Published on
August 26, 2025
By: Tuhin Sarkar
Spirit, Frontier, Avelo, Breeze are dropping crazy-cheap fares while Southwest, Delta, JetBlue and Alaska join the fall flight price war in America, new report confirms. Travellers across the United States are now seeing record-low autumn airfares as Spirit, Frontier, Avelo, Breeze lead the charge with bold discounts.
At the same time, Southwest, Delta, JetBlue and Alaska are making flying pocket-friendly, ensuring Americans benefit from an unprecedented fall flight price war in America. These airlines are competing fiercely to fill planes after the summer peak. As a result, passengers can find deals starting as low as $29 on select routes. Moreover, flexible packages, bundled rewards, and AI-powered pricing tools are making cheap flights easier to find. This intense competition proves that autumn 2025 is a golden season for affordable air travel. For travellers ready to act fast, the savings are both real and significant.
The autumn travel season in the United States is shaping up to be one of the most affordable in years. After a busy summer, airlines are rolling out flash sales, deep discounts, and new low-fare calendars to fill planes during the slower months between September and November. Travellers can now fly across the country for less than the cost of a dinner out. From Southwest’s low-fare tools to Spirit’s headline-grabbing $29 tickets, the competition is fierce. This report explains how US airlines are cutting fares, where to find the lowest prices, and what travellers need to know before booking.
Why Autumn 2025 is Different
Autumn has always been a “shoulder season,” but this year the savings are stronger. AAA reports that domestic flights into Labor Day are about six percent cheaper than last year. NerdWallet’s analysis of federal data shows fares rising slightly year on year but still far lower than they were a decade ago. Airlines want to keep planes full after the summer rush. To do this, they are offering bold sales that last only a few days. The result is a highly competitive market where passengers win, if they act fast.
Frontier Airlines Brings Elite Gold Status for Just $69
Frontier Airlines has surprised the market with a unique offer. The carrier is allowing travellers to buy its Elite Gold status for only $69, valid through the end of 2026. This status usually costs hundreds of dollars, but now passengers can unlock perks for less than the price of a dinner. The benefits include free carry-on baggage, free seat selection, and even upgrades to premium UpFront Plus seats. For many travellers, these savings cover the cost of the offer on the very first trip. Frontier is using this bold step to attract loyal customers from rivals such as Southwest, Alaska, and JetBlue. By mixing ultra-low base fares with high-value perks, the airline is proving that cheap flights can come with comfort if passengers choose wisely.
Southwest Airlines Launches “Getaways by Southwest” Packages
Southwest has always been known for offering value, but this fall it is adding something new. The airline has introduced “Getaways by Southwest”, a package deal combining flights, hotels, and car rentals. These packages start at $256 per person and cover popular destinations such as Cancun, Honolulu, and New Orleans. Passengers still enjoy Southwest’s signature perks: two free checked bags, no change fees, and flexible rebooking. In addition, travellers booking these packages earn five times the reward points for every dollar spent. For families planning autumn getaways, this is a strong value. The packages not only save money but also offer peace of mind with cancellation credits valid for 18 months. By expanding into bundled services, Southwest is moving closer to the holiday package market, while keeping its reputation for reliability and simplicity.
Spirit Airlines Adds New Routes with $59 Fares
Spirit Airlines continues to make headlines with some of the lowest fares in the country. This fall, Spirit is adding four new nonstop routes from Savannah, Georgia, flying to Newark, Fort Lauderdale, Nashville, and Detroit. The airline is advertising return flights for as little as $59, a price that undercuts larger carriers like Delta. Spirit’s model is simple: sell tickets cheaply and then charge extra for bags, seat selection, and priority boarding. For passengers who travel light and book smart, the deals can be unbeatable. What makes these new routes even more appealing is that the Department of Transportation now requires airlines to issue automatic refunds for cancelled or severely delayed flights. This rule gives passengers more confidence when booking with ultra-low-cost airlines such as Spirit. The combination of regulation and cheap fares makes Spirit an important choice for bargain hunters this autumn.
Delta Air Lines Uses AI to Keep Economy Fares Low
Delta, one of the largest US airlines, is using technology to compete. The company has introduced a powerful artificial intelligence pricing tool, known as the “super analyst,” which can adjust fares in real time. By the end of 2025, this system is expected to control about 20 percent of all Delta fares. For travellers, this means Delta is able to keep economy tickets competitive, while shifting profits to premium cabins and extra services. Travel expert Scott Keyes has suggested that this change could help maintain affordable prices for basic tickets even as costs rise elsewhere. Already in June 2025, US domestic fares were some of the lowest in recent years when adjusted for inflation. Delta’s strategy shows how big airlines are using innovation to make cheap fares sustainable. The approach also highlights a shift where technology helps travellers by balancing supply, demand, and price in real time.
Southwest and Frontier Compete Head-to-Head
Southwest and Frontier are both pushing hard for budget-conscious passengers. While Frontier relies on promotions like $69 elite status, Southwest is focused on flexible packages and its famous low-fare calendar. Both airlines represent two different models of affordability. Frontier offers the cheapest base fares, but adds fees for extras. Southwest offers higher base fares but includes baggage and flexible changes. For many travellers, the decision depends on travel style. Families carrying bags may save more with Southwest, while solo travellers with light luggage may find Frontier unbeatable. This competition shows how airlines are targeting different groups of passengers but keeping prices in check through rivalry.
Southwest Airlines: Reliable Value with Low Fare Calendar
Southwest remains a favourite for travellers seeking simple pricing. The airline does not show its fares on travel sites, so the best tool is its own Low Fare Calendar. This calendar lets passengers see the cheapest fares by month and day. In early August, Southwest offered a percent-off Hawaii sale. More deals are expected through September and October. The advantage with Southwest is not only low prices but also flexibility. If a traveller books early and the fare drops, they can rebook at no charge and receive the difference in credit. This makes Southwest a safe option in a market where fares change daily.
JetBlue: Flash Sales from $59
JetBlue is well known for short, sharp sales. In August, the airline launched a three-day fall sale offering one-way fares starting at $59. These sales do not last long, but they appear often. Travellers who sign up for alerts or check JetBlue’s “More Deals” page regularly can catch them. The sales normally exclude peak travel weeks, such as Thanksgiving, and the cheapest fares are usually on midweek flights. For those flexible on dates, JetBlue offers comfort with competitive pricing. This mix of affordability and service makes JetBlue a strong competitor in the East Coast and transcontinental markets.
Alaska Airlines: A Domestic Carrier with Global Reach
Alaska Airlines runs an annual fall sale with fares from as low as $49 one way, or 4,000 miles for loyalty members. Its deals page often lists city-specific discounts that rival low-cost carriers. Alaska also offers a companion fare for those holding its branded credit card, which is a major value for couples or families. In 2025, Alaska has begun expanding internationally with routes to Seoul, Tokyo, and Rome. Yet its domestic sale strategy remains focused on affordability. For West Coast passengers, Alaska’s autumn sales are some of the most attractive in the market.
Frontier Airlines: Bold Growth and Aggressive Pricing
Frontier Airlines continues to make headlines with aggressive sales. In August, it offered one year of its Discount Den membership for free, alongside promotions that matched elite status from rival carriers. Frontier also announced fifteen new routes starting in autumn 2025, many from its base in Atlanta. Its Discount Den membership gives access to the cheapest fares and includes a “Kids Fly Free” feature on selected routes. The model is ultra-low-cost, which means fees for bags and seat selection can add up. Yet for price-sensitive travellers who travel light, Frontier often delivers the lowest base fares in the country.
Avelo Airlines: Back-to-School Discounts
Avelo Airlines has built a niche by serving smaller regional airports with low fares. In September 2025, it is offering a “Back to School” promotion with 45 percent off base fares for travel from early September to late November. The airline is especially strong in leisure routes such as New Haven to Orlando. However, passengers should check schedules carefully because Avelo has cut back some of its West Coast routes. For those in the Northeast and Southeast, the discounts remain real and significant.
Breeze Airways: Secondary Cities, Big Savings
Breeze is focusing on connecting secondary cities with affordable direct flights. Its autumn promotion, active until late August, covers travel from early September through mid-November. Fares on its site are advertised from $39. This makes Breeze one of the cheapest carriers for underserved city pairs. The strategy is simple: bring affordable flights to cities that do not usually see nonstop service. Breeze fills a gap in the market and gives passengers in smaller US cities a new option at ultra-low prices.
Spirit Airlines: Ultra Low but Risky
Spirit Airlines continues to publish fares as low as $29 one way for travel this autumn. These fares can be found on major routes such as Los Angeles to Las Vegas or Baltimore to Florida. However, Spirit itself has warned of financial pressure. Analysts suggest travellers should book with protections such as credit cards that offer refunds in case of disruption. Extra fees for bags, seats, and even printing a boarding pass make Spirit a challenge for those who do not plan carefully. But for passengers willing to travel with only a small bag, the savings are unmatched.
The Bigger Picture: Price Trends and Data
Data shows that fall is a better time to book than summer or holidays. Google’s analysis indicates the sweet spot for buying domestic flights is about 38 days before travel. Midweek flights, especially on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, are often the cheapest. The period after Labor Day and before Thanksgiving is considered a low-demand window. Airlines like Breeze and Avelo have aligned their promotions with this period, aiming to fill planes when business travel is slow and leisure travel is quieter.
Passenger Rights: Refunds and Protections
Travellers should also know their rights. The US Department of Transportation has introduced stronger refund rules. Airlines must now provide automatic cash refunds if flights are cancelled or delayed significantly. A delay of three hours on domestic flights or six hours on international flights qualifies. Refunds also apply when paid extras, like bags, are not delivered. Families benefit too, as the DOT dashboard shows which airlines guarantee adjacent seating for children under 13. This transparency ensures that cheap fares do not come at the cost of basic rights.
How to Book Smart This Autumn
Booking cheap flights requires both speed and strategy. The first step is flexibility. Passengers who can fly midweek, avoid peak holidays, and consider secondary airports will save the most. The second step is timing. Buying tickets four to six weeks before departure is often best. The third step is using the right tools. Google Flights, Hopper, and Southwest’s Low Fare Calendar are the most reliable. Travellers should also sign up for email alerts from airlines like JetBlue, Alaska, and Frontier, which announce flash sales without warning.
Comparing All-In Costs
It is important to compare not just fares but also total costs. A $29 Spirit ticket may become $90 after adding a carry-on, seat selection, and taxes. On the other hand, a $59 JetBlue ticket may include a free carry-on, snacks, and Wi-Fi. Southwest includes two free checked bags, making it cheaper for families despite higher base fares. Passengers should calculate carefully before choosing a ticket. Cheap is not always cheapest once extras are included.
The Role of Competition
Competition is what drives prices down in the US market. When JetBlue launches a $59 sale, rivals often match on similar routes. When Frontier expands in Atlanta, Delta responds with discounts. When Avelo and Breeze target smaller airports, they pressure legacy airlines to adjust. This dynamic benefits travellers, but it also requires constant monitoring. A deal that appears today may be gone tomorrow, replaced by another from a rival. Travellers must remain alert and ready to book quickly.
Outlook for the Remainder of 2025
Looking ahead, the fall period is expected to remain affordable. As winter holidays approach, prices will rise sharply. Thanksgiving and Christmas remain peak periods where sales rarely apply. For those with flexibility, September and October offer the best mix of low fares and pleasant weather. Beyond 2025, the trend of aggressive promotions from ultra-low-cost carriers is likely to continue. Legacy airlines will also keep experimenting with targeted sales to fill planes during weak periods. Travellers can expect more choice, more flash deals, and continued competition.
Autumn 2025 is proving to be one of the cheapest times in recent memory to fly within the United States. Passengers who take advantage of flash sales from JetBlue, fall promotions from Alaska, and ultra-low-cost offers from Spirit, Frontier, Avelo, and Breeze can save big. Southwest continues to provide reliability with flexible rebooking and two free bags. With airlines competing fiercely, the opportunities are plentiful. The key is to book smart, compare total costs, and know your rights. For those willing to stay flexible, this fall promises record affordability and access to destinations across the country.
AI Tools Change How Passengers Search for Flights
A new development this autumn is the arrival of AI-powered flight search. Google Flights has launched a tool that lets passengers type natural questions such as “week-long trip in November to a city with good food, nonstop flights only.” The system then delivers the cheapest matching options. This changes how people search for flights, making it easier for travellers who are flexible but want value. For the first time, passengers can use conversational prompts instead of manually filtering through dozens of routes. This tool is especially useful for budget-conscious travellers who do not have a fixed destination but want the best price for a holiday. The rise of AI in flight search aligns with Delta’s AI pricing, proving that technology is reshaping both how fares are set and how they are found.
Market Warning: Cheap Seats May Get Scarcer
Not all the news is positive. Analysts have warned that cheap fares may become harder to find as the year continues. The Wall Street Journal reported that airfares in July 2025 were four percent higher than in June and had already surpassed prices from July 2024. The reasons include higher demand, rising fuel costs, and airlines cutting capacity on certain routes. Even Frontier’s CEO admitted that ultra-low fares may not be sustainable in the long term if demand remains strong. This means travellers should not wait too long to book their autumn trips. The best strategy is to buy tickets early, especially for midweek flights, and to act quickly when airlines announce flash sales.
Refund Rights and Passenger Protections
Travellers this fall also benefit from stronger protections. The Department of Transportation has introduced rules requiring automatic cash refunds for cancellations and significant delays. For domestic flights, a delay of three hours or more qualifies. For international flights, the limit is six hours. Refunds also apply if paid extras, such as baggage or seat upgrades, are not provided. Families with children benefit too, as airlines must now publish clear policies on seating children with adults at no extra cost. These rules mean that cheap fares come with more security than in the past. Passengers booking low-cost tickets can do so with greater peace of mind.
Tips to Book Smart This Autumn
Travellers who want the lowest fares should follow a few simple steps. First, book about four to six weeks before departure, as studies show this is the sweet spot for domestic flights. Second, aim for midweek flights, especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays, which are often the cheapest. Third, compare the total cost, including baggage and seat fees, rather than only the base fare. Fourth, sign up for email alerts from airlines like JetBlue, Frontier, and Alaska to catch flash sales. Finally, use AI tools such as Google Flights to quickly compare options across many carriers. By combining these steps, passengers can maximise savings this fall.
The Role of Competition in Keeping Fares Low
Competition remains the main reason why fares are low this autumn. When Spirit launched $59 routes from Savannah, Delta responded by adjusting fares in the same market. When Frontier unveiled its elite offer, it was clearly targeting Southwest customers. These moves force airlines to keep prices low to maintain market share. For travellers, the message is clear: competition works in their favour. The more airlines fight for passengers, the lower the fares go. This is especially true during slower travel months like autumn, when demand is weaker and airlines must compete harder to fill seats.
