Cheap flights to
Michigan

If you want to plan a summer getaway to Michigan, you’re probably wondering the best time to book. There’s no magic formula for the exact right day, but we do have tips on when flights are generally cheapest. We call it the Goldilocks Window because it’s not too far out from your departure date, but it’s not too close either. For domestic trips it’s 1–3 months before your flight, while for international trips you have a bit longer, about 2–8 months.

That said, if you plan to travel during peak season, like July in Michigan, start planning even earlier. Think February for a July getaway. Whatever you do, don’t wait until the last minute to book. Last-minute deals are rare, and we’ve found airlines actually raise prices at the 21-, 14-, and 7-day points before a trip.

Sometimes, especially during busy seasons, airfare just doesn’t get cheaper, even if you check fares every day. Before you give up on a Michigan beach vacation, try our Greek Islands Trick. Despite the name, it can work in the US. If you want to fly from Phoenix to Traverse City in July, prices could be $550 or more. Instead, look for flights to Detroit or Indianapolis. From there, you could rent a car or take a train or bus for the last leg.

The trick is to get as close to your final destination as possible for the cheapest price, then find a budget airline flight or other mode of transit to close the gap. It requires more work, but it could save you a few hundred bucks to put toward one of those adorable Traverse City inns.

Being creative with flights doesn’t only pay on the arrivals side. If you can be flexible with your departure airport, you can often save money. If you live in Portland, Maine, for example, and want to visit Michigan in the summer but flights are out of your price range, try searching for flights out of Boston or New York instead. Often, the difference in fares makes up for the drive. If you live even farther away, sometimes it’s even worth adding a longer domestic flight.

Summer is peak travel season in much of the world, Michigan included. Kids are out of school, families can take trips, and it’s when the state’s beautiful nature activities really shine. The cheapest time to visit Michigan is during the winter. You can save a lot of money on flights and hotels if you’re willing to brave the cold. If you love snowy activities and below-freezing days, this is great news for you. And if you’re visiting a city and plan to spend most of your time indoors anyway, it’s a good way to save.

We prefer shoulder seasons. These periods just before and after the high season typically have cheaper flight and hotel prices; plus, you get to see the destination without as many tourists––without completely sacrificing nice weather. May–early June and late October–early November are wonderful times to visit Michigan.

We know firsthand that keeping track of airfare as it changes is hard work. Luckily, there are tools that can do the work for you. Set up fare alerts for your travel dates, and you’ll get an email when prices drop. All you have to do is book. It’s best to do this before the Goldilocks Window in order to see the deals that show up during those months. If you can be flexible with your dates and departure or arrival airports, set a few alerts. You could also join Going and let us do the searching for you.

Michigan is easy to reach from within the US. It has several airports offering nonstop flights from dozens of destinations around the country. Most visitors to Michigan coming from within the US can reach Michigan on a direct flight. Some visitors from Europe, Mexico, Canada, and the Caribbean also have nonstop options. Others will have to make a layover, likely in Europe, New York, or Atlanta.