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The Deal Zone: Airfares fall sharply in late August

Rick Seaney
FareCompare.com
A aerial view of Fort Lauderdale Beach.

Yes, you can still find a few airfare deals for summer -- or what passes for a deal during the airlines' peak season -- but when can you truly save? During a "deal zone." You don't have to wait much longer.

The August deal zone

• When it starts: Roughly 50 days from now the airline fall season gets underway, which marks the start of the August deal zone. This period typically begins Aug. 20 to Aug. 25, depending on which airline you fly. Bigger carriers like American, Delta, Southwest and United begin the deal zone Aug. 25.

• What happens: This time period coincides with kids going back to school (at least in many parts of the U.S.), which is when demand for travel takes a dive. Airlines need to keep seats filled, so they lure passengers with newly discounted fares, typically down 15% to 20% from peak summer prices.

• Destinations: Price drops are seen on most U.S. domestic routes. There are also lower fares for Europe, though the start dates can vary slightly.

• Example: What a difference a day makes. Compare fares from a major legacy carrier for flights between New York and Fort Lauderdale -- before and at the start of the August deal zone:

Aug. 17-24: $329
Aug. 25-Sept. 1: $197

You won't always find that big a bargain, but chances are good you'll save something. So if your schedule allows, it could pay to delay vacation just a few more weeks.

FareCompare CEO Rick Seaney is an airline industry insider and top media air travel resource. Follow Rick (@rickseaney) and never overpay for airfare again.

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