Airfares Are Down 45%, Here’s Why Parents Should Book Now

Airfares have dropped as much as 45% from summer peaks, making this fall one of the most value-driven seasons for travel in recent years. For cost-conscious travelers, especially parents with young children who aren’t tied to a school calendar, now is the time to book.

The best deals are clustered around key dates: October 27 for domestic flights, and October 26 and November 24 for international trips.

“Fall is the sweet spot for savvy travelers,” said Melanie Fish, head of public relations for Expedia Group Brands. “Not only are airfares dropping during the shoulder season, but hotel and vacation rental prices are as well.”

In addition to lower prices, fall also brings smaller crowds at many popular destinations. Families can explore museums, amusement parks, and other cultural sites without the long lines of summer, and still enjoy the comfortable weather.

“Traveling in the fall lets us enjoy more of the local food scene, too,” said San Francisco-based parent traveler Whitney English. “On a recent trip to New York, we were able to book popular restaurants without the month-long wait, and having fewer crowds makes it easier to linger over meals instead of rushing.”

How to Save on Fall Travel

For those looking to make the most of this year’s shoulder season, named for the period between higher-demand peak summer and winter, Expedia has a Flight Deals tool, highlighting fares from your home airport that are at least 20% below the typical estimated price.

To further maximize savings, consider when you book your airfare. According to Expedia’s Air Hacks, Sunday is the cheapest day to book flights. Domestic travelers can save 6% by booking on a Sunday, while international travelers can save 17% compared to booking on a Monday or Friday.

“There’s a myth that it doesn’t matter when you book your flight, but booking on a Sunday can keep more money in your wallet,” says Fish.

Dollar Flight Club also tracks airfare prices and alerts members when prices drop. From now until October, airlines often reduce fares to encourage bookings.

According to Dollar Flight Club founder Jesse Neugarten, “The weeks tucked between high-demand holidays and peak vacation months offer some of the best deals on airfare.”

Flights to New York’s LaGuardia Airport start at just $140, compared to an average fare of $420. Las Vegas trips begin around $170, down from an average of $450. Flights to Miami can be found for as little as $190, which is significantly lower than the typical $400 round-trip fare.

Fall Fam Jam at Beaches Resorts

Until October 31, Beaches Resorts is welcoming back the Fall Fam Jam program at its Jamaica and Turks and Caicos locations.

Timed to the Caribbean’s more flexible travel season (and designed with toddlers and preschoolers in mind), programming includes beachfront paint parties, music sessions with pint-sized instruments, and pajama dessert parties under the stars.

“As a brand rooted in family connection, we know these early years go by in a blink, and we want to help families cherish the magic while it lasts,” said Heather Effs, Corporate Manager of Entertainment at Beaches Resorts.

To help offset travel costs, Beaches Resorts is also offering a special incentive called “Tiny Traveler’s First Passport,” where families who book receive $135 credit per child, or the equivalent of the average U.S. passport fee to minors.

Effs adds, “Nothing brings families together like travel, and fall is such a sweet spot to slow down, soak it all in, and create lasting memories.”

Domestic Deals

For travel within the U.S, hotels and attractions are rolling out creative packages tailored to parents with young children.

In Chicago, the St. Regis recently introduced its Family Traditions Package, designed with younger guests in mind. The offer is available for stays through February 13, 2026. It includes daily breakfast for four, monogrammed children’s robes, a special kids’ amenity, and access to the Astor Treasure Chest—filled with books, games, and treats.

Families also receive a concierge-curated list of activities in and around the city, plus a $130 value credit.

Nearby, the Johnny Morris Conservation Foundation in the Ozarks, Missouri, offers the Explorer Pass, which bundles admission to five attractions at a savings.

Families can experience the Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium, Dogwood Canyon, Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Trail, the Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum, and Fun Mountain.

Tickets start at just $122.30 for adults and $78.50 for children ages 4–11, with kids under three admitted free. The pass allows families to explore at their own pace within a 30-day window, and nearby accommodations such as Big Cedar Lodge and Angler’s Lodge provide a convenient home base.