The cheapest places to fly in 2026 include a large mix of major cities and destinations off the beaten path for travelers who want to explore the globe on a budget.
In a “2026 Cheap Flight Forecast” published earlier this month, Dollar Flight Club shared the most affordable places to fly domestically and internationally next year, based on its data. The budget travel source listed 15 destinations based in the United States and another 15 abroad.
Domestically, the report says the cheapest place to fly in 2026 will be Fort Lauderdale, with an average fare of $95 for travel in late January or September. The list’s top three included flights to Orlando in early May or mid-September, and to Chicago from April through May and September through October. Florida was the state with the greatest number of cheapest places to fly domestically in 2026. Other destinations in “The Sunshine State” that were included were Pensacola, Miami, and Sanford (just outside Orlando).
For international adventures, El Salvador’s capital, San Salvador, had the lowest average fare price — $198. That’s for travelers who go during its dry season from December through March. The city is filled with variety, including stunning architecture, surrounding volcanoes to hike, and beaches perfect for surfing and sunbathing.
Mexico was the country with the most affordable destinations on the latter list. Its four listed were Mérida, Monterrey, Oaxaca, and León/the state of Guanajuato. Canada had three destinations listed — Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton. For those hoping to snag cheap flights to Europe, they should consider Madrid and Lisbon from April through June or September through October.
What Else Is There To Know About The Cheapest Places To Fly In 2026?
The time of year you visit a destination also impacts its affordability. Winter snowbirds will be happy to hear that, per the report, December through February is the best time to visit warm-weather locations like Fort Lauderdale or San José and Liberia (both in Costa Rica) for affordable fares. In the spring, from March through May, opt for European destinations during their shoulder seasons. It’s also reportedly the most budget-friendly time for fares to airports near the U.S.’ national parks. International visitors to the country in 2026 should be mindful, though, that entry prices to the U.S.’ most popular national parks will be raised for them starting January 1.
Dollar Flight Club suggests booking “red-eye or first-departure flights to undercut peak prices” in the summer. Since that’s a major peak travel time, you’ll want to book ahead of the season for Lisbon or Orlando. Last but not least, fall fares from September through November will reportedly be among the cheapest of the year “across many markets.” If you’re really looking to get some bang for your buck, consider Medellín or Austin as primary destination options.
Dollar Flight Club says, “Stretch your budget without sacrificing the experience. We analyzed tens of thousands of data points, including last year’s airfare trends, historical pricing, and today’s live deals, to build the 2026 Cheap Flight Forecast.”
“Start planning today, and make 2026 your most travel-filled and budget-friendly year yet!” the source added.
