The Best Time to Book Flights for the Cheapest Fares

7 February 2026

Booking flights can feel like playing a high-stakes game of cat and mouse. Airlines constantly tweak their prices, making it tough to figure out when to pounce on the best deal. But don’t worry—I’ve done the research, analyzed the trends, and put together this guide to help you score the cheapest fares.

When is the best time to book flights? Should you buy months in advance or wait for last-minute deals? Let’s dive into the secrets that airlines don’t want you to know.

Understanding Airline Pricing Strategies

Before jumping into the best times to book, you need to understand how airlines set their prices. They use complex algorithms that factor in demand, competition, seasonality, and even your browsing history.

- Dynamic Pricing: Airlines adjust prices multiple times a day based on demand.
- Supply and Demand: If a flight is filling up fast, prices rise. If it's empty, you might see a drop.
- Competition: Low-cost carriers can trigger price wars, leading to sudden discounts.

Now that you know the basics, let’s pinpoint the best times to book.

When Should You Book for the Best Deals?

1. How Far in Advance Should You Book?

Timing is everything. Booking too early or too late can cost you more than necessary. Here’s a general rule of thumb:

- Domestic Flights: The sweet spot is 1 to 3 months before departure.
- International Flights: Aim for 3 to 6 months in advance.

Studies show that booking around 70 days before departure tends to yield the lowest fares for domestic flights. However, international travel varies depending on the destination.

2. Best Days to Book Flights

The old myth that booking on a Tuesday guarantees savings isn’t entirely true anymore. However, some general patterns still hold:

- Tuesday and Wednesday: These tend to be the best days to book flights. Airlines often release discounts on Monday evenings, and by Tuesday, competitors match prices.
- Avoid Booking on Weekends: Many leisure travelers book during the weekend, causing prices to inflate.

3. Best Days to Fly for Cheaper Airfare

Even if you book late, choosing the right day to fly can still save you money.

- Cheapest Days: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday
- Most Expensive Days: Friday and Sunday

Flying midweek is usually cheaper because most people prefer weekend getaways or Monday business trips.

Should You Wait for Last-Minute Deals?

You may have heard about scoring last-minute flight deals, but this strategy is risky. While airlines do sometimes drop prices to fill empty seats, this is rare.

- Who Benefits? Travelers with flexible schedules
- Who Loses? Those with fixed plans or peak-season travelers

If you absolutely must travel on specific dates, don’t gamble—book in advance.

How Seasons and Holidays Affect Flight Prices

Flight prices fluctuate based on the time of year. Here's when to book depending on the season:

Peak Travel Seasons (Expensive)

- Summer (June - August): High demand for vacations drives prices up.
- Winter Holidays (December - Early January): Christmas and New Year’s see price spikes.
- Spring Break (March - April): Families and students book early, making prices soar.

Off-Peak Seasons (Cheaper)

- Late January - February: After the holidays, demand dips.
- September - Early November: A great time for budget travelers.
- Midweek Travel: Even during peak seasons, flying on a Tuesday or Wednesday can help you save.

The Impact of Time of Day on Flight Prices

Believe it or not, the time of day you purchase your ticket can influence the price.

- Best Time to Buy: Early morning or late at night (between 12 a.m. and 5 a.m.).
- Worst Time to Buy: During business hours (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

Most people book flights while at work, which drives up demand during those hours.

Tools and Tricks to Find the Cheapest Flights

1. Use Flight Comparison Websites

Instead of checking airline websites one by one, use these tools:
- Google Flights – Great for flexible searches.
- Skyscanner – Finds the cheapest days to fly.
- Hopper – Predicts future price trends.

2. Set Price Alerts

Websites like Kayak and Google Flights let you set up price alerts. You’ll get notifications when fares drop.

3. Use Incognito Mode

Airlines track your searches. To avoid price hikes based on your browsing history, search for flights using incognito/private mode in your browser.

4. Consider Nearby Airports

Flying into a nearby airport can sometimes be much cheaper than choosing the main one. Always compare prices for alternative airports.

5. Book One-Way Tickets Separately

Sometimes, booking two one-way tickets instead of a round-trip can save you money. It also gives you more flexibility with airlines.

Should You Use Budget Airlines?

Budget airlines like Spirit, Ryanair, and Frontier offer incredibly low fares, but there’s a catch.

Pros

✔ Low base fares
✔ Frequent deals and flash sales
✔ Good for short-haul flights

Cons

✖ Extra fees for baggage, seat selection, and even printing boarding passes
✖ No frills—expect basic service
✖ Tighter seating and limited flexibility

If you’re traveling light and can deal with the bare minimum, budget airlines can be a great way to save.

The Final Verdict: When is the Best Time to Book Flights?

To sum it up:

✅ For domestic flights, book 1-3 months in advance.
✅ For international flights, book 3-6 months in advance.
✅ Best days to fly: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
✅ Best time to buy: Early morning or late at night.
✅ Set price alerts and use flight comparison tools.

By following these strategies, you’ll boost your chances of snagging the cheapest fares. So next time you plan a trip, remember—timing your booking can make all the difference between a budget-friendly vacation and an overpriced one.