Wednesday, March 5, 2025

Millions of Americans are gearing up for spring break travel, with U.S. airlines anticipating a surge in passengers during March and April.

According to Airlines for America (A4A), an estimated 173 million travelers will take flights across the country between March 1 and April 30, marking a 4% increase from last year.

Airfare prices have risen compared to last year, with the average domestic round-trip ticket priced at $280, reflecting a 4% increase, based on data from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).

Passengers looking to save on flights should consider Tuesdays as the cheapest day to fly, according to guidance from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS). Travelers flying midweek rather than on weekends can save up to 15% on average.

If you’re searching for the most budget-friendly travel period, the first two weekends of March offer the lowest fares, as reported by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Conversely, the busiest and most expensive time for U.S. air travel will be the week of April 2, when flight demand peaks.

With airlines operating at near-full capacity, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has advised travelers to arrive at airports at least two hours early for domestic flights and three hours early for international departures.

TSA screening wait times are expected to be longer at major airports, particularly in , where passenger volume is highest.

Southwest Airlines, one of the major U.S. carriers, has projected carrying between , with anticipated to be its busiest travel day.

According to the , Orlando, Florida, remains the top domestic spring break destination due to its family-friendly attractions and warm climate.

Other popular destinations include:

For international travelers, Mexico and the Caribbean remain top choices, with airports in Cancun, Punta Cana, and Nassau reporting high passenger traffic, per U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) data.

To avoid delays and unexpected costs, the FAA recommends booking flights early, enrolling in TSA PreCheck for faster security clearance, and checking airline policies for baggage fees and cancellation flexibility.

With millions traveling this spring, strategic planning will help passengers secure the best fares and smooth travel experiences.