Could flights be more expensive?
Travelers praying for relief from ongoing airfare inflation should instead brace for more turbulence — with ticket prices expected to soar even higher in 2025, experts warn.
The American Express Global Travel Group blames a perfect storm of rising passenger demand and shrinking fleets as both Boeing and Airbus face production shortages, The Street reported.
But just how much extra you’ll cough up will depend on where you live — and where you’re traveling, analysts revealed.
For US travelers planning a trip within North America, they may notice costs ticking up about 3 to 4% — while those headed from London to Dubai, for example, might see a rise of about 7%.
Australians could get hit the hardest — prices Down Under are forecast to increase by a punishing 12 to 14%.
A bright spot for Americans, the number crunchers predicted, will be trips from the US to Europe and Asia — on those routes, prices may remain about the same.
But no matter where you’re going, The Street stated, expect to shell out plenty in so-called “junk fees” that have become the norm for air travelers.
In 2023, nickel-and-diming netted the biz a whopping $7 billion in baggage fees alone, the Department of Transportation said.
Passengers can work around pricey pitfalls if they plan wisely, said Jesse Neugarten, CEO of Dollar Flight Club, in a 2025 forecast shared with The Post.
“The rise of low-cost carriers globally, especially in markets like Europe, Southeast Asia, and the US, is driving lower fares across competitive routes,” Neugarten said — also backing up the AmEx claim that travel to London from America could remain good value this coming year.
He also cited other possible cost-saving changes such as increased use of AI-powered pricing algorithms that could put downward pressure on some fares in times of low demand, stabilized fuel prices that might help keep economy fares competitive and more.
Dollar Flight Club, a members-only low fare finder, predicts that Orlando, Denver, Las Vegas, Austin and Nashville will be the five most reliably affordable domestic destinations in 2025.
Internationally, for those departing from the US, Portugal, Morocco and Czechia have been tapped as solid bargains, along with Spain’s Canary Islands.
Neugarten also offered a series of tips on how to save in 2025.
How to book cheap flights in 2025, according to an expert
- “To save in 2025, book domestic flights 28 days out for up to 24% savings and international flights 60 days out for 10% savings. Avoid peak travel days like Fridays and Sundays during spring and summer, and opt for lower-demand days like Tuesdays or Wednesdays to save hundreds.”
- “Expand your airport search. Checking departures from alternative airports can save hundreds of dollars. For instance, flights from Baltimore (BWI) are often significantly cheaper than those from Dulles (IAD) for D.C. travelers. Expanding your search radius provides more options and better deals.”
- “Set price alerts or use deal services. Timing is critical in 2025’s fluctuating pricing landscape. Use price alerts through platforms like Google Flights or Skyscanner, or subscribe to services like Dollar Flight Club to catch the best deals. Be ready to act fast as deals do not always last long.”
- “Search for one-way flights. Sometimes booking two one-way tickets is cheaper than a round-trip, especially on popular routes. For example, a one-way flight to Mexico City on Aeromexico paired with a return flight on Volaris can save money and offer flexibility.”
- “Rebook if prices drop. Many airlines allow free rebooking if fares drop after you’ve purchased your ticket. Monitor prices after booking using Dollar Flight Club or Google Flight Tracking, and if they decrease, rebook to save or receive a credit for future travel. This strategy works particularly well during periods of price volatility.”
