdale, which is just 26 miles north. And if you’re heading to Manhattan, there are three New York City area airports. It’s easy to compare prices at nearby airports with Skyscanner. Enter your cities, choose your dates and click “Add nearby airports” for a comprehensive search.”