It's shaping up to be a year of accessible travel, particularly for those planning ahead to 2026. Today's news is dominated by a surge of flight deals, offering significant savings on both domestic and international routes. Are these deals a sign of airlines anticipating increased competition, or are they simply trying to fill seats well in advance? Let's dive into the details and explore the strategic implications for your travel planning.
Flight Deals to the US
Las Vegas Nonstop for Under $170: Direct flights to Las Vegas are back on the radar, with fares dropping below $170 roundtrip. The best part? This isn't a basic economy fare; it includes advance seat selection, saving you the stress of scrambling for a decent spot. This deal is perfect for a quick weekend getaway or a longer stay to explore the city's offerings. Read More
California on a Budget: Flights to California are appearing for around $325. This deal opens up travel to the Golden State for budget-conscious travelers, but it's important to note that this is a basic economy ticket. Be prepared to pay extra for checked bags and seat selection. Use Matrix Airfare Search by ITA Software to find the cheapest dates, then book directly with the airline. Read More
St. Thomas Under $300: Escape to paradise with round-trip flights to St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands for as low as $289. This is a regular economy fare, which means you can bring a normal-sized carry-on bag without incurring extra fees. This deal presents an excellent opportunity for a Caribbean getaway without the hefty price tag typically associated with island travel. Read More
San Juan Nonstop for $239: Snag a nonstop flight to San Juan, Puerto Rico, for as low as $239 roundtrip from various cities. This deal includes a regular economy ticket, allowing for a standard carry-on bag, mileage accrual, and seat selection. San Juan offers beaches, food, history, and culture, all without the need for a passport for US citizens. Read More
Flight Deals to International Destinations
Amsterdam with Perks for $589: A roundtrip to Amsterdam is available for $589, including advance seat assignment, a regular carry-on, and a checked bag. This is a significant value, as these included amenities can often add substantially to the overall cost of a flight. Check for JetBlue availability to potentially leverage TrueBlue points. Read More
Honolulu Under $500: Roundtrip flights to Honolulu (HNL) are being offered for as low as $479. These are regular economy tickets, but be aware of potential extra charges for checked baggage unless you have airline status or a relevant credit card perk. Use the Matrix Airfare Search by ITA Software to find availability, and then book through an online travel agency or directly with the airline. Read More
Kona Under $600: Roundtrip flights to Kona, Hawaii, are available for under $600. These are regular economy tickets. Use the Matrix Airfare Search by ITA Software to locate available dates. This presents a fantastic opportunity to explore the Big Island at a more accessible price point. Read More
Dubrovnik for $753: Explore the Croatian jewel of Dubrovnik for around $753. This fare includes advance seat selection and a regular-sized carry-on. Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers stunning architecture, delicious food, and a vibrant culture. Read More
Bengaluru on Sale: Fares to Bengaluru, India, are appearing at potentially reduced prices. The sample date is in February 2026. Check for the best deals and ensure your travel plans are firm, as 2026 is some time away. Read More
Vietnam Visa Update: Vietnam has introduced a new e-Visa system. The new e-Visa promises to be the most affordable option, making that dream trip to Vietnam even more attainable. Read More
Strategic Takeaways
For Beginners: Now is an excellent time to start planning a trip for 2026, especially if you're flexible with your dates. Use tools like Google Flights or Matrix Airfare Search to identify the cheapest travel times. Remember to factor in baggage fees, seat selection costs, and other potential add-ons when comparing fares.
For Points Veterans: Evaluate whether these cash fares are a better deal than redeeming your points. Consider the opportunity cost of using your points and whether you could get better value from them elsewhere. Also, pay attention to fare classes to ensure you're earning the maximum number of redeemable miles on these flights.
For Business Travelers: While these deals may be tempting, assess whether they align with your company's travel policies. If you're booking for leisure, take advantage of the included perks (like seat selection and checked bags) to enhance your travel experience. Also, these deals can offer ways to extend a business trip into a longer vacation.
It's clear that airlines are actively trying to stimulate demand for travel well into the future. Whether this is a preemptive move or a reaction to market trends remains to be seen. Regardless, savvy travelers should take advantage of these opportunities to lock in significant savings for their upcoming adventures.