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Traveler’s Checks When Traveling Abroad — Useful or Outdated?

Christy Rodriguez

Travel & Finance Content Contributor

88 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 36 U.S. States Visited: 31

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

41 Published Articles 3364 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 50 U.S. States Visited: 28

Table of Contents

What are traveler’s checks, how to buy and use traveler’s checks, what to do if traveler’s checks are stolen, best ways to use traveler’s checks, cons of using traveler’s checks, other alternatives, money tips for traveling abroad, final thoughts.

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When traveling abroad, you might wonder how to pay for things once you arrive. Should you bring currency on your trip? Which currency should you bring? Can you get money once you arrive? How much cash should you carry at once?

Many of these questions can be answered by using traveler’s checks. Traveler’s checks might seem like an outdated choice, but they can still be useful in certain situations.

In this article, we’ll explain what traveler’s checks are, how they work, and when they might be worth the hassle. We’ll also explore other more common alternatives and give tips for obtaining foreign currency.

Traveler’s checks are documents that can be used like standard paper checks and cash. Travelers purchase them before they leave home to exchange for cash in the local currency when they arrive at their destination.

These checks are printed in varying denominations, and each check is uniquely numbered so that it can be replaced quickly if lost or stolen.

Banks, hotels, and merchants were once very used to accepting traveler’s checks. These places liked traveler’s checks because of the safeguards that were put in place. Basically, as long as the original signature matched the signature made at the time of the purchase, payment is guaranteed — eliminating any “bounced checks.”

Now, with the increased use of credit and debit cards (especially those with no foreign transaction fees ), prepaid cards, and ATMs on every corner, traveler’s checks have become less popular.

You may find it difficult to find banks or hotels that accept them , and if you do, you might be at the mercy of their business hours to cash them in.

You can still buy and use traveler’s checks in the U.S. and other countries.

Where To Buy Traveler’s Checks

You can find traveler’s checks offered by companies like American Express and Visa . You can also go to your local AAA office to purchase them.

The best place to purchase traveler’s checks is from your own bank, but unfortunately, many banks no longer offer traveler’s checks, including Chase, Wells Fargo, and Bank of America.

If you’re not sure if your bank offers traveler’s checks, it’s worth contacting them to confirm. If you are a customer, banks typically waive any fees to obtain them and this can add up because other companies can add on a 1% to 3% fee on top of the base currency amount that you request.

In order to obtain a traveler’s check, you will need to:

• Either go in person to an eligible bank or visit the website of the traveler’s check issuer.
• Select the total amount of currency to purchase.
• Submit payment, including any fees.

How To Use Traveler’s Checks

Once you have the traveler’s checks, you need to know how to use them. Traveler’s checks work a bit differently than other forms of currency. Here are the steps you’ll need to take:

• Sign the checks immediately. Follow the issuer’s instructions to find out where to sign (and only sign once).
• Leave evidence of your traveler’s check purchase somewhere safe. If checks get lost or stolen, you’ll need to provide proof of purchase along with check numbers to get a refund. Leave those details with a friend or save them online for easy remote access.
• Complete the payee and date fields. Once you have confirmed that the payee or bank will accept traveler’s checks, fill out the payee and date fields.
• Sign the check again. You must complete this portion in-person to ensure that the signature matches the original. You may also need to show some sort of identification as well. This is key to keeping traveler’s checks secure.
• If checks get lost or stolen, contact the issuer immediately. You may be able to get replacement checks locally, and the issuer needs to know which checks to cancel.

Traveler’s checks don’t expire , so if you don’t use them you can either keep them for future use or deposit them into your bank account once you’re home.

If all of your cash is stolen while you’re traveling abroad, you’ll have next to no chance of getting it back.

However, if this happens with your traveler’s checks, you’ll likely get them replaced as long as you’ve complied with your check issuer’s purchase agreement . This is the primary benefit of traveling with traveler’s checks.

Bottom Line: Treat your traveler’s checks like cash. If you lose your checks, you may not get replacements if your check issuer has reason to believe you didn’t safeguard them appropriately.

Here’s what to do if your traveler’s checks are lost or stolen:

• Call the customer service phone number provided by your issuer or find it by accessing their website.
• Provide proof that the check is yours by submitting the check number, proof of purchase, and your identification. It’s important to have easy access to this information for this reason.
• If required by your issuer, provide evidence that you have reported your stolen check to the police.
• Be sure to return any other refund paperwork requested.

If you don’t comply, you could experience delays or even have your claim denied. After you’ve reported your missing check, your provider will void it and issue you a new check.

Some issuers even pledge to get replacement checks out to you within 24 hours !

The following are situations when you might consider using traveler’s checks:

1. No Access to Credit or Debit Card

If you don’t have a credit card or a debit card tied to your bank account, a traveler’s check could be a safe alternative to simply carrying lots of cash abroad.

This tip also applies if your particular credit or debit card isn’t accepted abroad. This is more likely to happen if your card is something other than a Visa or Mastercard , as those credit cards claim the widest global network.

2. Limited Access to ATMs

In many places, you can easily get cash in the local currency at an ATM once you arrive. This wouldn’t be a problem in Europe, for example, but ATMs are rare in some parts of the world. In addition, ATMs can malfunction, networks can be down, and machines might even run out of cash.

Traveler’s checks allow you to get local currency at participating banks, hotels, and other foreign locations without regard for these potential problems.

3. Access Good Exchange Rates 

Buying traveler’s checks can help you avoid bad exchange rates. If you decide to exchange currency once you arrive, you might not get the best conversion rates by doing this at the airport.

By purchasing traveler’s checks before you leave, you can lock in a set amount at the current exchange rate.

Read our guide for the best places to exchange currency .

4. Avoid Common Credit or Debit Fees

If your credit or debit card charges a foreign transaction fee , you can be charged a fee every time you make a purchase with your card in a foreign country. If your card also charges ATM fees, these fees can add up quickly.

To avoid these fees, it might make sense to use traveler’s checks. Although there may be a fee involved when you purchase or cash a traveler’s check, it might still be less than other fees your credit or debit card may charge.

Hot Tip: If your card charges a foreign transaction fee, it will typically be 3% of each purchase you make.

5. As an Added Safety Measure

If you’re traveling to a potentially unsafe region, traveler’s checks keep your money secure. Even if you’re in a relatively safe place, anyone who enters your room or has access to your bags could search for your money.

The main benefit of traveler’s checks is that they reduce your risk of theft or loss. Since they can’t be cashed without your signature and often require a photo ID, they are less appealing to thieves or pickpockets. They can also be easily replaced if you provide the issuer with the proper information.

Here are some reasons that might discourage you from using traveler’s checks:

1. Limited Availability for Use

In much of Europe and Asia, traveler’s checks are no longer widely accepted and cannot be easily cashed — even at the banks that issued them.

This means that cashing in traveler’s checks might require hunting down a bank branch or hotel that accepts them during business hours.

Bottom Line: Those relying solely on traveler’s checks may find that they are unable to cash them in many remote or rural locations.

2. Not All Banks Offer Them

Certain major banks, such as Bank of America, no longer offer traveler’s checks at all. This might mean ordering traveler’s checks online well in advance of your travel plans or having to find a new bank that offers them.

3. Potential for Additional Fees

If a company does offer traveler’s checks, it typically charges fees for both buying and cashing in a traveler’s check. While some banks offer them for free if you are a customer, others charge between 1% to 3% of the total purchase amount.

Check the math for your own situation, but using traveler’s checks could actually cost more than using an ATM or credit card abroad.

4. Bulky Paperwork

Not only are traveler’s checks a hassle to carry, but most companies also require that you keep proof of purchase for the checks to verify the check numbers if they are lost or stolen.

Both of these just add up to keeping track of additional paperwork.

Obviously, traveler’s checks aren’t your only option when it comes to obtaining foreign currency. Here are some other options you should consider.

Cash is convenient and relatively easy to exchange. You can bring money from home into a foreign bank or currency exchange location almost anywhere in the world. It can be easily exchanged without the worry of multiple bank fees or ATM fees adding up.

Hot Tip: Be aware: if you exchange your money in tourist areas, you might be hit with a bad exchange rate.

On the downside, carrying paper money is a risk since it can’t be replaced if stolen.

A debit card can be used at an ATM to collect cash. While not all ATM machines (especially in more rural places) accept foreign debit cards, you will find that most do.

Depending on your bank, you might even have to pay both an out-of-network ATM and an international ATM fee for this convenience.

Hot Tip: An out-of-network ATM fee is typically between $2 to $3.50 per transaction in 2021 and a typical international ATM fee can range from $2 to $7 per transaction (plus a 3% conversion fee), depending on your bank and card.

Most restaurants and stores accept foreign debit cards, but carrying a form of backup currency is always wise . Additionally, foreign transaction fees can add up quickly if you are using your debit card frequently.

Credit Card

Like debit cards, credit cards are small and easy to carry. Mastercard, Visa, and more recently, American Express , are widely accepted in other countries, so you can rest easy knowing you will be able to complete your purchases. You can also limit fees by getting a credit card with no foreign transaction fees .

A credit card also comes with fraud protection. You can dispute fraudulent charges and get them removed from your account if reported timely.

Hot Tip: While you can use a credit card for ATM transactions, you will be hit with a cash advance fee . It’s best to avoid doing this, if possible.

Prepaid Card

If you have difficulty getting approved for a credit card , a prepaid card could be a good alternative. You simply load the card with money from your bank account and use it as a debit card at an ATM or as a credit card at merchants and hotels.

While prepaid cards are locked with a PIN number, they can sometimes be difficult to use at ATM machines. Additionally, fees for foreign currency transactions can be as high as 7% , depending on the card.

Hot Tip: Booking hotels, airfare, or activities online will require either a credit card, debit card, or prepaid card.

Do Your Research

Know which types of currency are accepted at your destination and how much of each type (if any) you should bring. Especially be aware of any cash you might need on arrival (to obtain a visa , exchange upon arrival, etc.) in case you can’t immediately locate an ATM or a currency exchange office.

Carry a mix of cash, cards, and maybe even traveler’s checks. Ideally, the cards you bring with you shouldn’t have foreign transaction fees or ATM fees . Having some variety also helps if one of your cards isn’t accepted or your cash is lost or stolen. 

Tell Your Bank You Are Traveling

Always be sure to let your bank and credit card issuers know where you’re going and when so that your card isn’t declined when you try to make a purchase due to unusual activity.

If you exchange money at your bank, you will likely also get a better exchange rate.

Don’t Keep All of Your Money in 1 Place

Keep some of your currency or an extra card locked in your hotel room’s safe or in a money belt . In the terrible instance that you lose your purse or wallet, you would still have immediate access to additional money.

We’ve shown that traveler’s checks aren’t necessarily the most convenient way to take currency abroad, but depending on if you have limited access to debit or credit cards or they aren’t accepted where you are traveling, it might be worth it to bring some along.

Overall, if you’ve decided that traveler’s checks can be of use to you, taking some, along with some cash and a debit, credit, or prepaid card, may just be the smartest way to travel.

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Carry-on vs. checked bags: Which is the better choice?

Editor's Note

It's often a flyer's greatest dilemma: Do you opt for carry-on or checked bags?

Some frequent travelers are staunch advocates of only traveling with a carry-on bag . Others don't want the hassle and prefer to check a bag. Some flyers make the call on a flight-by-flight basis; a short business trip could require only a carry-on, while a two-week Europe cruise might necessitate a checked bag.

If you don't fall firmly in the Team Carry-on or Team Checked Luggage camps, consider the following reasons why you might choose a carry-on versus a checked bag on your next flight.

Airline baggage fees

If you're looking to save money, carry-on bags are the better bet because most airlines allow you one free carry-on bag and one free personal item. At the same time, most airlines will charge a checked bag fee , typically starting at $30 or $35 for the first checked bag on a domestic flight, with prices increasing for additional bags.

However, you shouldn't generalize about bag fees when you're deciding whether to check your suitcase or carry it on. Low-cost airlines, such as Spirit and Frontier, do levy charges for carry-on bags. Book a basic economy ticket on United Airlines, and you'll also have to pay for your rollaboard.

On the flip side, you might be eligible for free checked bags if you have elite status on the airline you're flying or have a cobranded airline credit card . Depending on your particular status, you might also get free bags for some or all of your travel companions. In addition, some premium seats, such as business or first class, come with one or two free checked bags.

Hassle-free travel

Both checking and carrying on your luggage can offer hassle-free travel, depending on which situations irk you more.

If you're in a rush or hate waiting in lines or at the baggage carousel, you'll want to carry on your luggage. When you arrive at your departure airport, you won't have to queue up to check your bag, and when you arrive at your final destination, you can walk right off the plane and out to transportation — without spending eons at the baggage carousel waiting for your suitcase to appear.

But, if you'd rather stroll through the airport unencumbered by a suitcase, check that bag. You'll be able to navigate through the terminal, maneuver in small bathroom stalls or squeeze into an airport restaurant booth without the burden of a rollaboard. Carrying fewer items will also give you more space to stretch out once you're on board the airplane.

Risk of loss or damage

Lost luggage is a major buzzkill on any trip. My husband had to go to a job interview in jeans and buy new clothes for our rehearsal dinner because the airline lost his bags. I've seen bereft travelers on cruise ships apologetically sneaking into a sit-down dinner in their travel clothes because their suitcase went missing.

If you want to avoid lost luggage at all costs, you'll want to carry on a bag. Once your suitcase is out of your possession, it's out of your control whether you see it again ... or not.

Also, as the viral "United Breaks Guitars" music video proved, baggage handlers are not always as careful with your belongings as you'd like. Suitcases, car seats and sports and music equipment can get rough-handled and damaged on their way to and from the airline's hold. Aim for carry-ons, when possible, if you're worried about the airline damaging your luggage .

What you need to pack

You can't carry on a large suitcase even if you want to, so sometimes the amount of stuff you plan to take on a trip makes the carry-on versus checked-bag decision for you. If you're going on a two-day business trip, for example, it's unlikely you'll need more than a small rollaboard and a laptop bag. Checking a bag would seem like overkill.

However, if you're going on a two-week expedition to Antarctica and need a bunch of cold-weather gear , you might find it impossible to fit everything you need in a carry-on. Checking a bag might be inevitable.

I nearly always check a bag because I can't fit all my liquids in a tiny quart-size bag. If you need to travel with full-size or multiple bottles of toiletries and makeup, you'll be forced to check your suitcase. Similarly, if you're flying with bulky sports equipment or other items you can't bring on board, prepare yourself to pay those checked bag fees.

Avid shoppers should also be prepared to check a bag, at least on the way home, to accommodate all those cool souvenirs.

Related: 7 items you should always pack in your carry-on bag

Onboard space

Don't forget to consider onboard space, both for you and your bags, when making the decision to check or carry on your luggage.

If you don't have elite status , the right credit card or an early boarding group on a sold-out flight, chances are you'll have to gate-check your rollaboard whether you want to or not. Anxious types might want to eliminate the stress of waiting until you board to see if there will still be overhead space for your bags by checking the suitcase in the first place. It's definitely frustrating when you strategically pack everything into a smaller bag and still have to give it up.

Also, consider how much personal space you need on your flight, especially if you're traveling in a cramped coach seat. Short folks might not mind a bag at their feet; taller travelers, whose knees already hit the seatback in front of them, might benefit from extra floor space.

Of course, travelers in business- and first-class seats will be able to carry on larger bags with less trouble, both because there are fewer passengers vying for the overhead space and also because there's simply more room for luggage and feet.

Other considerations

Travelers with physical limitations might find it easier to check a bag if it's difficult to navigate long airport walkways dragging a suitcase or if it's less awkward to carry just a backpack when you're being escorted in a wheelchair.

In the same vein, families flying with kids might want to check their bags if they're already pushing strollers and carrying babies around the airport. Also, if you plan to check a car seat or stroller (versus carrying on or gate-checking the baby gear), you need to stand in the bag check line anyway, so you're not saving any time by not checking your suitcase.

On the other hand, travelers hoping to fly standby will be better off keeping all their luggage on their person so they don't end up on a flight departing hours earlier than their suitcase. On international flights, you might not be allowed to fly standby if you have checked bags.

Bottom line

It's a personal decision whether you need or want to carry on or check your luggage for any trip. But if you need a rule of thumb to go by, here's how we fall on the carry-on versus checked-bag debate.

Carry your bags on board for short trips, when you want to spend as little time as possible getting in and out of airports, and when avoiding checked bag fees is key.

Check your bags when you need the extra space in your suitcase or around you on the plane, if you can check your suitcase for free and when the hassle of dragging a rollaboard through the airport is just too much.

Related reading:

• Everything you need to know about gate-checking a bag
• Which airlines offer luggage tracking services?
• Which credit cards cover baggage delays?
• American Airlines baggage fees and how to avoid paying them
• United Airlines baggage fees and how to avoid paying them
• Delta baggage fees and how to avoid paying them

Security Alert May 17, 2024

Worldwide caution.

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Crisis and Disaster Abroad: Be Ready

What the Department of State Can and Can't Do in a Crisis

Information for U.S. Citizens about a U.S. Government-Assisted Evacuation

Traveler's Checklist

Safety and Security Messaging

Best Practices for Traveler Safety

Staying Connected

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

Traveler Information

LGBTQI+ Travelers

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High-Risk Area Travelers

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Your Health Abroad

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Information for U.S. Citizens in Russia – Travel Options Out of Russia

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Get Required Documents

Safeguard Your Documents!  Make copies of all your travel documents.  Leave one copy with a trusted friend or relative and carry the other separately from your original documents.  Also take a photograph of your travel documents with your phone to have an electronic copy.

• Passport:  Check your passport expiration dates as soon as you start planning a trip, and remember passports issued to children under 16 are only valid for only five years.  Some countries – including most of Europe – will require that your passport expiration date is at least six months away.  If you need a new passport, apply  early to allow for delays; click here for passport information.
• Visas:  Check with the embassy of your destination regarding visa requirements.
• Medications:  Some prescription drugs (including narcotics) and some U.S. over-the-counter medications are illegal in other countries. Check with the  embassy of your destination(s)  about regulations and documentation before you travel.
• Consent for Travel with Minors:  If you are traveling alone with children, foreign border officials may require custody documents or notarized written consent from the other parent. Check with the  embassy of your foreign destination  before traveling to see what you may need.
• International Driving Permit:  Many countries do not recognize a U.S. driver's license, but most accept an  International Driving Permit  (IDP). You may also need supplemental auto insurance. Read more about  driving and road safety abroad before you go.

Importance of Travel Insurance

• The U.S. government does not provide insurance for U.S. citizens overseas. We do not pay medical bills or unexpected costs. We highly recommend that you purchase travel insurance before you travel to cover emergency medical care, either as part of or separate from trip cancellation insurance.
• Health Insurance: Medical facilities and providers abroad may require cash up front and may not accept U.S. insurance plans.  U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not provide coverage outside the United States.  Check your health care policy to see if it will cover you overseas.  If not, consider buying  supplemental insurance .  Make sure the insurance you purchase covers any special medical needs or risks you anticipate on your trip.
• Emergency Medical Evacuation:  Evacuation for medical treatment can cost more than $100,000.  You should strongly consider purchasing  medical evacuation insurance  in case of emergency overseas.

Get Informed

• Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) :  Enroll at  step.state.gov  to receive travel and security updates about your destination, and to help us reach you in an emergency.
• Safety and Security Information:  Read the Travel Advisory and Alerts for the countries you will be visiting at  travel.state.gov/destination .
• Crisis Planning:  Read  Crisis Abroad: Be Ready
• Health Precautions:  Read  Your Health Abroad  and check out recommendations for vaccinations and other health considerations from the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC)  and  World Health Organization (WHO) . 
• Money Matters:  Before going abroad, notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel, and check exchange rates. For information about using cash, debit/credit cards, and ATMs overseas, read the country information page for your  destination .
• Follow us on TravelGov  on  Twitter ,  Facebook , or Instagram

Every traveler is unique. Learn more before you travel.

Other Information for U.S. Citizen Travelers

• Information for Travel Agents
• Travel to High-Risk Areas
• Traveling with firearms
• Traveling with a pet
• Travel during tropical storm season
• FBI Safety and Security Information for U.S. Students Traveling Abroad
• Customs and import restrictions
• Global Entry
• TSA Pre-check

Emergency Assistance

Sometimes, in spite of careful planning, things still go wrong during a trip abroad.  Contact the nearest  U.S. embassy or consulate  overseas or our Washington, D. C. office ( 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444 ).

The Department of State assumes no responsibility or liability for the professional ability or reputation of, or the quality of services provided by, the entities or individuals whose names appear on or are linked to the above page. Inclusion of private groups on this page is in no way an endorsement by the Department or the U.S. government. The order in which names appear has no significance. The Department is not in a position to vouch for the information.

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Save money on airfare by searching for cheap flight tickets on KAYAK. KAYAK searches for flight deals on hundreds of airline tickets sites to help you find the cheapest flights. Whether you are looking for a last minute flight or a cheap plane ticket for a later date, you can find the best deals faster at KAYAK.

Las Vegas Flights

• Flight Burbank - Las Vegas (BUR - LAS) $28+
• Flight Los Angeles - Las Vegas (LAX - LAS) $31+
• Flight Phoenix - Las Vegas (PHX - LAS) $31+
• Flight San Antonio - Las Vegas (SAT - LAS) $37+
• Flight San Diego - Las Vegas (SAN - LAS) $37+
• Flight Dallas - Las Vegas (DFW - LAS) $39+
• Flight Portland - Las Vegas (PDX - LAS) $39+
• Flight San Jose - Las Vegas (SJC - LAS) $46+
• Flight Ontario - Las Vegas (ONT - LAS) $48+
• Flight Houston - Las Vegas (IAH - LAS) $50+

Los Angeles Flights

• Flight San Jose - Los Angeles (SJC - LAX) $36+
• Flight Las Vegas - Los Angeles (LAS - LAX) $38+
• Flight Oakland - Los Angeles (OAK - LAX) $39+
• Flight San Francisco - Los Angeles (SFO - LAX) $48+
• Flight Dallas - Los Angeles (DFW - LAX) $51+
• Flight Seattle - Los Angeles (SEA - LAX) $51+
• Flight Phoenix - Los Angeles (PHX - LAX) $53+
• Flight Salt Lake City - Los Angeles (SLC - LAX) $54+
• Flight Denver - Los Angeles (DEN - LAX) $57+
• Flight Portland - Los Angeles (PDX - LAX) $58+

Orlando Flights

• Flight Atlanta - Orlando (ATL - ORL) $37+
• Flight Charlotte - Orlando (CLT - ORL) $43+
• Flight Boston - Orlando (BOS - ORL) $50+
• Flight Houston - Orlando (IAH - ORL) $61+
• Flight Hartford - Orlando (BDL - ORL) $63+
• Flight St. Louis - Orlando (STL - ORL) $63+
• Flight Chicago - Orlando (CHI - ORL) $64+
• Flight Richmond - Orlando (RIC - ORL) $65+
• Flight Cleveland - Orlando (CLE - ORL) $66+
• Flight Philadelphia - Orlando (PHL - ORL) $66+

Cancun Flights

• Flight Philadelphia - Cancún (PHL - CUN) $179+
• Flight Fort Lauderdale - Cancún (FLL - CUN) $196+
• Flight Chicago - Cancún (CHI - CUN) $204+
• Flight Dallas - Cancún (DFW - CUN) $207+
• Flight Atlanta - Cancún (ATL - CUN) $218+
• Flight Denver - Cancún (DEN - CUN) $229+
• Flight Houston - Cancún (HOU - CUN) $230+
• Flight Orlando - Cancún (ORL - CUN) $231+
• Flight New York - Cancún (NYC - CUN) $246+
• Flight Las Vegas - Cancún (LAS - CUN) $252+

Tokyo Flights

• Flight Honolulu - Tokyo (HNL - TYO) $464+
• Flight San Jose - Tokyo (SJC - TYO) $508+
• Flight San Diego - Tokyo (SAN - TYO) $547+
• Flight San Francisco - Tokyo (SFO - TYO) $549+
• Flight Dallas - Tokyo (DFW - TYO) $574+
• Flight Portland - Tokyo (PDX - TYO) $592+
• Flight Phoenix - Tokyo (PHX - TYO) $608+
• Flight Los Angeles - Tokyo (LAX - TYO) $619+
• Flight Denver - Tokyo (DEN - TYO) $631+
• Flight Las Vegas - Tokyo (LAS - TYO) $635+

Chicago Flights

• Flight Boston - Chicago (BOS - CHI) $47+
• Flight New York - Chicago (NYC - CHI) $52+
• Flight Miami - Chicago (MIA - CHI) $53+
• Flight Charlotte - Chicago (CLT - CHI) $54+
• Flight Las Vegas - Chicago (LAS - CHI) $57+
• Flight Tampa - Chicago (TPA - CHI) $57+
• Flight Houston - Chicago (IAH - CHI) $58+
• Flight Atlanta - Chicago (ATL - CHI) $59+
• Flight Philadelphia - Chicago (PHL - CHI) $60+
• Flight Denver - Chicago (DEN - CHI) $63+

Phoenix Flights

• Flight San Diego - Phoenix (SAN - PHX) $40+
• Flight Las Vegas - Phoenix (LAS - PHX) $44+
• Flight Los Angeles - Phoenix (LAX - PHX) $52+
• Flight Ontario - Phoenix (ONT - PHX) $53+
• Flight Dallas - Phoenix (DFW - PHX) $60+
• Flight Seattle - Phoenix (SEA - PHX) $64+
• Flight Houston - Phoenix (IAH - PHX) $67+
• Flight Portland - Phoenix (PDX - PHX) $69+
• Flight Salt Lake City - Phoenix (SLC - PHX) $71+
• Flight Chicago - Phoenix (CHI - PHX) $81+

India Flights

• Flight Washington, D.C. - New Delhi (WAS - DEL) $482+
• Flight New York - Mumbai (NYC - BOM) $516+
• Flight Washington, D.C. - Hyderabad (WAS - HYD) $572+
• Flight New York - New Delhi (NYC - DEL) $584+
• Flight San Francisco - New Delhi (SFO - DEL) $619+
• Flight San Francisco - Mumbai (SFO - BOM) $623+
• Flight San Francisco - Bengaluru (SFO - BLR) $628+
• Flight Chicago - New Delhi (CHI - DEL) $640+
• Flight Boston - Mumbai (BOS - BOM) $660+
• Flight New York - Ahmedabad (NYC - AMD) $661+

Japan Flights

• Flight Atlanta - Tokyo (ATL - TYO) $657+
• Flight Houston - Tokyo (IAH - TYO) $667+
• Flight New York - Tokyo (NYC - TYO) $674+
• Flight Seattle - Tokyo (SEA - TYO) $674+
• Flight San Francisco - Osaka (SFO - OSA) $689+
• Flight Los Angeles - Osaka (LAX - OSA) $728+
• Flight Boston - Tokyo (BOS - TYO) $786+
• Flight Los Angeles - Okinawa (LAX - OKA) $862+
• Flight Chicago - Tokyo (CHI - TYO) $943+

New York Flights

• Flight Atlanta - New York (ATL - NYC) $37+
• Flight Boston - Newark (BOS - NYC) $37+
• Flight Charlotte - Newark (CLT - NYC) $37+
• Flight Miami - New York (MIA - NYC) $45+
• Flight Fort Lauderdale - New York (FLL - NYC) $50+
• Flight Raleigh - New York (RDU - NYC) $55+
• Flight Chicago - New York (CHI - NYC) $63+
• Flight Houston - Newark (IAH - NYC) $69+
• Flight Orlando - Newark (ORL - NYC) $69+
• Flight Dallas - New York (DFW - NYC) $75+

Miami Flights

• Flight Dallas - Miami (DFW - MIA) $45+
• Flight New York - Miami (NYC - MIA) $50+
• Flight Chicago - Miami (CHI - MIA) $56+
• Flight Houston - Miami (IAH - MIA) $59+
• Flight Raleigh - Miami (RDU - MIA) $65+
• Flight Atlanta - Miami (ATL - MIA) $67+
• Flight Las Vegas - Miami (LAS - MIA) $67+
• Flight Baltimore - Miami (BWI - MIA) $76+
• Flight Charlotte - Miami (CLT - MIA) $76+
• Flight Nashville - Miami (BNA - MIA) $76+

Rome Flights

• Flight New York - Rome (NYC - ROM) $358+
• Flight Baltimore - Rome (BWI - ROM) $373+
• Flight Boston - Rome (BOS - ROM) $373+
• Flight Miami - Rome (MIA - ROM) $397+
• Flight Atlanta - Rome (ATL - ROM) $446+
• Flight San Francisco - Rome (SFO - ROM) $446+
• Flight Los Angeles - Rome (LAX - ROM) $450+
• Flight Fort Lauderdale - Rome (FLL - ROM) $459+
• Flight Las Vegas - Rome (LAS - ROM) $494+
• Flight Philadelphia - Rome (PHL - ROM) $520+

Seattle Flights

• Flight Las Vegas - Seattle (LAS - SEA) $48+
• Flight Los Angeles - Seattle (LAX - SEA) $61+
• Flight Dallas - Seattle (DFW - SEA) $64+
• Flight Sacramento - Seattle (SMF - SEA) $66+
• Flight Denver - Seattle (DEN - SEA) $82+
• Flight Ontario - Seattle (ONT - SEA) $84+
• Flight Phoenix - Seattle (PHX - SEA) $84+
• Flight San Diego - Seattle (SAN - SEA) $91+
• Flight Santa Ana - Seattle (SNA - SEA) $92+
• Flight Salt Lake City - Seattle (SLC - SEA) $95+

Fort Lauderdale Flights

• Flight Hartford - Fort Lauderdale (BDL - FLL) $37+
• Flight Raleigh - Fort Lauderdale (RDU - FLL) $47+
• Flight New York - Fort Lauderdale (NYC - FLL) $50+
• Flight Boston - Fort Lauderdale (BOS - FLL) $51+
• Flight Atlanta - Fort Lauderdale (ATL - FLL) $52+
• Flight Dallas - Fort Lauderdale (DFW - FLL) $64+
• Flight Cleveland - Fort Lauderdale (CLE - FLL) $69+
• Flight Nashville - Fort Lauderdale (BNA - FLL) $70+
• Flight Columbus - Fort Lauderdale (CMH - FLL) $71+
• Flight Richmond - Fort Lauderdale (RIC - FLL) $71+

Atlanta Flights

• Flight New York - Atlanta (NYC - ATL) $35+
• Flight Boston - Atlanta (BOS - ATL) $37+
• Flight Philadelphia - Atlanta (PHL - ATL) $37+
• Flight Orlando - Atlanta (ORL - ATL) $38+
• Flight Dallas - Atlanta (DFW - ATL) $45+
• Flight Houston - Atlanta (IAH - ATL) $51+
• Flight Houston - Atlanta (HOU - ATL) $51+
• Flight Baltimore - Atlanta (BWI - ATL) $52+
• Flight Fort Lauderdale - Atlanta (FLL - ATL) $52+
• Flight Tampa - Atlanta (TPA - ATL) $56+

Boston Flights

• Flight Atlanta - Boston (ATL - BOS) $41+
• Flight Nashville - Boston (BNA - BOS) $44+
• Flight Baltimore - Boston (BWI - BOS) $46+
• Flight Fort Lauderdale - Boston (FLL - BOS) $51+
• Flight Orlando - Boston (ORL - BOS) $58+
• Flight Philadelphia - Boston (PHL - BOS) $58+
• Flight Dallas - Boston (DFW - BOS) $59+
• Flight Houston - Boston (IAH - BOS) $60+
• Flight Charlotte - Boston (CLT - BOS) $70+
• Flight Miami - Boston (MIA - BOS) $85+

United States Flights

• Flight Seattle - Las Vegas (SEA - LAS) $51+
• Flight San Francisco - Las Vegas (SFO - LAS) $60+
• Flight New York - Orlando (NYC - ORL) $70+
• Flight Atlanta - Los Angeles (ATL - LAX) $74+
• Flight Denver - Las Vegas (DEN - LAS) $78+
• Flight Atlanta - Las Vegas (ATL - LAS) $81+
• Flight Boston - Miami (BOS - MIA) $84+
• Flight Philadelphia - Miami (PHL - MIA) $88+
• Flight Minneapolis - Phoenix (MSP - PH1) $94+
• Flight Minneapolis - Las Vegas (MSP - LAS) $115+

Hawaii Flights

• Flight San Francisco - Hawaii (SFO - USHI) $191+
• Flight Los Angeles - Hawaii (LAX - USHI) $194+
• Flight San Jose - Hawaii (SJC - USHI) $196+
• Flight Seattle - Hawaii (SEA - USHI) $216+
• Flight Oakland - Hawaii (OAK - USHI) $229+
• Flight San Diego - Hawaii (SAN - USHI) $236+
• Flight Sacramento - Hawaii (SMF - USHI) $248+
• Flight Portland - Hawaii (PDX - USHI) $269+
• Flight Ontario - Hawaii (ONT - USHI) $296+
• Flight Las Vegas - Hawaii (LAS - USHI) $333+

London Flights

• Flight New York - London (NYC - LON) $310+
• Flight Atlanta - London (ATL - LON) $325+
• Flight Chicago - London (CHI - LON) $325+
• Flight Washington, D.C. - London (WAS - LON) $326+
• Flight Boston - London (BOS - LON) $347+
• Flight Miami - London (MIA - LON) $358+
• Flight Los Angeles - London (LAX - LON) $395+
• Flight San Francisco - London (SFO - LON) $433+
• Flight Seattle - London (SEA - LON) $449+
• Flight Baltimore - London (BWI - LON) $472+

Paris Flights

• Flight Baltimore - Paris (BWI - PAR) $278+
• Flight Boston - Paris (BOS - PAR) $279+
• Flight New Windsor - Paris (SWF - PAR) $282+
• Flight Washington, D.C. - Paris (WAS - PAR) $283+
• Flight New York - Paris (NYC - PAR) $298+
• Flight Los Angeles - Paris (LAX - PAR) $369+
• Flight Chicago - Paris (CHI - PAR) $378+
• Flight Miami - Paris (MIA - PAR) $390+
• Flight Orlando - Paris (ORL - PAR) $411+
• Flight Atlanta - Paris (ATL - PAR) $421+

Manila Flights

• Flight Los Angeles - Manila (LAX - MNL) $612+
• Flight New York - Manila (NYC - MNL) $614+
• Flight Washington, D.C. - Manila (WAS - MNL) $649+
• Flight San Francisco - Manila (SFO - MNL) $716+
• Flight Ontario - Manila (ONT - MNL) $736+
• Flight Las Vegas - Manila (LAS - MNL) $750+
• Flight Seattle - Manila (SEA - MNL) $752+
• Flight Honolulu - Manila (HNL - MNL) $781+
• Flight Chicago - Manila (CHI - MNL) $793+
• Flight Atlanta - Manila (ATL - MNL) $831+

Denver Flights

• Flight Kansas City - Denver (MCI - DEN) $55+
• Flight Los Angeles - Denver (LAX - DEN) $56+
• Flight Ontario - Denver (ONT - DEN) $70+
• Flight Minneapolis - Denver (MSP - DEN) $73+
• Flight Seattle - Denver (SEA - DEN) $78+
• Flight St. Louis - Denver (STL - DEN) $78+
• Flight Phoenix - Denver (PHX - DEN) $81+
• Flight Salt Lake City - Denver (SLC - DEN) $81+
• Flight Atlanta - Denver (ATL - DEN) $82+
• Flight Charlotte - Denver (CLT - DEN) $82+

San Francisco Flights

• Flight Los Angeles - San Francisco (LAX - SFO) $41+
• Flight Las Vegas - San Francisco (LAS - SFO) $48+
• Flight Ontario - San Francisco (ONT - SFO) $58+
• Flight Salt Lake City - San Francisco (SLC - SFO) $68+
• Flight San Diego - San Francisco (SAN - SFO) $82+
• Flight Portland - San Francisco (PDX - SFO) $88+
• Flight Denver - San Francisco (DEN - SFO) $91+
• Flight Phoenix - San Francisco (PHX - SFO) $94+
• Flight Santa Ana - San Francisco (SNA - SFO) $98+
• Flight Seattle - San Francisco (SEA - SFO) $111+

San Diego Flights

• Flight Las Vegas - San Diego (LAS - SAN) $37+
• Flight San Jose - San Diego (SJC - SAN) $37+
• Flight Sacramento - San Diego (SMF - SAN) $49+
• Flight Oakland - San Diego (OAK - SAN) $62+
• Flight Chicago - San Diego (CHI - SAN) $63+
• Flight Dallas - San Diego (DFW - SAN) $64+
• Flight Phoenix - San Diego (PHX - SAN) $64+
• Flight Portland - San Diego (PDX - SAN) $70+
• Flight Salt Lake City - San Diego (SLC - SAN) $76+
• Flight San Francisco - San Diego (SFO - SAN) $76+

Punta Cana Flights

• Flight Fort Lauderdale - Punta Cana (FLL - PUJ) $197+
• Flight New York - Punta Cana (NYC - PUJ) $204+
• Flight Miami - Punta Cana (MIA - PUJ) $225+
• Flight Hartford - Punta Cana (BDL - PUJ) $240+
• Flight Atlanta - Punta Cana (ATL - PUJ) $242+
• Flight Cleveland - Punta Cana (CLE - PUJ) $248+
• Flight Tampa - Punta Cana (TPA - PUJ) $253+
• Flight Philadelphia - Punta Cana (PHL - PUJ) $256+
• Flight Dallas - Punta Cana (DFW - PUJ) $257+
• Flight Boston - Punta Cana (BOS - PUJ) $263+

Europe Flights

• Flight Boston - Dublin (BOS - DUB) $280+
• Flight Miami - Madrid (MIA - MAD) $327+
• Flight Boston - Lisbon (BOS - LIS) $329+
• Flight New York - Athens (NYC - ATH) $383+
• Flight Boston - Athens (BOS - ATH) $422+
• Flight Los Angeles - Madrid (LAX - MAD) $423+
• Flight Los Angeles - Lisbon (LAX - LIS) $481+
• Flight Los Angeles - Athens (LAX - ATH) $533+
• Flight San Francisco - Lisbon (SFO - LIS) $561+
• Flight San Francisco - Athens (SFO - ATH) $615+

Florida Flights

• Flight Dallas - Florida (DFW - USFL) $45+
• Flight Boston - Florida (BOS - USFL) $50+
• Flight New York - Florida (NYC - USFL) $50+
• Flight Atlanta - Florida (ATL - USFL) $52+
• Flight Hartford - Florida (BDL - USFL) $63+
• Flight Philadelphia - Florida (PHL - USFL) $66+
• Flight Baltimore - Florida (BWI - USFL) $68+
• Flight Charlotte - Florida (CLT - USFL) $76+
• Flight Los Angeles - Florida (LAX - USFL) $93+
• Flight Minneapolis - Florida (MSP - USFL) $105+

Frequently asked questions

What do i need to know before booking a flight.

There are various factors to consider when booking a flight including cost, fare classes, baggage policies, the complications of flying long haul, and complying with airport regulations. To make your booking journey smoother KAYAK has developed a comprehensive flight guide including insights on finding affordable flights, packing efficiently, and utilizing the best travel tools.

What is the cheapest day of the week to book a flight?

The best day to book your flight depends on a number of factors, but there are general trends that you can follow to increase your chances of cheaper plane tickets. Based on an analysis of KAYAK data for all flights departing from inside United States over the last 12 months, the cheapest day to fly for domestic flights is Wednesday. For international flights, Tuesday had the cheapest tickets on average.

Which month of the year are flight prices lowest?

It’s well established that flights in the low season are generally cheaper than ticket prices during the high season. That means that knowing which month to find the lowest priced plane tickets will depend heavily on seasonality and your destination. While avoiding peak travel times can help you keep costs down, our data shows that the month with the lowest priced plane tickets for domestic flights based on all searches made on KAYAK in the last 12 months was January, while the most expensive was August. If you’re booking an international flight, then January is the cheapest month to fly and December the most expensive.

When is the best time to buy plane tickets - Last minute or in advance?

Last minute flight deals are definitely up for grabs but when exactly to purchase your plane tickets will depend on where you’re traveling to and from. Based on all data for flight searches made on KAYAK over the last 12 months, prices for domestic flights remained below the average price up to 1 weeks before departure. For international flights, deals could still be had up to 1 weeks prior to the departure date, with prices remaining below average. If you’re flexible, KAYAK brings you both advance and last minute one-way and round-trip flight deals.

Can flying international flights with a layover save money on airfare?

For many long-haul international flights, flying non-stop is not possible and you will have to fly with a layover. Some routes will offer both and you could consider flying with a layover for a number of reasons. Firstly, breaking up what would otherwise be a long-haul flight, taking a rest and then completing the journey might make the flight more manageable. Secondly, prices can also be lower than non-stop flights, so while it might take longer for you to reach your destination, you could save money. We’ve looked at prices over the last 12 months for the 100 most popular international destinations for KAYAK users and on average, prices for non-stop flights were cheaper than flights with a layover.

How does KAYAK find such low flight prices?

KAYAK processes over 2 billion flight queries annually and displays results from hundreds of airlines and third party sites, allowing it to find a variety of flight prices and options. It also displays results from 2M+ properties along with rental cars, vacation packages, activities and millions of verified reviews so users can see as many available travel options as possible.

How do I find the best flight deals on KAYAK?

A simple flight search at https://www.kayak.com/flights scans for prices on hundreds of travel sites in seconds. We gather flight deals from across the web and put them in one place. Then on the search results page you can use various filters to compare options for the same flight and easily choose the best flight deal from all of the deals coming straight from the travel sites to your screen, with no extra fee from KAYAK.

How can Hacker Fares save me money?

Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets on different airlines when it can save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket.

Does KAYAK query more flight providers than competitors?

Yes, KAYAK has access to more data and information than online travel agencies and consistently outperforms the competition in accuracy, globally.

How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy?

KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a given destination and date is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care?

Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you flights up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. That way, you can see if leaving a day or two earlier will find you a better deal. You can also select the flexible "weekend" or "month" search options to widen your search range and find the cheapest price that works for you.

Search cheap flights with KAYAK. Search for the cheapest airline tickets for all the top airlines around the world, airports around the world and the top international flight routes . KAYAK searches hundreds of travel sites to help you find cheap airfare and book a flight that suits you best. Since KAYAK searches many plane tickets sites at once, you can find cheap tickets from cheap airlines and for trains and buses quickly.

KAYAK also helps you find the right hotels for your needs.

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Travel Tips 2024

1. Pack smart and start with an empty bag. If you start packing with an empty bag, you are less likely to bring prohibited items to the checkpoint. Not sure what’s prohibited? Visit our “ What Can I Bring?” webpage.

Know the 3-1-1 liquids rule. Remember, if you can spill it, spray it, spread it, pump it or pour it, then it is a liquid and must be packed in your checked bag. Pack liquids, gels and aerosols larger than 3.4 ounces in a checked bag to avoid having the carry-on bag pulled aside, opened by a Transportation Security Officer (TSO), and then potentially having to voluntarily abandon the item because it is over 3.4 ounces. If you are traveling with an infant, most items in your diaper bag are exempt from TSA’s 3-1-1 rule. Breast milk, powdered formula, baby food, bottles and sippy cups are all allowed to fly in the passenger cabin of the aircraft. This also goes for liquid and cream medications. Please separate these items from your bag and place them into a different bin for X-ray screening. If your item alarms, additional screening may be required. 

2. Arrive early. Travelers are taking to the skies in record numbers, so plan to arrive at least two hours prior to your flight’s scheduled boarding time to allow enough time to park, navigate to the terminal, check luggage with the airline if needed and go through security screening before arriving at your gate. Arrive at least three hours before international flights.

3. Bring an acceptable ID. Before heading to the airport, make sure you have acceptable identification and make it a REAL ID since you must have a REALID -compliant ID to fly by May 7, 2025.  Visit the TSA website to learn which IDs are accepted by TSA at the entrance to the security checkpoint. Identity verification is a critical step of the screening process.

4. Do you carry a firearm? Prepare, pack and declare . If you plan to travel with a firearm, you must properly pack the firearm in a hard-sided, locked case in your checked luggage and declare it with the airline while checking in at the airline ticket counter. Bringing a firearm in your carry-on bag to a TSA checkpoint, even accidentally, is expensive and will cause delays for you and others, even if you have a concealed carry permit or live in a constitutional carry jurisdiction. If you bring a firearm to the security checkpoint on your person or in carry-on bag, TSA will contact law enforcement, who may arrest or cite the passenger, depending on state law. TSA may impose a civil penalty up to almost $15,000 for the first offense, and those who bring a firearm to a security checkpoint will lose TSA PreCheck® eligibility for five years. Second violations will result in permanent disqualification from the program and additional civil penalties. When traveling, be sure to comply with the laws concerning possession of firearms as they vary by local, state and international laws.

5. Be aware of new checkpoint screening technology. TSA uses a variety of methods and technologies to enhance security effectiveness, efficiency and the passenger experience. Screening protocols vary from airport to airport, depending on available technology and the current threat environment. Some airports use the second generation of Credential Authentication Technology ( CAT ), called CAT-2 units. This technology confirms the authenticity of a passenger’s identification credentials with their acceptable photo identification  (ID) along with their flight details and pre-screening status, but with an added camera feature. The facial recognition technology TSA uses helps ensure the person standing at the checkpoint is the same person pictured on their ID. Photos are not stored or saved after a positive ID match has been made, except in a limited testing environment for evaluation of the effectiveness of the technology.

Passenger participation is voluntary. If a passenger chooses not to have their photo taken, they may have their identity checked manually without penalty or losing their place in line. Passengers who do not want their photo taken should alert the TSO, who will verify their ID using the CAT machine only. For more information on how TSA is using facial recognition technology, see TSA’s Privacy Impact Assessments , Fact Sheet and biometrics technology webpages.

Several airports have installed Computed Tomography (CT) units. This technology significantly improves scanning and threat detection capabilities for carry-on bags. CT units give TSOs the ability to review a 3D image of passengers’ bags and reduce the need to physically search the contents of the bag. In airports with these CT units in place, you do not need to remove your 3-1-1 liquids or laptops, but you must place every carry-on item, including bags, into a bin for screening. TSA reminds you that you may only bring at maximum one carry-on bag and one personal item through security screening

6. Travel with ease with TSA PreCheck. Join more than 20 million members benefiting from the TSA PreCheck Trusted Traveler program . TSA PreCheck passengers are low-risk travelers who do not need to remove shoes, belts, 3-1-1 liquids, food, laptops and light jackets at the security checkpoint. Wait time standards for TSA PreCheck lanes are under 10 minutes, whereas standard screening lanes are 30 minutes and under. Visit www.tsa.gov/precheck for more information on enrolling with one of TSA’s three enrollment providers. TSA PreCheck members are reminded to make sure their Known Traveler Number (KTN) is in their airline reservation, so it appears on their boarding pass.

7. Call ahead to request passenger support. If you or a family member require additional assistance through security screening, you may request a TSA Passenger Support Specialist (PSS). A PSS is a TSO who has received specialized training, including how to effectively assist and communicate with individuals with disabilities, medical conditions or those who need general additional screening assistance. Individuals should request passenger assistance at least 72 hours in advance by contacting our TSA Cares passenger support line at (855) 787-2227. TSA Cares live assistance is available weekdays, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET, or weekends and holidays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. An automated service is available 24/7.

8. Text or @AskTSA before heading to the airport. You can get real-time assistance by texting questions to 275-872 (“AskTSA”) or through @AskTSA on X or Facebook Messenger . An automated virtual assistant is available 24/7. You may also reach the TSA Contact Center at 866-289-9673. Visit our Contact Us page for more information. 

9. Listen to and respect frontline employees. Pack an extra dose of patience, especially during these high travel volumes, and show gratitude to all those who are working to get everyone to their destinations safely including TSA and airport personnel, gate agents and flight attendants. Please follow instructions from the TSOs when going through security screening.  Violence and unruly behavior in the transportation systems are not acceptable and result in significant delays at traveler checkpoints. TSOs, along with all frontline airport and airline employees and local law enforcement, are working together to ensure safe and secure travel. Assaulting a TSA employee is a federal offense and will result in penalties and/or arrest.

10. Remain aware. Be aware of your surroundings and report suspicious activities. Remember: If You See Something, Say Something™.