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U.S. Summer Travel Sees Lower Airfares, Capacity Cuts, and Domestic Shifts

Economic and political pressures reshape 2025 travel trends, with cheaper flights, reduced international arrivals, and a pivot to budget-friendly domestic trips.

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Travelers walk through Newark Liberty International Airport on one of the busiest travel days of the season on May 23, 2025, in Newark, New Jersey. According to AAA, a record 45.1 million people are expected to travel on highways, trains, and by plane between Thursday, May 22, and Monday, May 26. This is anticipated to break the 2005 Memorial Day holiday weekend record of 44 million travelers.

Overview

  • Domestic airfare prices have dropped by 7% year-over-year, with international fares also declining during off-peak travel periods.
  • Major airlines, including Delta, are reducing capacity and cutting routes to align with weaker demand and slower bookings.
  • International tourism spending in the U.S. is projected to fall by $12.5 billion in 2025, driven by tariffs, a strong dollar, and restrictive immigration narratives.
  • Domestic travelers are increasingly opting for road trips, off-peak travel, and shorter, budget-conscious vacations closer to home.
  • Travel platforms and hotel chains have lowered revenue forecasts and are offering discounts to attract cost-conscious travelers.