With travel costs continuing to climb, budget-conscious travelers are feeling the strain. But new data suggests there may be more affordable ways to travel in the year ahead. Dollar Flight Club’s 2026 Cheap Flight Forecast has unveiled an extensive analysis of the most economical places to fly to both domestically and internationally, proving that travel dreams remain within reach despite inflation concerns.
The report analyzed tens of thousands of data points, including last year’s airfare trends, historical pricing patterns, and current live deals, to compile a data-driven list of destinations that consistently offer the best value for American travelers. The forecast includes 15 international and 15 domestic destinations, along with strategic insights on optimal travel periods and tactics to secure the most favorable prices.
Domestic Destinations Offer Surprising Affordability
Florida dominates the domestic travel scene, with Fort Lauderdale claiming the top spot as the cheapest place to fly within the United States in 2026. Travelers can expect to pay an average of just $95 for round-trip flights, with the most economical fares available during January and September. Orlando follows closely in second place, with an average ticket price of $105, and offers excellent deals during early May and mid-September.
The Windy City of Chicago secures third position, with flights averaging $94 whether arriving at Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) or Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD). For optimal pricing, travelers should consider visiting during April through May or September through October. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Dallas, Texas, round out the top five domestic destinations, cementing the heartland and southern regions as budget-friendly travel options for the year ahead.
International Travel Bargains Span Multiple Continents
For travelers yearning to venture beyond U.S. borders, San Salvador, El Salvador, emerges as the international destination offering the most consistent value. With an average round-trip price of $198, this Central American gem provides the best deals during December through March, coinciding with the country’s dry season.
European dreamers will find Madrid, Spain, surprisingly accessible, with an average price of $438, particularly when traveling in April through June or September through October. Closer to home, Vancouver, Canada, offers remarkable value at an average cost of $248, with optimal pricing during May through June or the September shoulder season.
Lisbon, Portugal, takes fourth place with flights averaging $491 during similar spring and fall travel windows. At the same time, Medellín, Colombia, completes the international top five with an average flight cost of $254, with the best deals during the December through March dry season.
Top Domestic Destinations Ranked By Affordability For 2026
- Fort Lauderdale, Florida: Average flight price — $95
- Orlando, Florida: Average flight price — $105
- Chicago, Illinois: Average flight price — $94
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: Average flight price — $108
- Dallas, Texas: Average flight price — $129
- Charlotte, North Carolina: Average flight price — $92
- Detroit, Michigan: Average flight price — $119
- Knoxville, Tennessee: Average flight price — $104
- Pensacola, Florida: Average flight price — $108
- Des Moines, Iowa: Average flight price — $110
- Miami, Florida: Average flight price — $115
- Orlando Sanford, Florida: Average flight price — $95
- Phoenix, Arizona: Average flight price — $115
- Denver, Colorado: Average flight price — $110
- Cleveland, Ohio: Average flight price — $110
Top International Destinations Ranked By Affordability For 2026
- San Salvador, El Salvador: Average flight price — $198
- Madrid, Spain: Average flight price — $438
- Vancouver, Canada: Average flight price — $248
- Lisbon, Portugal: Average flight price — $491
- Medellín, Colombia: Average flight price — $254
- Guatemala City, Guatemala: Average flight price — $221
- Mérida, Mexico: Average flight price — $218
- Monterrey, Mexico: Average flight price — $221
- Oaxaca, Mexico: Average flight price — $255
- León/Guanajuato, Mexico: Average flight price — $241
- San José, Costa Rica: Average flight price — $239
- Liberia (Guanacaste), Costa Rica: Average flight price — $239
- Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic: Average flight price — $261
- Calgary, Canada: Average flight price — $252
- Edmonton, Canada: Average flight price — $239
