The Internet has many suggestions for getting affordable flights. Some of these ideas aren't true. One common myth is that you should book your flight on a Tuesday afternoon. The belief is that airlines release sales and seats on that day, so you'll get the best deal by booking then. However, nowadays, technology and tracking tools make flight prices constantly change. Airlines can lower fares when demand is low or for routes that need more passengers. Below, you'll learn the best time to book your next flight. Let's get to it!
So is there actually the best day to book flights?
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1. Booking on a Sunday could be advantageous
According to the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), there's one day of the week that stands out for finding cheap flights – and it's not Tuesday. ARC analyzed millions of fares, along with data from OAG, to come to this conclusion. In their 2024 Air Travel Hacks Report, which they published together with Expedia, they found that buying airline tickets on a Sunday can save you up to 13% compared to other days of the week. This discount applies to both domestic and international flights, across economy and business class. The numbers are based on the average round-trip ticket prices from January to August 2023. And the most expensive day to book? That would be Friday.
2. The best time to book is when you find an affordable offer
The data suggests that booking on a Sunday is usually the cheapest time to buy a ticket. However, this is not always the case. Prices can fluctuate constantly, and airlines may claim they are running a "sale" even when the price isn't the lowest.
To be more confident that you're getting a good deal, use an online price tracker. Tools like Hopper's Price Prediction, Skyscanner's Price Alerts, or Google Flights can help you identify how the current fare compares to historical highs and lows. These tools allow you to set your travel preferences, and they'll notify you when a cheap fare becomes available. You could argue that the day you get the notification is the best time to book, regardless of what day of the week it is.
3. Prepare in advance to recognize a good deal
Tracking flight prices for an extended period can help you feel more confident about when to book your ticket. However, the market favors those who plan ahead. According to Hopper's 2024 Travel Booking Hacks summary, there's a sweet spot for finding the best deals on domestic flights. Travelers should look at prices 3 or 4 months before their travel dates and make their booking decision around a month in advance. They recommend never booking domestic flights less than 3 weeks before departure, unless it's absolutely necessary.
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For international travel, Hopper advises starting your research 7 to 8 months before your trip. The best time to book depends on your destination, but they usually recommend booking between 2 to 7 months in advance. By following the ups and downs of prices for your chosen route, you'll get a feel for which day tends to be the cheapest for booking, allowing you to take advantage of the best deals.
4. Get email updates to benefit from limited-time offers
Airlines often have seasonal sales to attract more customers. Some of these sales are better than others. The most popular ones are the Black Friday and Cyber Monday offers. In 2023, major airlines like Delta, JetBlue, Hawaiian, Southwest, and Alaska Airlines offered big discounts, as reported by Afar. The Tuesday after Thanksgiving, known as Travel Tuesday, also saw many attractive offers.
Some airlines, especially low-cost carriers, have flash sales during slower periods to boost business. For example, in February 2024, Norse Atlantic Airways offered one-way "Economy Light" fares from New York, Miami, and Orlando to London, Paris, or Oslo for as low as $99 each way. These sales usually have a limited number of seats, and the headline prices sell out quickly. Since airlines can advertise these sales on any day, it's a good idea to sign up for email alerts from the airlines that serve your local airport.
5. You can compensate for booking on a specific day
Sometimes, you just need to book a flight when it's convenient for you. Maybe you like making quick decisions, need to take time off work, or are traveling with friends who can only plan at a certain time. What if you miss out on those Tuesday deals? Aside from seasonal and flash sales, there are other ways to save money on your airfare – and they work any day of the week.
In general, these tricks involve finding what other people don't want. Choose the first flight in the morning – which has the best chance of avoiding delays – or the last one at night. Pick a less popular airport near your first choice. Avoid peak season and holidays when everyone is trying to get tickets. Try "open jaw" flights – flying into one city and home from another, completing the middle part of your trip by land or with another airline. At the end of the day, if it's the best price you can find within your requirements, you can call that fare a good deal.
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