Skip to main content
Long-Term Planning Pays Off: 2026 Flight Deals Abound, But Immediate Opportunities Remain
Published on November 24, 2025

It seems that airlines are looking far into the future, with a surprising number of deals popping up for travel in 2026. While booking nearly two years in advance might not be for everyone, today's news also reveals plenty of opportunities for more immediate travel, particularly for those seeking affordable getaways to traditionally expensive destinations. Are these early deals a sign of future pricing trends, or simply a strategic move by airlines to fill seats well in advance? Let's dive into the details.

International Flight Deals

  • Milan on a Budget: Fly nonstop roundtrip to Milan (MXP) for as low as $575. This deal includes advance seat selection and a regular-sized carry-on plus one checked bag. This is a notable value, considering the inclusions at this price point. Read More

  • Athens on Sale: Roundtrip flights to Athens can be found for around $684. The fare includes advance seat selection and a normal-sized carry-on, making it a more comfortable and cost-effective option than basic economy fares. Read More

  • Auckland on a Bargain: Flights to Auckland, New Zealand, are appearing for around $1,058. This price is for Basic Economy, so factor in extra costs for checked bags and seat selection if those are important to you. Read More

  • Hong Kong (2026): Flights to Hong Kong are on sale for travel as far out as January 2026. While specific pricing isn't mentioned, planning ahead could allow you to lock in a good deal. Read More

  • Dubai (2026): Tempting prices are appearing on flights to Dubai for travel in April 2026. This is a signal to monitor flight prices and set up Google Flights alerts for potential deals on dates that suit your travel plans. Read More

  • Phuket (2026): Discounted fares for travel to Phuket, Thailand, are available for January 2026. Keep an eye on your favorite flight search engines and be flexible with your dates to try to snag the best price. Read More

North America & Caribbean Flight Deals

  • Turks and Caicos on a Budget: Affordable fares to Turks and Caicos are available, starting around $334 for regular economy. This is a great opportunity to visit a traditionally expensive destination. Read More

  • San Jose on Sale: Flights to San Jose (SJC) are available for around $353 for regular economy. Use the Matrix Airfare Search by ITA Software to find these fares. Read More

  • Maui on a Budget: Roundtrip fares to Maui are available for around $519 in regular economy. Use the Matrix Airfare Search by ITA Software to find the available dates. Read More

  • Barbados from NYC: Flights from New York City (NYC) to Barbados (BGI) are available for just over $450 for a roundtrip ticket in regular economy. Read More

Strategic Takeaways

  • For Beginners: Don't be intimidated by tools like Matrix Airfare Search. While they may seem complex, they are powerful resources for finding the best flight deals. Experiment with different dates and airports to uncover hidden bargains.

  • For Points Veterans: Even if you primarily use points and miles, it's always wise to compare cash prices. Sometimes, a paid fare can be significantly cheaper than redeeming points, especially with these deals. Also, consider the earning potential of paid fares to replenish your accounts.

  • For Business Travelers: Look at the Milan and Athens deals. Paying slightly more for a 'regular economy' ticket that includes seat selection and a checked bag can be worth it for the added comfort and convenience on longer flights. These deals can represent a sweet spot between price and comfort.

These deals highlight the importance of flexibility and advance planning. Being open to different travel dates and destinations can unlock significant savings.

Several trends are apparent today. First, airlines are increasingly offering deals far in advance, potentially to secure bookings and manage capacity. Second, tools like Matrix Airfare Search remain essential for finding the best prices, even if they require some effort to master. Finally, paying attention to fare conditions (basic economy vs. regular economy) is crucial to avoid unexpected costs and ensure a comfortable travel experience.

This focus on deals so far in advance is curious, but not unwelcome. It does suggest a possible trend of airlines looking to lock in future revenue. However, the present is still ripe with opportunities for savvy travelers. Keep those flight alerts active and be ready to pounce when the right deal appears. Happy travels!

Back to Blog