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It's the question we're hearing more than any other right now: Do I need to book my summer flights now? Have I waited too long?!

The short answers? Yes, you should book. And no, you haven't waited too long. But don't wait much longer.

Counting on last-minute deals in summer is always a gamble. This year, with oil prices looking like they'll stay stubbornly high, it's a gamble that's not worth taking. Here's what you need to know if you're planning to travel in the next several months.

What's happening with fares right now

Our flight team is currently observing two things with summer pricing: a slow, steady climb in overall fare levels, and some pretty sharp swings on specific routes. Think of it like the stock market. The index moves gradually, but individual stocks can surge. Same idea here, just with flight routes instead of tickers.

That said, demand is a wildcard. Some airlines seem to be testing just how much travelers are willing to pay before they back off. If the economy takes a downturn, demand could pull back. Naturally, fares could follow. But that's a big "if," and it's not a strategy we'd recommend banking on for your summer trip.

How much should you expect to pay for summer flights? 

For flights departing June through August, domestic fares are up roughly 20% on average compared to last year. International flights have climbed too, but more modestly, up about 3% on average. 

If you have yet to book, the table below outlines the prices that you should feel okay paying this summer depending on the region. Now, lower deals could pop up-the Going app will be your best bet for spotting those.  

Two windows stand out for better prices: the first two weeks of June and the last two weeks of August consistently offer the best value. In a normal year, these shoulder weeks run up to 40% cheaper than peak summer (roughly July through early August). We anticipate that spread to still be there this year. 

Points could be your best friend right now. If you've been sitting on credit card points, this is a strong case for using them. Not sure if you're getting a good deal? Or if you should pay in cash versus points? Our tool www.shouldibookthisflight.com will help you make the best move.

Where are the deals hiding? 

Higher fares don't mean deals have disappeared entirely. Our travel experts have been digging. Here's what they've found.

A few areas reliably show up: the Northeast (think Providence and Upstate New York), secondary Florida markets (like Fort Myers, Tampa, and Jacksonville), and Alaska (primarily into Anchorage). These aren't flukes. We see deals in these areas consistently.

A couple outliers have also caught our attention: Grand Junction and Provo are showing unusually wide availability across the summer. Smaller airports, yes, but the inventory is there.

Here are some sample domestic deals we've sent out recently with summer availability:

The Caribbean is one of the better-kept secrets for summer travel value. Airlines tend to price the region more conservatively in July and August than other destinations. Why? Hurricane season dampens demand enough that you can find stellar deals throughout the season. A couple weeks ago, we saw the first major fare war to the Caribbean since the economic turbulence began, and it included summer dates across the region.

Some travelers are wary of booking into hurricane territory, but here's what most people don't know: Not all Caribbean destinations carry the same risk. Cartagena, Trinidad, and the Dutch Caribbean (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao) sit below the traditional hurricane belt. You might get some rain, but it's more of an inconvenience than a trip-ruiner. Airlines discount them anyway because they're lumped in with the broader Caribbean in most travelers' minds. That's your opportunity.

Of particular note: Puerto Rico is about as close to a sure thing as we've got this summer, with no real off-season and solid availability across most departure airports. Jamaica is also worth a look, with nearly three times the deal volume we're seeing elsewhere in the Caribbean.

Also, Canada is showing a wide range of deals for June, but keep an eye on the FIFA World Cup schedule. Cities and dates tied to matches could shift quickly. 

For Europe, June and July are tough. If a European summer is on your list, your best realistic window right now is August.

Here are some sample international deals we've sent out recently with summer availability:

Spring/summer travel checklist

✔ Heading somewhere soon? Give yourself extra time at the airport. Government-employed staff have been paid, but the partial government shutdown is still technically in effect, and security lines can be unpredictable.

✔ Book your summer flights if and when you find a good deal. The Going app can help you spot them (turn on push notifications!). Aim for the first two weeks of June or the last two weeks of August for the best prices.

✔ Consider booking with points. Our flight booking tool www.shouldibookthisflight.com will tell you whether it's smarter to book with cash or points. 

✔ Don't count fall out. If summer fares are putting you off, there's a real case for skipping it entirely. We're entering the Goldilocks Window for fall travel-the shoulder season sweet spot when prices, crowds, and weather all tend to align. A great fall deal might be the move.

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