As air travel continues to rebound in 2025, budget-conscious travelers out of Columbus, Ohio are enjoying good news. According to data from John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), airfare prices to some of the country’s most sought-after destinations are showing a favorable downward trend. With price drops averaging 7% compared to the previous year, travel experts are calling this one of the best times in recent years to book affordable flights.
Destinations like New York City, Orlando, Chicago, Fort Lauderdale, and Los Angeles remain among the most booked routes for CMH passengers. Thanks to competitive fare offerings from low-cost carriers like Spirit Airlines and Southwest, as well as national airlines including American Airlines, summer 2025 is shaping up to be a peak travel period—without the peak pricing.
Timing is Everything: Best Months to Book Cheap Flights from Columbus
Travel expert Katy Nastro notes, “Average airfare is at a three-year low. We’re seeing a lot of last-minute deals that make it possible to get affordable tickets even close to departure.”
Let’s break down the top five routes and when to fly:
🗽 New York City (LGA/EWR/JFK)
- Best Months: July, October, September
- Lowest Fare: $204.93 round-trip (Spirit Airlines, July)
- Avoid: January, December, February
New York continues to be a top destination for both business and leisure travelers. The most affordable rates appear during late summer and early fall, with a sharp fare increase during the holiday season and early winter months.
🌴 Orlando, Florida
- Best Months: August, July, May
- Lowest Fare: $249.98 (Spirit Airlines, July)
- Avoid: December, February, March
With Disney World and other family attractions nearby, Orlando sees peak prices during school breaks and winter holidays. However, summer months present an ideal window for discounted fares.
🌆 Chicago, Illinois
- Best Months: July, October, June
- Lowest Fare: $263 (Southwest Airlines, July)
- Avoid: March, February, August
Windy City fans should book in mid-summer to early fall for the best deals. Avoid early spring when conferences and events drive prices up.
☀️ Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Best Months: November, October, August
- Lowest Fare: $272 (Spirit Airlines, July)
- Avoid: December, February, July
This sunny destination is popular among snowbirds and cruise passengers. Off-peak seasons, especially fall, offer the best bargains.
🎬 Los Angeles, California
- Best Months: July, May, June
- Lowest Fare: $379 (American Airlines, July)
- Avoid: March, February, January
Whether for business or beach escapes, LA sees price dips mid-year. Plan around early summer for savings and pleasant weather.
Expert Booking Strategies for Maximum Savings
Airfare pricing fluctuates significantly based on demand, holidays, and events. Travel insiders recommend the following tips for securing the lowest fares from CMH:
- Book Early: Reserve flights at least 6-8 weeks in advance for domestic routes.
- Fly Midweek: Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to offer the best pricing.
- Avoid Holidays: Fares rise sharply around Christmas, New Year’s, and Spring Break.
- Stay Flexible: If you’re not set on a destination, track deal alerts and let discounts guide your trip plans.
- Use Price Alerts: Tools like Google Flights or Hopper notify travelers when prices drop.
Katy Nastro adds, “If you’re flexible about your destination, let the airfare deals decide where to go. There’s tremendous value in opportunistic travel in 2025.”
More Than Just Low Fares: CMH’s Smart Travel Reminders
In addition to booking smart, travelers are reminded to keep track of personal belongings at the airport. Since 2021, over 300 cell phones have been left unclaimed at CMH, primarily at TSA checkpoints. A new policy now donates unclaimed phones after 90 days to Goodwill Columbus, where they are wiped and resold to support community initiatives.
This local partnership not only helps the environment by reducing e-waste but also gives back to the central Ohio community—an innovative blend of sustainability and social impact.
Columbus Takes Off: A Positive Travel Outlook for 2025
With airfare trends pointing downward and airline competition heating up, travelers departing from Columbus have reason to be optimistic. John Glenn International Airport’s position as a regional hub continues to strengthen as more routes and deals become available.
Increased demand, relaxed travel restrictions, and the return of business travel are fueling a renaissance in domestic tourism. The key takeaway? 2025 is the year to explore more for less.
Whether you’re planning a family getaway to Orlando, a Broadway weekend in New York, or a sun-soaked escape to Fort Lauderdale, timing your flight from Columbus wisely could save hundreds.
For more travel news like this, keep reading Global Travel Wire
