Less Stress. More Flights. New Flavors.
February 25, 2026
Spring break and summer travel planning season is officially underway. If you’re thinking about sunshine, family trips, or a long weekend getaway, now’s the time to start mapping it out. Here’s what Quad Cities travelers should know this month.
Spring Break & Summer Travel Tips for 2026
Industry travel experts are sharing a few helpful hacks for smoother (and sometimes cheaper) trips this year.
Travel on the Right Days: Tuesdays are currently trending as the least crowded day to fly, which can mean shorter lines and a smoother airport experience.
Book Smart, Not Just Early: Instead of booking months in advance, many fares are showing the best value about 31–45 days before departure. Even last-minute travelers (8–14 days out) may still find competitive pricing.
Go Carry-On When You Can: More travelers are skipping checked bags altogether. Carry-on luggage can help you move through the airport faster and avoid baggage fees.
Think Ahead for Summer International Travel: If Europe is calling, August is currently trending as one of the more affordable months to travel overseas.
No matter where you’re headed, flying local through MLI keeps your trip simple from the start.
More Options to Connect
United Airlines will expand daily nonstop flights up to 8 flights per day between MLI and Chicago O’Hare giving travelers more schedule choices and seamless connections across the U.S. and internationally.
Whether you’re traveling for business, heading to Florida, or connecting overseas, these additional options make planning easier and more convenient. These additional daily flights join a third daily flight to Atlanta, and seasonal service to Sarasota.
A New Taste of the Quad Cities is Coming
The QC Airport selected Sky Dine as our new food and beverage partner as part of our ongoing terminal improvement plans. Sky Dine will introduce refreshed dining spaces and local brands passengers will recognize, including Sunny’s Coffee and Smash Pizza, bringing more hometown flavor inside the terminal.
We’ll be sharing specific restaurant concepts soon, but travelers can expect elevated service and options that reflect the Quad Cities community.
Start Your Trip Close to Home
With smart booking strategies, strong Chicago connectivity, and exciting new dining on the horizon, there’s never been a better time to plan ahead and fly local.
Wherever spring break or summer takes you — start your journey at MLI.