12 Smart Ways to Beat High Airfare Prices This Summer

7. The "Shoulder Season" Shift: Outsmarting Peak Demand

Summer's absolute peak (July-August) often guarantees inflated prices. The ingenious workaround is the "shoulder season" shift. Target late May/early June or late August/early September. You'll still enjoy great weather and longer daylight hours in many destinations, but with significantly fewer crowds and cheaper airfare. This strategic timing taps into the sweet spot where demand begins to dip, allowing airlines to offer more competitive rates as they try to fill seats outside the absolute busiest weeks.