If we had a nickel for every time someone asked us, “Do you think airfares will go down?”.... well, let’s just say we’d be planning a lot more trips ourselves! Searching for the best airfare can feel like a game of chance. Hours get lost watching prices fluctuate, hoping for that magical drop. Occasionally, someone hits the jackpot. But most of the time, we end up booking flights at the same rate we saw from the beginning, after investing far too much time and energy trying to “beat the system.”

So, what’s the real secret to snagging the best airfare when you’re traveling to Mexico or the Caribbean? Let’s break it down.

Know When Airlines Release Their Schedules

Major U.S. airlines like Delta, American, and United release their flight schedules 331 days in advance of your return travel date. This means you can technically start searching nearly a year before your trip. However, low-cost carriers such as Southwest, JetBlue, and Sun Country typically release their schedules about6 months before departure.

During this gap - when the major airlines face less competition - airfares are often higher. Simple supply and demand. That’s why we recommend monitoring prices early, but if fares seem steep, don’t panic. Wait until all airlines have released their schedules to get a more competitive market.

Pro Tip: If you see a good fare early, just book it! Anything under $500 is considered good these days.

Timing Matters: Best Days to Book Flights

If you’re already within the 6-month window and prices are still high, start checking airfares on Mondays and Tuesdays. In our experience, fares often spike heading into the weekend and reset again at the start of the new week.

Set a weekly reminder to check fares early in the week. Even a $50 drop can add up, especially if you’re booking for multiple travelers.

Stop Watching and Start Booking

Let’s be real: if you've been tracking prices diligently and still don’t see much movement, chances are they won’t drop. If you’re inside the 2–3 month mark before travel, it’s time to pull the trigger. At this point, continuing the airfare hunt may cost you more in time and stress than it's worth.

Once you're within 60 days of travel, stop agonizing and book your flight. Then you can focus on the fun stuff like excursions, packing lists, and crafting the perfect vacation vibe.

Let Us Help You

Not sure where to start or need a little expert advice? That’s what we’re here for. At Romance Travel Group, we specialize in helping couples plan unforgettable destination weddings, and that includes making smart, stress-free travel decisions.

Need a little help from the experts? Then, click the button below to inquire with us, today!

1. Keep it on you
Although some brides are fond on the idea of shipping their dress to their wedding location, no amount of insurance could take the place of your gown should it arrive damaged, or worse –missing! We recommend you carry the dress along with you, as it’s far too important to entrust to anyone else.
 
2. Check your airline
It’s highly suggested to contact your airline prior to your departure to ask for specific carry-on requirements and restrictions. One tip we’d like to point out is to NEVER pack your wedding gown in your checked bags. The risk of it getting damaged or lost is too much of a gamble.
 
3. Befriend your flight attendant
Okay, okay – so technically, no one should get special treatment on a flight (unless your first-class, of course). But let’s be honest, most people have a soft spot for brides, so use it to your advantage! Politely ask the flight attendants if they’d mind stowing your dress away in a first-class closet. If that option doesn’t work, consider laying your gown flat on top of your bags in the overhead compartments nearby.
 
4. The WallyBag
Have you heard about the wonderful ? This 66-inch portable carrier has become increasingly popular among destination brides. Not only does it come in a variety of sizes to accommodate how much dress you have, but it also has various pockets to store a few accessories, or even your veil. The WallyBag folds up 3-ways, and is secured with side-release buckles – perfectly compact to store in the overhead compartments with your other luggage.
 
5. Use the extra hands
With all the airline restrictions these days, you might realize your carry-on bag just doesn’t cut it. Perhaps you’ll want to ask your fiancé or maid-of-honor to pack your garment or accessory bag as their carry-on to free up some space. You’ll also want to make sure your jewelry is on you at all time... you’d hate to lose your precious wedding bling, right?
 
Be sure to follow these tips to ensure your destination wedding travels are as effortless and stress-free as possible (and also pin this article for later 😉).
 
For any questions, please contact us at [email protected], or read the full-article here.