How to Spot and Avoid Summer Travel Scams by Cybercriminals

If you come across a flight that seems too cheap to be true, it might actually be a scam. The allure of an incredibly low-cost or heavily discounted flight can be tempting, but it could end up costing you more than just the ticket price if you fall for a fake flight scam.

According to Deloitte’s 2026 summer travel survey, more than half of Americans (57%) plan to fly for their summer trips, which is a significant increase from last year. These travelers are also spending more on premium airfare, including first-class seats on direct flights and prioritizing convenience. In fact, over 120 million travelers are expected to spend more than $475 billion on flights and lodging this summer, as reported by NerdWallet. Despite the high cost of airfare, which has increased by 26.7% over the past year, scammers are becoming increasingly active in targeting travelers who are desperate for deals.

New research from cybersecurity firm Check Point reveals that cyberattacks related to travel have surged. In May alone, there were 2,291 attempted cyberattacks per travel organization each week — a 24% increase compared to the same month in the previous year. These attacks often target everyday travelers through fake flight-booking websites that mimic trusted brands like Skyscanner and Expedia.

Fake flight-booking websites are on the rise, with 47,318 new travel-related web domains registered in May, a 33% increase from April 2026 and a 19% increase from May 2025. One out of every 112 newly registered travel domains has already been identified as malicious or suspicious. Scammers use these sites to steal login credentials, personal data, and payment information.

Check Point researchers have uncovered coordinated campaigns where scammers flood multiple web domains with lookalike sites to increase the chances of intercepting travelers. This results in hundreds of nearly identical booking websites and sophisticated phishing pages. Some fake Skyscanner sites, for example, are designed to capture usernames, passwords, and credit card information. They offer deeply discounted flights that disappear after travelers pay.

These scams exploit travelers’ sense of urgency. Limited-time offers, countdown timers, and “only one seat left” messaging encourage travelers to book before taking a closer look at what they’re actually booking.

To avoid falling victim to fake flight scams, here are some tips:

Check the Web Address

Scammers often create websites with addresses that differ from real airlines by only a letter or two. Double-check the URL for subtle misspellings or unusual domain names or extensions. While “.com” is the most common domain extension, many mimicking scam sites still use it. Don’t trust a website just because it uses “.com” instead of “.top,” “.shop,” or “.xyz.”

Type an airline’s website directly into your browser’s URL box instead of clicking on ads or promotional links in search engines. Most airlines also have mobile apps through which you can safely book flights.

Pay for Flights with a Credit Card

Avoid paying with wire transfers, peer-to-peer payment apps, gift cards, or cryptocurrency, as these methods are difficult or impossible to reverse. Use a credit card whenever possible, as they generally offer stronger fraud protection. Under the Fair Credit Billing Act, reporting a loss or theft before charges are made means you have zero liability.

Many travel credit cards offer specific protection against fraudulent travel-related transactions and unauthorized charges via zero-liability policies, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve.

Do Your Research

If a flight is dramatically cheaper than elsewhere, treat it as a red flag. Popular booking sites like Skyscanner, Kayak, and Expedia allow you to compare prices against other platforms. If booking over the phone, make sure to cross-check the number you’re dialing, as scam sites and even fake Google Ads may share fraudulent contact numbers.

Be Cautious of Unsolicited Communications

Travelers should also be wary of unsolicited texts, emails, or phone calls claiming your flight has been canceled, delayed, or upgraded, or offering exclusive deals. Rather than clicking a link or calling the number provided, log into your airline account or contact the carrier directly using its official website or app.

In some cases, scammers may actually book the ticket change or upgrade they promise, making the transaction appear legitimate. However, they often use stolen payment methods or charge victims hundreds of dollars more than the airline would have.

By staying vigilant and following these precautions, you can protect yourself from fake flight scams and ensure a safe and enjoyable summer trip.