Expedia just released its 2026 Air Hacks Report and I’m not sure I agree with all of the data points. However, I do find the report interesting, especially how it shows that shifting traveler behavior is changing not only where people go, but also when and how they book.
One of the biggest surprises this year is a change in the cheapest day to fly. Traditionally, travelers searched for midweek bargains, but in 2026, according to Expedia, Friday has taken the top spot as the most affordable day to both book and depart.
The report suggests that reduced business travel toward the end of the workweek is creating new savings opportunities, while Tuesday still remains one of the cheapest and least crowded days for domestic departures. Personally, I have a hard time seeing how Friday can be cheaper than Tuesday and I’m not seeing that reflected in my own research so far.
I do agree with the report’s point that timing continues to matter more than booking far in advance. The data shows that August is the most affordable month for travel overall, averaging nearly 30% cheaper than peak holiday periods like December. This makes sense, especially during the second half of the month when most kids are back in school (what happened to starting after Labor Day?).
I’m always surprised to see airfares drop in late August and I’m sometimes tempted to pull my kids out of school for a trip. However, it would be too disruptive, which is exactly why the fares are lower. Most families simply do not want to do that, no matter how much money they could save.
A trend gaining serious momentum is the rise of “microcations,” or ultra-short trips where travelers fly somewhere for just 24 hours. What began as a social media trend is quickly becoming mainstream, with 25% of Millennials and Gen Z planning at least one same-day or overnight flight adventure this year.
I actually love this trend because I’ve been doing it for decades. When I dated a flight attendant, we once flew to Hawaii just for dinner. I also flew from Los Angeles to New York City last month for a single night which I do often. I’m also planning a trip with my best friend from high school to go see the Yankees play in a stadium we haven’t been to yet and we will just go for 24 hours or less.
My family and I were in French Polynesia for Thanksgiving, and I remember saying that if we had flown there just for one day and done what we did—swimming with sharks, having a picnic in the water, and spending the night in a luxurious overwater bungalow—it still would have been worth it. If you don’t get much time off or don’t have unlimited funds, it’s better to go for a short trip than not go at all.
Key insights from the report include:
• Friday is now the cheapest day to book and fly, with savings of up to 8% compared to Sunday departures.
• Tuesday is the least busy day to travel, while Friday is the busiest.
• August is the most affordable month to travel, with flights averaging 29% cheaper than December.
• January is the cheapest month for domestic flights due to post-holiday demand drops.
• The best domestic booking window is 15–30 days before departure, saving about $130 compared to booking six months in advance.
• International travelers can save around $190 by booking 31–45 days ahead instead of months earlier.
• Nearly 48% of travelers now fly carry-on only, and 26% intentionally plan long layovers to explore another city.
Airport choice is also playing a major role in airfare savings. The report identifies Fort Lauderdale, Las Vegas, and Orlando as the most affordable major U.S. departure airports, with fares averaging about 25% below the national average.
International travel is also seeing notable price shifts. Several destinations, including Honduras, Morelia, and Tokyo, are experiencing airfare drops of up to 25% year over year, making 2026 a strong year for travelers seeking long-haul value.
Overall, the 2026 Air Hacks Report shows that new travel patterns are emerging and prices are dropping on select routes. Travelers who can stay flexible with timing, airports, and destinations may find some of the best opportunities this year.
