Best Fall Flights: 9 Proven Ways to Save on Airfare

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Fall flights can be some of the best deals of the year, with thinner crowds and crisp, colorful destinations waiting to explore. Before you book your next trip, learn how to make the most of these seasonal savings with nine essential ways to cut airfare costs.

Read on for smart tips that can help you fly farther for less this autumn.

booking fall flights can save money — An empty runway stretches toward distant mountains under an amber sky. It’s a fitting start to any fall flight adventure.

CONTENTS —In this article, you’ll discover the best way to save money on fall flights, including:

9 Tried-and-True Ways to Save on Your Autumn Flight

By Jeremy Greenburg

There’s nothing quite like taking a lovely trip during the fall season.

The air is crisp, the airport crowds are thinner, and landscapes are often spectacular (especially in regions with dazzling fall foliage).

Even better, airlines frequently drop their prices on fall flights that take place between the busy summer travel season and the winter holidays. This makes autumn one of the best times of the year for budget-conscious travelers to stretch a trip budget.

If you are planning an upcoming autumn trip and want to save even more money on your flight, look no further. As the Chief Information Officer at SlickTrip (a popular flight price drop website), I have seen firsthand a number of tried-and-true ways to save on autumn flights.

Here are 9 practical, proven tips to help you book the cheapest flight for a fall getaway.

colorful fall foliage in New England — A tree-lined country lane bursts with fiery fall color in New England, where crisp air and golden leaves set the perfect autumn mood.

1. Try to Book Fall Flights on a Tuesday

While flight prices fluctuate constantly, Tuesday has consistently proven to be one of the best days to book a flight.

This is largely because many airlines release weekly deals and discounted fares late on Monday or early Tuesday, which prompts competing airlines to adjust their own pricing in response.

So by Tuesday afternoon, you’ll often see a wider range of lower fares across multiple airlines as they compete to fill seats.

This brief window typically lasts through early Wednesday and can offer some of the most competitive flight prices of the week.

It’s not a hard rule, but statistically, many travelers have had luck scoring cheaper flights during this timeframe.

Take advantage of this tip by setting fare alerts in advance and checking your routes early on Tuesday mornings for the best shot at landing a big deal!

2. Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates

woman hiking in fall — A happy hiker takes in the view on a crisp autumn day, surrounded by colorful foliage and clear mountain air.

One of the easiest ways to save money on your fall flight is to be flexible with your travel dates.

For example, there is typically less demand for flights that take off on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so it is usually much cheaper to travel on those days than on the weekends.

Use fare calendars on booking platforms to compare prices across different days.

If your travel schedule allows for it, planning your trip around the lowest fare days (rather than locking in specific dates) can help you save a lot of money on your flight.

3. Set a Fare Alert on a Flight Comparison Website

Instead of checking individual airline websites one by one, streamline your search with a flight comparison website like SlickTrip.

These helpful platforms allow you to:

Compare fares across multiple airlines
Highlight the cheapest days to fly
Use a flexible date search feature that makes it easy to spot the most affordable travel windows.

Also, one of the most valuable features of these online platforms is their ability to set fare alerts for specific flight routes. Once activated, you’ll receive notifications via email or a mobile app when a flight price drops, so you can time your purchase for maximum savings!

With so many factors influencing airfare prices, using a flight comparison website with a fare drop alert is one of the most efficient and effective ways to secure the best deal.

4. Skip the Checked Bag on Fall Flights

Many of the lowest flight fares in autumn (especially on budget airlines) are for “basic economy” tickets that don’t include a checked bag.

If you can travel with just a carry-on, you’ll save on fees and also avoid baggage claim delays. Packing light for a longer trip might seem challenging, but it’s often easier than expected.

If you’re concerned about fitting everything into a carry-on, research nearby laundromats at your destination. Spending a few dollars to wash a load of clothes mid-trip is far more cost-effective than paying $35+ for a checked bag full of extra outfits.

With a little planning, you can travel lighter, save money, and simplify your journey.

5. Use an Incognito Window & Clear Browser Cookies

autumn scene at the Louvre in Paris France — Paris in autumn glows with soft light and golden trees along the Jardin des Tuileries, leading toward the Louvre.

Have you ever researched a flight route in the morning and then checked it again later the same day, only to discover that the price has gone up?

You’re not alone.

While airlines and travel sites often deny raising fares based on repeated flight searches (a practice known as “dynamic pricing”), it’s wise to take simple precautions.

Use your browser’s incognito or private mode when searching for flights to prevent websites from storing your search history through cookies.

Also, if you’re checking fares repeatedly over several days, consider clearing your cookies in between the search sessions.

These small steps can help ensure you’re seeing the most accurate, unbiased pricing. This can potentially save you from paying more than you need to.

6. Don’t Assume a Round-Trip Fare Is Always Cheaper

While it might seem more convenient to book a round-trip ticket with a single airline, doing so could mean missing out on significant savings.

In many cases, booking two separate one-way flights (possibly with different airlines) can be cheaper. This mix-and-match approach will help you find the best price for each leg of your journey.

It also gives you greater flexibility, as you will be able to fly into one city and return from another (a.k.a. “open jaw travel”). This option can expand your itinerary, allow for more exploration, and still keep your travel budget in check.

Always compare both round-trip and one-way combinations before you book!

7. Fly Early in the Morning or Late at Night

mountain scene with yellow fall foliage — Golden aspens and evergreens paint the foothills beneath rugged peaks—a classic view of fall in the mountains.

Flights that depart early in the morning or late at night (like red-eyes) are often significantly cheaper because they’re less in demand.

So if you’re flexible and willing to travel during these less popular hours, you can save a substantial amount on your flight.

And there’s another added bonus of flying early in the morning: fewer incoming flights mean fewer chain-reaction delays. Early flights often use planes that stayed overnight at the airport, so you won’t have to worry about your plane coming in from an inbound flight and being delayed.

Keep in mind that delays compound as the day stretches on, so a delay at one airport can ripple through the whole system.

Flying out early in the morning can prevent you from getting caught in the delay domino effect.

mount fuji in japan in autumn — Brilliant red and orange foliage frame Mount Fuji on a clear fall day, capturing Japan’s spectacular autumn season.

Airlines and travel deal websites often announce flash sales, promo codes, and exclusive discounts on their social media channels.

They sometimes even share these deals on their social channels before posting them anywhere else.

By following airlines and travel deal sites on social media, you’ll be among the first to know about limited-time offers that can save you serious money on your trip.

These deals tend to go fast, so staying plugged in gives you a key advantage when it comes to booking the best flights.

9. Fly Into a Major Hub If Possible

washington DC in autumn — The Washington Monument reflects in calm waters surrounded by vivid fall trees, a timeless autumn scene in D.C.

Large hub airports like Chicago O’Hare and JFK in New York typically have a higher volume of flights and more competition among airlines. That often results in lower fares when compared to smaller regional airports.

Therefore, even if your final destination is a smaller city, it may be more cost-effective to fly into a nearby major hub. You can continue your journey via train, bus, renting a car, or a short regional flight.

While it might add a bit of travel time, the potential savings can make the extra effort well worth it. And, it’s an opportunity to deepen your adventure!

It may be wise to also consider nearby airports in a major metropolitan area.

Major cities often have multiple airports, and sometimes a short drive or train ride can save you a considerable amount on your flight.

For example, if you’re flying to the San Francisco Bay Area, you could also check prices for Oakland or San Jose to see if they’re cheaper. Or, travelers heading to New York might find cheaper flights into Newark rather than right into JFK or LaGuardia.

Final Thoughts on Booking Cost-Saving Fall Flights

Who wouldn’t want to save big bucks on their autumn travels?

Booking affordable flights for your fall trip is all about strategy and flexibility. With fewer travelers in the skies and better deals available, fall is one of the most rewarding times to explore new places without breaking the bank.

Whether you’re chasing colorful foliage, escaping for a quiet weekend, or checking off a bucket-list destination, these 9 tips will help you get there for less.

Have an awesome, budget-friendly trip!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jeremy Greenburg is the Chief Information Officer at SlickTrip, an online platform that instantly compares top travel sites and alerts you the moment flight prices drop. In his role, Greenburg educates others on travel trends, travel tech innovation, and real-time data systems. Your smart travel companion, SlickTrip helps you never miss out on the best deals on flights. Airline ticket prices can change multiple times a day, but with real-time price alerts, you’ll always stay ahead. Explore flexible flight combinations, spot the cheapest travel dates with color-coded calendars, and view detailed seat maps to pick the best spot on the plane.

About Jackie Gately, editor-IN-CHIEF

I'm Jackie Gately, your travel confidante and the creative force behind Enjoy Travel Life, awarded the "Best Casual-Luxury Lifestyle Blog (USA)" in Travel and Tourism by LUXlife Magazine for four consecutive years.

With 25 years of published expertise, I'm a seasoned writer, editor, and photographer curating inspiring travel guides and lifestyle tips for empty nesters. I hope to kindle your spirit of exploration, encouraging you to overcome obstacles and turn your dreams into reality.

Learn to minimize your pre-travel angst and maximize the joy of exploration with insights from my experiences. Let's make every adventure a celebration of this exciting phase of life! 

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