If you’ve ever wondered “When is the best time to book flights for the cheapest deals?” — you’re not alone. Flight prices can feel like a rollercoaster, and knowing the right time to buy can save you hundreds of dollars per trip.
The truth is, there isn’t one magic answer — but there are proven strategies and insider tips that frequent travelers (and even airline employees) swear by. Let’s break it down so you can always score the best airfare possible.
✈️ Best Time to Book Flights: Save the Most Money (find the Cheapest Deals for Fall 2025)
🕒 So, When Is the Best Time to Book Flights?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but years of airfare studies (including CheapAir’s Annual Airfare Study and Hopper’s trend reports) give us some clear patterns. The right booking window depends on where you’re flying, when you’re flying, and how flexible you are.
- Domestic flights (U.S.) → 1 to 3 months in advance
- International flights → 2 to 8 months in advance
- Peak travel seasons (holidays, summer, school breaks) → Book as early as possible (4-10 months out)
💰 On Average, Airfare prices tend to be cheapest around 76 days before departure for domestic routes. But prices fluctuate daily — which is why timing and strategy both matter.
>> Here’s a list of the Best Websites for Booking Cheap Flights To Save Money On Airfare
📍 Domestic Flights (U.S.)
For U.S. domestic trips, the sweet spot is usually 1 to 3 months before your departure date.
- Book too early (more than 6 months out), and you’ll often pay higher “placeholder” prices.
- Book too late (less than 3 weeks before), and you’ll get hit with last-minute surcharges.
Best practice:
- Start tracking fares around 3–4 months before.
- Pull the trigger when you see a dip within that 1–3 month window.
💡 Example: A roundtrip New York to Los Angeles ticket might start at $450 when released 6+ months out, drop to $280 about 2 months before departure, then spike back up to $500 within 3 weeks of departure.
🌍 International Flights
For overseas travel, airlines release tickets earlier and demand is more spread out — meaning you’ll need a longer booking window.
- Europe: 2–6 months in advance (spring/summer travel often sells out early).
- Asia & Africa: 4–8 months in advance for the best deals.
- South America: 3–6 months in advance.
- Oceania (Australia & New Zealand): 6–10 months in advance, especially for holiday or summer travel.
💡 Pro tip: For long-haul trips, flexibility is everything. Flying midweek instead of Friday/Saturday could save $200–$400.
🎄 Peak Travel Seasons (Holidays, Summer, School Breaks)
If you’re flying around Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year, summer vacations, or spring break — the earlier, the better.
- Book 4–10 months out if possible.
- Last-minute deals almost never happen during holidays because flights fill up.
- Prices tend to climb steadily the closer you get to the peak season.
💡 Example: A Thanksgiving flight that costs $320 in August could easily hit $600+ by November.
📊 The “Magic Number” — 76 Days Before Departure
According to CheapAir, the average lowest price for domestic flights happens around 76 days before takeoff.
- That doesn’t mean 76 days is always cheapest, but it’s a good benchmark.
- Think of it as the prime booking window where prices are most competitive.
👉 The key takeaway: don’t wait until the last minute, and don’t jump on the very first price you see. Track, compare, and pounce when fares drop within the recommended window.
>> Ultimate Guide: How To Travel On A Budget (hotels, flights, rental cars + more…)
📊 Best Time to Book Flights by Destination
| Destination Type | Best Booking Window | Notes / Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic (U.S.) | 1–3 months before departure | Track fares early; prices drop ~76 days out. |
| Europe | 2–6 months before departure | Summer travel sells out fast; midweek flights cheaper. |
| Asia | 4–8 months before departure | Flexible dates save $$$; check alternative airports. |
| South America | 3–6 months before departure | Avoid peak holidays; early bookings often cheaper. |
| Africa | 4–8 months before departure | Longer flights = bigger savings when booked early. |
| Oceania (Australia/New Zealand) | 6–10 months before departure | Peak summer = book as early as possible. |
| Peak Travel Seasons (holidays, spring break, summer) | 4–10 months in advance | Prices spike closer to holidays; flexibility is key. |
>> Get even for Travel Tips & Tricks To Save Money On EVERYTHING!
📅 Best Days of the Week to Book Flights
There’s a lot of advice floating around online about the “perfect day to book flights,” and most of it is myth-busting material. One of the most persistent myths is:
“Always book on a Tuesday to get the cheapest flights.”
Here’s the reality: airfare pricing is driven by algorithms and demand, not the calendar. Airlines adjust prices multiple times a day based on seat availability, competitor pricing, and historical trends. There isn’t a single “magic day” to snag a deal.
✈️ Best Days to Fly (Not Book)
While booking day myths persist, the day you actually fly matters more for savings:
- Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays are generally the cheapest days to fly.
- Fridays and Sundays tend to be the most expensive because of high demand from weekend travelers.
💡 Example: A New York to Los Angeles flight might cost $280 flying on a Wednesday, but $340 flying on a Sunday. Over multiple trips, flying midweek can save hundreds per person.
⏰ Why Midweek Flights Are Cheaper
- Business travelers usually fly Monday–Thursday, but early-week demand can create slightly higher fares on Monday.
- Weekend leisure travelers drive up Friday and Sunday prices.
- Midweek flights are often less crowded — meaning airlines discount more seats to fill planes.
✅ Pro Tips to Maximize Savings
- Focus on flexible dates, not just booking day. Use tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner to compare a 3–7 day range.
- Set up price alerts. Airlines and third-party apps (Hopper, Kayak) will notify you of fare drops.
- Check alternative airports. Flying out of a nearby city midweek can reduce costs dramatically.
- Combine flexible travel days + off-peak hours. Early morning or late-night flights midweek are often the cheapest.
💡 Key Takeaway
Don’t obsess over the “perfect day to book.” Instead:
- Focus on midweek flights
- Track fares over time
- Be flexible with dates and airports
This strategy consistently outperforms trying to time your booking around a specific day of the week.
📊 Cheapest Days to Fly vs. Most Expensive Days
| Day of the Week | Typical Price Trend | Notes / Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Medium | Slightly higher early-week fares due to business travel. |
| Tuesday | Low | One of the cheapest days to fly; less crowded planes. |
| Wednesday | Low | Often the absolute cheapest; midweek flexibility saves $$ |
| Thursday | Medium-High | Increasing demand from business travelers. |
| Friday | High | Weekend travel drives up prices. |
| Saturday | Low | Leisure travel is lighter; deals more common. |
| Sunday | High | Popular day for returning from weekend trips; pricier fares. |
💡 Pro Tip: Combine midweek flights + flexible times (early morning or late night) to maximize savings.
🌍 Best Time of Day to Book Flights
Much like the “best day of the week” myth, many travelers ask:
“Is there a specific time of day when flights are cheapest?”
The short answer: not exactly. Airlines use dynamic pricing algorithms that update fares constantly based on supply, demand, and competitor pricing. There isn’t a single universal hour when prices drop.
⏰ Late-Night & Early-Morning Searches
While there’s no guaranteed magic hour, patterns suggest:
- Late-night searches (10 PM–12 AM) and early-morning searches (5–7 AM) sometimes show lower prices.
- The reason: fewer people are searching during these off-peak hours, meaning less competition for limited seats.
💡 Example: A flight search at 6 AM might show a $350 fare, while a midday search on the same route shows $370. Over multiple bookings, these small differences add up.
🔍 Why Prices Fluctuate Hourly
Airfare is dynamic, changing multiple times per day because of:
- Seat inventory availability
- Competitor pricing adjustments
- Historical trends for the specific route
- Algorithmic triggers when certain search patterns spike
This is why you’ll sometimes see a $20–50 difference just hours apart.
✅ Pro Tips for Booking at the Right Time
- Use incognito mode or clear cookies to avoid personalized price hikes. Airlines sometimes show higher prices if they detect repeated searches for the same route.
- Check fares at multiple times of the day to compare and catch sudden dips.
- Combine with flexible dates — a 3–5 day range search is often more effective than focusing on the hour.
- Set price alerts — apps like Hopper, Kayak, and Google Flights notify you immediately when fares drop, removing the need to obsess over exact timing.
💡 Key Takeaway
Instead of chasing a “perfect hour,” focus on:
- Flexibility with dates and airports
- Price tracking tools
- Avoiding repeated searches that could trigger dynamic pricing
By pairing flexible travel dates with smart search habits, you’ll consistently find lower fares without stressing over the time of day..
📊 Best Time of Day to Search for Flights
| Time of Day | Likely Price Trend | Notes / Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Early Morning (5–7 AM) | Low-Medium | Fewer searches; some fares dip slightly overnight. |
| Late Morning (8–11 AM) | Medium | Prices begin to fluctuate as more searches occur. |
| Afternoon (12–4 PM) | Medium-High | Peak search hours; fares may rise due to demand. |
| Evening (5–9 PM) | Medium | Airlines adjust fares based on morning/afternoon demand. |
| Late Night (10 PM–12 AM) | Low-Medium | Often less competitive; potential small savings. |
💡 Pro Tip: Use incognito mode, clear cookies, and track prices across multiple times of the day to catch the best deal. Pair this with flexible dates and airports for maximum savings.
🔑 Insider Tips to Score the Cheapest Flights
Even with the right timing, finding the lowest airfare requires strategy. Here are some insider methods that frequent travelers and flight hackers swear by.
1️⃣ Master Flight Search Engines
Using the right tools is half the battle. Some of the most powerful options include:
- Google Flights: Great for quickly comparing multiple dates and routes; the calendar view shows the cheapest days to fly.
- Skyscanner: Excellent for “Everywhere” searches if your destination is flexible.
- Momondo: Often finds fares that other search engines miss.
- Hopper: Uses AI to predict price trends and notify you when to buy.
💡 Pro tip: Always check at least two flight search engines — sometimes one engine shows a fare a few dollars cheaper than another.
2️⃣ Set Smart Price Alerts
Instead of refreshing endlessly:
- Set alerts on multiple platforms (Google Flights, Hopper, Kayak).
- Alerts notify you of sudden fare drops, so you can book without obsessing.
- Some apps predict whether prices will rise or fall, helping you decide whether to buy now or wait.
3️⃣ Be Flexible with Dates and Airports
Flexibility is a game-changer for savings:
- Shifting your trip by just a day or two can save $50–$200 per ticket.
- Nearby airports may offer better deals — especially for big cities with multiple hubs.
- Combining one-way tickets from different airlines or airports can also slash costs.
💡 Pro tip: Use Google Flights’ “flexible dates” calendar and Skyscanner’s “whole month” search to see price variations at a glance.
4️⃣ Avoid Last-Minute Bookings (Mostly)
- Except for rare mistake fares, last-minute tickets are usually the most expensive.
- For domestic travel, aim for 1–3 months out; for international, 2–8 months.
- If you’re booking within a few weeks of departure, be prepared to pay a premium unless you’re flexible on routes and times.
5️⃣ Watch for Flash Sales & Error Fares
Some of the biggest savings come from unexpected deals:
- Airlines occasionally release flash sales for limited windows — often 24–48 hours.
- Error fares happen when a glitch causes unusually low prices.
- Subscribing to newsletters like Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) or Airfarewatchdog keeps you in the loop.
💡 Pro tip: Act fast on these deals — they can disappear in hours. Bookmark your alerts folder and be ready to book immediately.
6️⃣ Extra Insider Tricks
- Hidden city ticketing: Sometimes flying to a layover city is cheaper than your intended destination. (Use carefully; only with carry-on luggage.)
- Mix and match airlines: Booking two one-way tickets with different airlines can be cheaper than round-trip.
- Use reward points strategically: Combine airline miles and credit card points to offset costs.
- Consider booking package deals to combine flights + Hotels + Rental Cars, etc… To save even more! Sometimes these trip bundles cost less even if you decided not to use one part of the deal i.e., renting the car or staying at the hotel, etc… But you could still save money on your flight (maybe even score a better deal than booking it by itself).
💡 Key Takeaway
Scoring the cheapest flight isn’t about luck — it’s about using the right tools, staying flexible, tracking trends, and being ready to act quickly. Small shifts in dates, airports, or search methods can translate into hundreds of dollars in savings.
✈️ Flight Savings Checklist
| Strategy | How to Use It | Tip / Note |
|---|---|---|
| Flight Search Engines | Google Flights, Skyscanner, Momondo, Hopper | Compare multiple engines; some fares differ slightly. |
| Set Price Alerts | Google Flights, Hopper, Kayak | Get notified instantly of fare drops; avoid manual chasing. |
| Flexible Dates & Airports | Shift dates by 1–3 days; use nearby airports | Can save $50–$200 per ticket; use “flexible dates” calendars. |
| Avoid Last-Minute Booking | Book early (1–3 months domestic, 2–8 months international) | Only exception: rare mistake fares. |
| Watch for Flash Sales & Error Fares | Subscribe to Going (Scott’s Cheap Flights) or Airfarewatchdog | Act fast; deals disappear in hours. |
| Hidden City Ticketing | Fly to a layover city cheaper than destination | Only with carry-on; be cautious with checked bags. |
| Mix & Match Airlines | Book two one-way tickets with different carriers | Can reduce round-trip cost. |
| Use Reward Points Strategically | Airline miles or credit card points | Offset costs or upgrade seats. |
💡 Pro Tip: Combine multiple strategies for maximum savings. For example: flexible dates + price alerts + checking alternative airports often uncovers the best fares.
🚨 Common Myths About Booking Flights
Flight pricing is confusing, and myths about the “perfect time to book” are everywhere. Let’s separate fact from fiction so you can make smarter travel decisions.
❌ Myth 1: “Book exactly 6 weeks before your flight.”
- Reality: There’s no universal rule. The ideal booking window varies based on route, season, and destination.
- Domestic flights in the U.S. often see the lowest fares 1–3 months before departure, but international flights require 2–8 months lead time.
- Booking exactly 6 weeks out could work for some trips — but for others, you might miss cheaper fares or grab higher prices.
💡 Example: A domestic flight from New York to Miami might be cheapest 8 weeks before, but a domestic flight from Los Angeles to Chicago could drop lowest at 12 weeks out.
❌ Myth 2: “Tuesday at midnight is the cheapest time to book.”
- Reality: Airlines no longer release sales on a single day. Pricing algorithms are dynamic, updating multiple times daily based on demand, competitor fares, and seat availability.
- Focusing on one “magic hour” rarely works anymore.
💡 Pro tip: Track fares over weeks using flight search engine tools like Google Flights or Hopper, rather than obsessing over a specific day and time.
❌ Myth 3: “Airlines hide deals if you search too much.”
- Reality: Repeated searches may show slightly higher fares due to cookies or personalized pricing, but it’s mostly about supply and demand.
- If a flight is filling up, prices rise regardless of your search history.
- Workaround: Use incognito/private browsing or clear cookies to avoid minor tracking effects.
✅ Extra Myths Busted
- ❌ “Booking last-minute is always cheaper.” → Usually more expensive, except rare mistake fares.
- ❌ “Round-trip tickets are always cheaper than one-way.” → Sometimes booking two one-way tickets is cheaper, especially with budget carriers.
- ❌ “Cheaper fares are only on legacy airlines.” → Budget carriers often beat major airlines if you compare all options.
💡 Key Takeaway
Don’t fall for rigid rules or old myths. Instead:
- Track fares over time
- Be flexible with dates and airports
- Use alerts and smart tools
- Focus on trends, not arbitrary “rules”
This approach consistently saves money on travel expenses and avoids disappointment.
✈️ Final Takeaway: The Real Best Time to Book Flights
- Domestic flights: 1–3 months before departure
- International flights: 2–8 months before departure
- Peak travel seasons (holidays, summer, school breaks): Book as early as possible
- For the absolute cheapest fares: Stay flexible, set price alerts, and be ready to act when a deal appears
Booking flights doesn’t have to feel stressful or like gambling. By combining timing, flexibility, and smart tools, you can consistently find lower fares and travel with confidence.
>> ICYMI… These are the Best Websites for Booking Cheap Flights To Save Money On Airfare
Don’t Miss A Thing…
Follow @MapsAndMilesCom on Social Media via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter X, and Pinterest. Also, don’t forget to Subscribe on YouTube! And, Most Importantly Sign Up To Receive My Email Newsletter!
❓ FAQs: Best Time to Book Flights
1️⃣ What is the cheapest time to book a flight?
The cheapest time depends on your route and season:
- Domestic flights (U.S.): 1–3 months before departure
- International flights: 2–8 months before departure
- Peak travel seasons: 4–10 months ahead for the best deals
Stay flexible and use price alerts to catch sudden drops.
2️⃣ Is there a best day of the week to book flights?
No single day guarantees the lowest fare. Historically, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays are often cheaper for flying, but tracking prices over time is more effective than relying on a “magic day.”
3️⃣ Does the time of day affect flight prices?
Yes, sometimes. Early mornings (5–7 AM) and late nights (10 PM–12 AM) can show slightly lower fares, but overall, prices fluctuate constantly based on demand and seat availability. Using incognito mode or clearing cookies can help avoid minor pricing differences.
4️⃣ Can I save money by being flexible with airports and dates?
Absolutely. Flying midweek, adjusting travel dates by a day or two, or using nearby airports can save hundreds of dollars per trip. Search flight comparison and tracking tools like Google Flights and Skyscanner make it easy to compare multiple options.
5️⃣ Are last-minute flights ever cheaper?
Usually not. Except for rare mistake fares, last-minute tickets are often more expensive. Booking 1–3 months in advance for domestic flights and 2–8 months for international flights typically yields the best deals.
6️⃣ How can I find flash sales or mistake fares?
Sign up for newsletters and fare alerts from services like Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights), Airfarewatchdog, and Hopper. Acting quickly is key, as these deals usually disappear within hours or days. These are the Best Websites for Booking Cheap Flights To Save Money On Airfare.
7️⃣ Are round-trip tickets always cheaper than one-way tickets?
Not always. Sometimes booking two one-way tickets with different airlines can be cheaper, especially with budget carriers. Always compare options before booking.
8️⃣ Can I use frequent flyer miles or credit card points to reduce flight costs?
Yes! Strategically combining travel credit card reward points, airline miles, and sale fares can significantly cut costs or even get you free flights.
Learn how to maximize travel savings with these Travel Tips & Tricks To Save Money On EVERYTHING!
You Might Also Like…
- Ultimate Guide: How To Travel On A Budget (hotels, flights, rental cars + more…)
- My Must-Have Travel Essentials [Carry-On Bag Packing List]
- Ultimate Travel Toiletries Checklist: What I Keep in My Carry-On Bag
- TSA Friendly: What You Can (And Can’t) Take on the Plane – airport rules and packing tips
- Holiday Travel Tips, Tricks & Strategies To Make Every Trip Stress-Free, Safe + Save Money!