HOUSTON – Expedia’s 10th annual Air Hacks report draws on millions of internal data points and new consumer research to help travelers plan smarter for 2026.
Expedia travel expert Melanie Fish shared the trends on Houston Life.
One clear tip: book and fly on a Friday to save up to 8%. For domestic travel, the sweet spot is 15–30 days before departure — 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.
When and where to go for the best deals
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 “microcations” — quick trips, sometimes as short as 24 hours — popular especially with Millennials and Gen Z.
Tools, trends and on-board habits
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.
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.
For more details and booking help, visit www.expedia.com or download the Expedia app.