International Air Tickets: U.S. Cities with Highest Fares

International air tickets and overseas travel this summer are heating up. In a new study released by CheapAir.com comparing 128 million flights in markets across the United States, a light was shone on metropolitan areas where passengers are paying the most for international air ticket departures and which international regions are seeing the biggest changes in airfare. According to the study, international air tickets are up an average of 18%, or about $168 per ticket, compared to this time last year, causing a spike in airfare for all U.S. cities with international routes.

Demand for international air tickets remains strong, even as prices rise, and availability is limited to some destinations. As a result, the top five cities with the largest international fare spikes on average compared to 2022 include:

Philadelphia, PA: 23.5% increase
Miami, FL: 23.4% increase
Tampa, FL: 22.2% increase
Charlotte, NC: 22.1% increase
Fort Lauderdale, FL: 21.5% increase

Additionally, prices for international air tickets are up for almost all international destinations except for the South Pacific/Oceania region, which includes destinations such as Australia and New Zealand, showing a nominal 3% decrease in price on average. Below is a breakdown of international regions that showcase flight cost changes from 2022 to 2023:

+ Europe: 23.0% increase

+ Canada: 22.4% increase

+ Asia: 21.9% increase

+ Middle East: 20.8% increase

+ Central America: 20.6% increase

+ South America: 20.3% increase

+ Caribbean: 17.9% increase

+ Africa: 17.1% increase

+ Mexico: 14.8% increase

Rules for Finding Best Prices for International Air Tickets

+ Start your search early: The best way to secure affordable international airfare is to research the best times to buy and book in advance to increase your odds of securing lower fares.

+ Remember seasonality: Airfare prices increase during favorable seasons. Destinations in the northern hemisphere are most popular in June, July and August, while good weather in the southern hemisphere is often in December, January and February.

+ Depart midweek: Flying out on a Tuesday or Wednesday is the least expensive day to take a flight.

+ Utilize booking protection: Use platforms that watch fares for you and send you an alert when watched prices drop, or reimburse the difference after purchase.