Got a summer vacation in mind? If you're going to fly there, book it now – or pay through the nose.
If you need proof, there's this: domestic summer fares are up 20% year-over-year. Call it the oil crisis if you like, but the airlines aren't holding back to make up any hit they're taking on the price of gas.
According to Going.com, the average median roundtrip prices for domestic fares were $412. Now, summer fares look more like $489 roundtrip.
Going's flight expert Katy Nastro told Smart Senior Daily that the better way to go is international where fares are up only about 3% YOY (median: $1,115 → $1,138), offering some predictability in a longer-term unpredictable market.
Gary P Guthrie
Time to Play the Goldilocks Game?
Going’s recommended Goldilocks Window for booking flights is real, and it's closing faster this year.
Going's deal data consistently shows there's a sweet spot for booking summer flights: early enough to lock in good fares, but not so early you're paying peak-anticipation prices.
Historically, the Goldilocks window runs through late March and April. But with fares already elevated and airlines predicting rougher times ahead, travelers who wait are more likely to find fewer deals and steeper prices. The nudge is this: don't wait a second more if you're planning to fly somewhere this summer.
Watch how to use the Goldilocks Window and save!
7 Summer Flight Deals Happening Right Now
Going told Smart Senior Daily that it's uncovered seven flight deals that can save you up to 55% off* – if you hurry.
Many of these, by the way, are destinations that both Expedia and Road Scholar have in their "hot lists" for 2026 travel for Seniors.
- Vancouver: Los Angeles or Oklahoma City to Vancouver for $180-$265 (55% off)
- Cartagena: Portland (ME) to Cartagena for $347 (51% off)
- Curaçao: Boston to Curaçao for $339 (50% off)
- Tokyo: San Jose to Tokyo for $614 (44% off)
- Charleston: NYC to Charleston for 9,000 points on Jetblue ($350 avg price)
- Iceland: Denver to Iceland for $604 (35-40% off)
- Denver: Tampa to Denver for $199 (50% off)
Gary P Guthrie
*Going notes that: Average prices are based on internal Going search data, pulled on March 31, 2026 based on roundtrip flights departing and arriving between June 13 - August 31. Please be aware this is not direct airline booking data, and so these averages should be taken directionally for the months above only and will be updated accordingly.
