A low airfare isn’t necessarily the best value.
That’s one of the biggest takeaways I wanted travelers to know when I spoke with Heather Sullivan on CBS in St. Louis this week about National Cheap Flight Day. August 23 has become a popular date for early fall airfare promotions to start, but I think there’s a more useful way to approach it: don’t simply look for the lowest price. Learn how to recognize a genuinely good fare.
Airlines can advertise an attractive price, but what you ultimately pay – and what you receive for that price – can be a very different story.
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First: Is It Actually a Good Fare?
Before you click “buy,” you need some context. A $299 ticket might sound fantastic, but is $299 actually a strong fare for your particular route and dates? That’s why I recommend tracking a trip before you’re ready to book.
I use Google Flights to compare dates, monitor price trends and set alerts. I also like taking screenshots of fares over time. It gives me a point of comparison when a promotion comes along. Instead of asking, “Is this being advertised as a deal?” I’m asking, “Is this meaningfully better than what I’ve been seeing?”
That’s a much more useful question.
Second: What’s the REAL Cost?
This is where travelers can get tripped up. The lowest advertised fare isn’t always the most economical option once you consider everything that comes with the journey.
Before booking, look at the entire picture. Will you pay for a carry-on or checked bag? Is seat selection extra? Do you have to pay for every little item on board? Does an inconvenient departure time mean an additional hotel night? Will you need airport parking or a more expensive transfer? Do you need to rent a car, and is it more expensive from that specific arrival location? And if you’re flying into a different airport, what will it cost – in both time and money – to get where you’re actually going?
The lowest airfare isn’t always the best value.
For families, this can make an especially significant difference because those additional costs multiply across multiple travelers. A fare that initially looks compelling can become much less attractive once you calculate the total cost of the trip.
Third: What Happens If You Change One Thing?
This is where I think travelers can uncover some of the most interesting opportunities. Don’t search only one airport, one departure date, and one return date. Instead, change one variable at a time and see what happens.
Try departing a day earlier or returning a day later. Look at nearby airports. And if you’re traveling to a destination with several airports, compare them all.
Florida is a perfect example. Instead of automatically searching your usual airport, look at airports that serve the same broader destination. For South Florida, compare Miami (MIA), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), and Palm Beach (PBI). For the Orlando area, compare Orlando International (MCO) and Sanford (SFB). Depending on your final destination, even Melbourne (MLB) can be worth checking. Fares can vary significantly between airports, so it’s worth comparing – just factor in the additional driving time, parking, transfers, and other transportation costs before deciding.
Don’t Let a Promotion Make the Decision for You
This is the part I really want travelers to remember: a promotion isn’t automatically a great deal.
National Cheap Flight Day doesn’t mean you need to book something simply because the calendar says August 23. Instead, use it as a reason to start paying attention. Know what your trip normally costs, establish what you’re comfortable spending, and understand what comes with the fare you’re considering.
Then, when a genuinely attractive price appears, you’ll recognize it. You don’t need to find the absolute lowest fare that might possibly appear later. You need to find a fare that delivers the right value for your trip.
Don’t Overlook Shoulder Season
If your schedule allows you to travel internationally in September or October, I’d be looking closely at Europe. Shoulder season is one of my favorite times to visit. The crowds are thinner, the weather in many destinations is still beautiful, and you’re traveling outside the height of summer.
In some parts of Europe, I’d argue the experience can actually be better than traveling during the peak summer heat. You’re getting many of the things we love about a European getaway – beautiful weather, incredible food, culture and outdoor experiences – without necessarily dealing with the same level of summer demand.
That’s the opportunity I’m watching right now: finding a great fare for an even better trip.
Watch the full CBS St. Louis segment here: https://www.firstalert4.com/2026/08/19/is-national-cheap-flight-day-real-tips-travel-expert-save-money/