The Cheapest Destinations To Fly In 2026 And The Best Times To Book
A new report by Dollar Flight Club has identified the most budget-friendly flight destinations for American travellers in 2026. The list includes 15 international and 15 domestic spots, with Florida leading the way for affordable domestic trips. Internationally, Central America and Europe offer some of the best value for money.
Florida remains the top choice for cheap domestic flights. Fort Lauderdale takes first place with an average round-trip cost of $95, particularly in late January or September. Orlando follows closely at $105, with the best deals in early May or mid-September. Other Florida cities like Pensacola, Miami, and Sanford also feature among the cheapest options.
Chicago ranks third, with flights averaging $94 when booked between April-May or September-October. Pittsburgh and Dallas complete the top five, making the Midwest and southern regions particularly budget-friendly. Notably, Atlanta offers flights as low as $25, while Alliance, Nebraska, and Walla Walla come in at $29 and $33 respectively. For international travel, San Salvador, El Salvador, stands out as the most affordable destination. Round-trip flights average $198 during the dry season from December to March. Medellín, Colombia, rounds out the top five with an average cost of $254 in the same travel window. Other international bargains include Vancouver, Canada, at $248, with the best prices in May-June or September. Madrid, Spain, averages $438, while Lisbon, Portugal, comes in at $491, both offering good value in spring and autumn. Mexican cities like Mérida, Monterrey, and Oaxaca, as well as Canadian destinations Calgary and Edmonton, also make the list.
The report highlights a mix of familiar and surprising destinations for cost-conscious travellers. Florida dominates the domestic rankings, while Central America and Europe provide strong international options. Booking during off-peak seasons often secures the lowest fares.
