Spring break is just around the corner — and there’s some encouraging news for spring break travelers. According to new pricing data fro Points Path’s 2026 Spring Break Airfare Trends report, travelers are getting rare good news at the checkout screen, finding airfares are down compared to this time last year. The findings of this report suggest spring break travelers can find the best value in U.S. mountain west ski destinations, major European hubs, and even Tokyo during cherry blossom season. If you’re planning to travel over spring break time to one of these destinations, here’s what to look out for as you shop for deals.
Where travelers can find the best value
Despite peak seasonal demand, airfare to Japan is trending lower by about 12%. Despite increased demand as travelers flock to see the cherry blossoms, airfare to Tokyo is generally down which can lead to more competitive pricing after sustained post-pandemic demand.
“Japan has been a hot destination since the country reopened after the pandemic, with roughly three years of elevated demand,” says Points Path Managing Editor, Sarah Silbert. “We’re now starting to see that demand plateau, and even soften slightly, at least for spring break flights to Tokyo. In the years immediately following reopening, airfare to Japan was much higher in part because flight schedules had not fully recovered to pre-2020 levels.”
“There was just not enough capacity. That’s beginning to change. Increased competition, like the growth of Tokyo-based low-cost carrier ZipAir and other non-Japanese airlines, is probably helping put downward pressure on prices. At the same time, the yen remains highly favorable for travelers. But I will note that Japan is also introducing higher tourism-related costs, including new fees and potential hotel tax increases in cities like Kyoto.
Other top destinations
Beyond Japan, Points Path data suggests airfare to key Mountain West ski markets is trending significantly lower year over year, such as Salt Lake City, Aspen, and Vail. Travelers looking to head here can take advantage of lower pricing during the spring break time. Additionally, flights to major European hubs like Paris, London, and Rome also show decreasing prices, attracting travelers looking to not only save money but avoid summertime crowds.
Cash fares are falling, but award prices are rising
While spring break travelers may see cash prices on flights fall, Silbert warns that award pricing is moving in the opposite direction, with travelers often needing more points or miles for the same flights. Premium cabins remain especially expensive.
“Devaluations to airline currencies are common because, unlike cash fares, points and miles are usually not pegged to a fixed dollar value,” she says. “Most airlines now use dynamic pricing for awards, meaning the number of points required can increase even when cash prices drop. Airlines also face strong demand for premium cabins and loyalty redemptions, giving them little incentive to discount award seats at the same pace as cash fares.”
“That means travelers can see a gap where paying cash may offer better “value” than redeeming miles. But at the end of the day, if you don’t want to fork over the cash, using points and miles is one way to save. It also makes it more important than ever to compare both options before booking.”
