Spring break 2026 airfare is cheaper, especially for international trips

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The days are slowly but surely getting longer, which can mean only one thing: Spring break season is right around the corner. The good news for travelers? Flights are shaping up to be more affordable than they were last year.

New pricing data shows economy airfare trending down year over year for the spring break travel period, which runs from February 21 to April 13. International routes are seeing the biggest declines, with economy fares down 7.16% compared to 2025. Domestic airfare is also cheaper overall, down 3.51%.

Those price drops are especially noticeable on typically pricier routes, including European city breaks, ski destinations in the U.S. Mountain West, and trips to Tokyo during cherry blossom season.

"This spring break is looking like one of the best chances travelers have had in years to find a deal, especially if you're hoping to head overseas," said Julian Kheel, the CEO and Founder of Points Path. "But you'll still need a smart game plan and a little flexibility to take full advantage of these prices."

The findings come from Points Path’s 2026 spring break airfare trends report. Here’s a closer look at the full results.

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Airfare to key Mountain West ski markets is trending significantly lower year over year. Softer late-season demand, likely driven in part by below-average snowfall, is contributing to lower prices for spring break travel.

But that après moment with a hot chocolate in the lodge? That’s still fair game, even without the fresh powder.

• Salt Lake City (-6.57%)
• Aspen (-11.65%)
• Vail (-13.91%)

Transatlantic airfare is also trending down for several major European hubs during what’s typically a high-demand travel window. Travelers booking spring trips may also get an added bonus: fewer crowds and milder weather compared to the peak summer rush.

• Paris (-12.24%)
• London (-7.86%)
• Rome (-13.76%)

Japan stands out as one of the strongest international value opportunities for spring break travelers. Despite peak cherry blossom season demand, airfare to Tokyo is down, signaling more competitive pricing after sustained post-pandemic demand.

• Tokyo (-12.62%)

While cash prices are falling, award pricing tells a different story. Travelers now generally need more points or miles for the same flights.

To stretch points further, travelers should search with flexible dates and keep checking prices after booking. Many airlines allow free changes or cancellations on award tickets, making it possible to rebook for fewer points should prices drop.

Points Path helps travelers compare paying with points versus cash, making it easier to decide when miles deliver real value.

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Travelers hoping for a little extra comfort should expect higher prices this spring break. Premium cabins — including first class, business class, and premium economy — continue to face upward pricing pressure, even as economy cash fares decline.

On domestic routes, premium cabin prices are up 5.98% when paying cash and up an even steeper 17.37% when redeeming points. Strong demand for premium seating is limiting the availability of discounts across these products.

"While budget travelers are finding deals, those looking to fly up front are facing a market that's still red-hot and showing no signs of cooling off," said Kheel. “That level of comfort continues to command a premium price."

Search trends show travelers gravitating toward a mix of beach escapes and big-name cities.

Internationally, San Juan, Cancun, Paris, London, and Costa Rica are seeing the strongest interest. Domestically, Fort Lauderdale, New York, Chicago, and Orlando are popular (and more affordable), while Maui stands out as a pricier destination, especially when booking with points.

Points Path data also shows that the biggest increases in search volume are for spring breakers chasing sunshine.

From New York, warm weather spots like Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Orlando, Cancun, and Punta Cana are topping the list, with London and Paris standing out for international trips.

Out of Los Angeles, beach getaways dominate: Cancun, Cabo, Puerto Vallarta, Costa Rica, and Hawaii, along with popular cross-country trips to New York and Chicago.

All destinations, recommendations, and trends are based on Points Path flight search data for travel during the weeks of February 21 to April 23, 2026 (as of January 27, 2026). For year-over-year comparisons, the 2026 travel window is compared to the same time period* as 2025. Minimum of 500 flight searches.

*The 2025 spring break season is defined as February 21 to April 13.

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