Best Time To Book Flights

Booking flights at the right time can save you hundreds of dollars and improve your overall travel experience. While the best time to book flights can vary depending on the destination, season, and even day of the week, there are key strategies that can help you secure the best deal. Here’s a comprehensive guide on when to book flights, so you can maximize savings and ensure a smooth trip.

1. How Far in Advance to Book

Generally, the best time to book a domestic flight is between one to three months before departure. For international flights, booking around three to six months in advance is typically ideal. This allows you to take advantage of early-bird prices before they increase closer to the departure date.

- Sweet Spot for Domestic Flights: For most domestic flights, experts suggest booking around 45 to 60 days in advance. This period often provides a balance between affordable prices and availability.

- International Flights: For international travel, it's a good idea to plan ahead. Booking three to five months out is often recommended, especially for long-haul trips to popular destinations like Europe, Asia, or Australia.

2. Best Days of the Week to Book Flights

Ever wondered why most of our tours depart mid week? That’s because, booking flights on Tuesdays or Wednesdays tends to offer the best prices. These are typically the days when airlines launch sales or adjust prices after the weekend demand rush. Sundays and Mondays are often the most expensive, as many people plan their trips over the weekend.

Flying Midweek: Not only is booking cheaper midweek, but flying on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday can also result in lower fares. These are typically the least busy days for airlines, offering you better deals and a more pleasant travel experience.

3. The Best Time of Day to Book

There’s a common myth that booking flights early in the morning yields the best deals. While this isn’t always true, checking fares during off-peak hours—such as early mornings or late evenings—can sometimes help you spot lower prices as airlines update their inventory.

4. When to Book Flights for Peak Travel Seasons

During holiday seasons, such as Christmas, Thanksgiving, or summer vacations, prices tend to skyrocket due to high demand. To avoid the price surge, it’s advisable to book your flights several months in advance, ideally as soon as airlines open their schedules (usually around 10-12 months before departure).

Summer Travel: Summer is one of the busiest times of year for travel, especially for families. For domestic summer flights, booking two to three months in advance is the most recommended time frame. For international summer travel, aim to book four to six months in advance.

Holiday Travel: Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve are peak travel times, and fares can rise sharply. Book your holiday flights at least three months in advance to secure a reasonable fare.

5. Utilizing Flight Alerts and Search Tools

There are plenty of online tools that can help you track the best prices for your flights. Websites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Hopper allow you to set up alerts for specific destinations, notifying you when prices drop. Signing up for these alerts can give you a major advantage when trying to book at the best time.

Flight Price Predictors: Some tools, like Hopper, even predict when prices are likely to rise or fall, giving you valuable insights into whether you should book now or wait for a better deal.

6. Last-Minute Deals: A Gamble Worth Taking?

While booking last-minute flights can sometimes lead to great deals, it’s a risky strategy, especially if you have specific travel dates. Airlines often raise prices as the departure date approaches. However, if you’re flexible with your travel dates and destinations, you may find great last-minute bargains on less popular routes.

Best for Flexible Travelers: Last-minute deals can work well for those who can afford to wait and are willing to travel to less popular destinations. Keep an eye on deal websites like Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) or check airlines’ last-minute offers directly.

7. The Impact of Seasonality on Flight Prices

Flight prices fluctuate significantly based on the season. Off-peak times, such as late January to March and September to early November, often offer the best prices for both domestic and international travel.

• Low-Season Travel: Traveling during off-peak seasons means fewer crowds and lower flight prices. For example, traveling to Europe in early spring or late autumn can save you a lot compared to the summer months.

• High-Season Travel: High season, including summer and the end-of-year holidays, generally results in higher fares. Book as early as possible to avoid paying premium prices.

8. Booking Flights with Points

If you’re planning to book flights using frequent flyer miles or points, the best strategy is to book either as soon as the schedule opens or wait until the last minute when airlines release unsold award seats. Availability for award flights can be limited, so being proactive is key.

9. Best Times to Fly for Cheaper Prices

Choosing the right time to fly is just as important as booking the right day. Mid-week flights, such as those on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, are often cheaper because fewer people travel. Early morning flights also tend to be cheaper since they’re less convenient for many travelers.

10. Tips for Finding the Best Deals

- Be Flexible with Dates: If your travel dates are flexible, you’re more likely to find lower prices. Use fare calendars to check price fluctuations across the month.

- Compare Multiple Airlines: Don’t limit yourself to just one airline. Use search engines like Google Flights or Kayak to compare fares across multiple carriers.

- Consider Alternate Airports: Flying into or out of smaller airports near your destination can sometimes save you money.

By following these guidelines, you can master the art of booking flights at the best time, saving money while ensuring a smooth journey. Whether you’re planning your summer vacation or a last-minute getaway, knowing when to book will help you take control of your travel plans.