As the summer travel season approaches, airlines are ramping up their schedules, flying to new destinations and increasing the frequency of flights to popular spots. They’re even rolling out new routes for the fall season. This is great news for those on the hunt for airfare deals — new routes often mean fresh opportunities to land a bargain flight. Airlines frequently offer enticing deals to promote their route launches, making it worth your while to keep an eye on new flight announcements.
Katy Nastro from Going, a flight deal alert service, notes that these moments allow airlines to generate buzz around new routes. So, how can you take full advantage of these opportunities?
Look for Introductory Fares
Airlines have been releasing their summer schedules for some time, and many are already planning for the fall. Delta, for example, is set to launch flights from Atlanta to Marrakech, Morocco, starting October 2025. United Airlines has already paved the way with flights from Newark Liberty to Marrakech. Delta’s fall flights have seen round-trip fares as low as $534, which is significantly less than the usual $950 trip that typically includes connections, according to Going.
Stay alert as airlines announce new flights or destinations. If you’re flexible about your travel plans, you could nab a discount, either with cash or points, through these new route promotions. Budget airlines like Spirit and Frontier have also updated their routes. Spirit, for instance, recently added service to Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Columbia, South Carolina — a move that could lower fares in those areas.
That said, introductory fares aren’t always the cheapest option. Use travel tools to compare prices and understand what constitutes a good deal historically.
Consider the Competition
Sometimes airlines introduce new routes that pit them against established competitors. Last summer, Delta’s launch of flights from Seattle to Taipei added competition for EVA Air, already servicing the route. The entry of China Airlines and Starlux Airlines since then has increased competition. By July 2023, seat availability had jumped from 10,602 to an anticipated 43,222, according to Cirium.
With so many seats available, prices often drop. Delta’s flights in early July could be booked for as low as $740, significantly undercutting other airlines that are charging $1,300 or more. Delta has also offered enticing award sales; last month, travelers could secure round-trip economy tickets from Seattle to Taipei using 40,000 Delta SkyMiles.
Increased competition can also drive down prices domestically. For instance, Seattle-Tacoma to Ronald Reagan Washington National was Alaska Airlines’ turf until recently when Delta launched its own nonstops, promising possible fare reductions.
Sometimes, Just Wait It Out
If you missed out on the early deals, don’t fret. Airlines sometimes overestimate demand on new routes, leading to price drops if flights aren’t selling as expected. United is taking this gamble by launching flights to lesser-known destinations like Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, and Nuuk, Greenland. Whether these flights fill up will influence future pricing and the potential continuation of these routes.
How to Take Advantage of New Airline Routes
Signing up for emails from your favorite airline can keep you informed of new deals, often sent to subscribers first. Using tools like Google Flights’ "Explore" can reveal affordable flights to unexpected destinations. Additionally, tools that track fare histories, such as Google Flights and Going, can help determine if you’re getting a good deal. Setting up price alerts and picking fares that allow for rebooking and flight credits can also be beneficial.
How to Maximize Your Rewards
Making the most of your rewards can further enhance your travel savings. Consider strategies that align with your travel goals and explore options that get you the most from your points and miles.
