Hold onto your wallets, travelers. Airfares are climbing faster than fall leaves are turning in New England, with a 5.9 percent monthly spike in August 2025 that is reversing the year’s earlier bargains and putting a pinch on budgets just as shoulder season beckons. According to the Travel Price Index from the U.S. Travel Association, released September 11, 2025, travel costs overall jumped 1.5 percent in August, outpacing general inflation for the first time since January, driven by hikes in flights, gas, and hotels. Year over year, airfares are up 3.3 percent from August 2024, a trend that is making flying less appealing for domestic getaways. For Rhode Island’s 6 billion dollar tourism powerhouse, this shift is timely. As Newport’s coastal charms glow with autumn foliage, bird migrations along the Atlantic Flyway, and many other fall events, many visitors may choose the road over the runway.
The TPI data shows late summer sticker shock in detail. Overall travel inflation remains low at 0.4 percent annually, below the general CPI, but the monthly surge highlights pain points for flyers. After staying flat or dipping earlier in 2025, airfares leaped 5.9 percent in August alone. Lodging rose 2.6 percent for the month, though still sits 3.7 percent below last year on a year over year basis. Gas ticked up 1.8 percent in August but is down 6.5 percent from last year. Food away from home edged up 0.3 percent, while entertainment dipped 0.2 percent, keeping ground based trips relatively affordable. This dynamic can deter spontaneous air travel and push consumers toward drivable destinations, a boon for a regional hotspot like Newport where proximity to major Northeast cities makes road trips the savvy choice.
Air travel demand remains intense. TSA screening totals have posted multiple peak days near 3.0 million in 2025, including an all time high near 3.1 million in late June and another surge near 2.9 million in mid October. Labor Day weekend set a record overall, with daily volumes approaching 3.0 million across the holiday stretch. Against that backdrop, planning matters. Airlines have also warned that operational pressures, including those seen during this government shutdown, can dent traveler confidence at the margins.
Why skip flying altogether? Beyond the airfare jump, ongoing volume at checkpoints adds delays and frustration at big hubs. Driving flips the script. Gas prices have hovered in the low 3 dollar range in Rhode Island and close to the national average in recent weeks. That lets you redirect savings into Newport seafood or mansion tours. The journey becomes part of the joy.
Enter your shoulder season booking guide, timed for October to November 2025, when crowds thin and vibes peak with crisp air, migrating birds at Sachuest Point, and holiday strolls.
First, lock in lodging early. Midweek typically beats weekend pricing, and Sunday to Thursday often offers the best value at historic inns and boutique hotels. Book direct or use reputable sites, and look for packages that include breakfast credits, late checkout, or parking.
Driving instead of flying to beat the airfare surge? Make Newport your base near the wharves for easy parking, walkable dining, and quick hops to Ocean Drive. Check Newport hotel availability here.
Plan smarter routes and timing. From New York City, plan roughly 3.5 to 4 hours via I 95, traffic dependent. From Boston, plan about 1.5 hours via I 93 and MA 24 to RI 24. From Hartford, plan about 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours via I 84, I 395, and RI 138. Build in buffers around peak commute times and post event traffic on Pell Bridge Run weekends.
Transportation tips. If you need wheels, book a rental car at PVD or BOS. Rates vary by date and demand. Owners driving their own cars save most. In town, park free at spots like Sachuest Point and use trolleys and buses to stay relaxed. RIPTA base fare is 2 dollars per ride, and a Day Pass is 6 dollars for unlimited rides until 2 a.m. the next day.
Look for packages. Drive and stay packages work. Hotels can offer spa credit or other unique experiences with your stay, plus Sunday to Thursday add ons like late checkout or mansion tickets. Restaurants and retailers may highlight weekday tastings or prix fixe menus.
This airfare uptick is your cue to rediscover the road and turn a budget squeeze into a memorable escape. Planning a drive to Newport for foliage or festivities. What is your top road trip hack. Share below and tag a travel buddy.
