According to airport data, the five most popular destinations for Columbus-area flyers are New York City, Orlando, Chicago, Fort Lauderdale and Los Angeles.

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COLUMBUS, Ohio — Travel experts say knowing when to book your trip can make a major difference to your wallet.

“We are seeing prices down 7% year over year,” said Katy Nastro, a travel expert with Going.com.

Nastro said 2025 is shaping up to be a favorable year for both domestic and international travel.

A closer look at round-trip fares reveals how timing impacts cost.

Traveling from John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) to:

New York (LGA, EWR, JFK)

Most affordable months: July, Oct., Sept. (Spirit had the cheapest fare in July at $204.93 roundtrip for one person)

Least affordable months: April, Dec., Feb.

Orlando (MCO, SFB)

Most affordable months: Aug., July, May (Spirit had the cheapest fare in July at $249.98)

Least affordable months: Dec., Feb., March

Chicago (ORD, MDW):

Most affordable months: July, Oct., June (Southwest had the cheapest fare in July at $263)

Least affordable months: March, Feb., Aug.

Ft. Lauderdale (FLL):

Most affordable months: Nov., Oct., Aug. (Spirit had the cheapest fare in July at $272)

Least affordable months: Dec., Feb., July

Los Angeles (LAX, SNA, ONT, BUR, LGB):

Most affordable months: July, May, June (American Airlines had the cheapest fare at $379)

Least affordable months: March, Feb., Jan.

Industry data and travel guides confirm these trends: winter and early spring often offer the lowest fares, while prices peak from late June through August and again during the December holidays.

For the best deals, experts recommend flying before mid-June or targeting less-popular weekdays for departures. Nastro said if you’re flexible on where you want to travel, let the deals dictate your next trip.

“Average airfare is at a three-year low, and what we are seeing across this summer in particular is a unique widespread availability of last-minute flights or last-minute deals,?” she said.

Beyond ticket prices, travelers should also keep an eye on their belongings.

Since 2021, more than 300 cell phones have been left unclaimed at John Glenn International, with most found at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint in Concourse B.

“Keep all your valuables in a zippered inner compartment. Don’t just throw them in a bin,” Nastro advises.