When it comes to finding the lowest airfare, timing is everything. Travelers around the world often ask: “What is the cheapest day to book a flight?” While there isn’t one simple answer that works for every route, season, or airline, industry data shows that certain days and strategies consistently lead to better prices.
At airfare.flights
, we specialize in helping travelers save money by comparing flights, hotels, and car rentals from hundreds of providers. Let’s explore the best days to book flights, how far in advance you should plan, and insider tips that can make your next trip more affordable.
The Best Day of the Week to Book a Flight
Research from multiple travel industry studies shows that Tuesdays and Wednesdays are generally the cheapest days to book flights. Airlines often release fare discounts late on Monday, and by Tuesday morning, competing airlines match those prices.
- Tuesday: Historically the most affordable day to find new flight deals.
- Wednesday: Another strong day for price drops, especially for midweek departures.
- Sunday: Surprisingly, booking on Sunday has also been shown to produce lower prices compared to Friday or Saturday.
You can test this out yourself using airfare.flights/flights, where flight comparison tools update prices daily so you can catch the best deals.
The Cheapest Days to Fly
Booking date isn’t the only factor—your travel date matters too. Data shows that flying on less popular travel days usually costs less:
- Tuesdays and Wednesdays: Cheapest days to fly domestically and internationally.
- Saturdays: Sometimes cheaper than Fridays or Sundays, especially for return flights.
- Avoid Fridays and Sundays: These are peak travel days and usually the most expensive.
By adjusting your trip by just a day or two, you can save hundreds of dollars. Use airfare.flights to check flexible date options before locking in your itinerary.
How Far in Advance Should You Book?
Timing your booking window is just as important as choosing the right day of the week. Here are some general guidelines:
- Domestic Flights: Book 1 to 3 months in advance for the best prices.
- International Flights: Book 2 to 6 months in advance, depending on the destination.
- Holiday Travel: Secure tickets at least 3 to 6 months early, as prices rise sharply closer to peak travel dates.
At airfare.flights, you can set fare alerts to track when prices drop, ensuring you never miss out on savings.
Other Tips for Finding Cheap Flights
Beyond the day of the week, here are more ways to maximize your savings:
- Use Incognito Mode – Flight prices can increase when you repeatedly search the same route.
- Be Flexible with Airports – Nearby airports may offer significantly lower fares.
- Consider Red-Eye or Early Morning Flights – Less convenient times are often cheaper.
- Bundle with Hotels and Cars – At airfare.flights/hotels and airfare.flights/cars, you can combine bookings for bigger discounts.
- Set Price Alerts – Automated alerts track fare changes and notify you of the best deals.
FAQs About Booking the Cheapest Flights
1. Is it cheaper to book flights at midnight?
Not always. While airlines used to refresh deals around midnight, today pricing is dynamic and changes throughout the day. The best approach is to compare across multiple times and set alerts on airfare.flights to catch price drops.
2. Which month has the lowest airfare?
January and February are often the cheapest months to fly due to lower travel demand after the holiday season. For international destinations, September and October also see price drops. Check airfare.flights/flights for seasonal fare comparisons.
3. Do last-minute flights cost more?
Usually yes—especially during peak travel seasons. However, airlines sometimes discount last-minute seats to fill planes. With fare alerts from airfare.flights, you can track both early-bird and last-minute deals.
4. Is booking one-way or round-trip cheaper?
Round-trip tickets are usually cheaper, but not always. For flexible travelers, booking two one-way tickets on different airlines can save money. Use airfare.flights to compare both options side by side.
5. Are flights cheaper on budget airlines?
Low-cost carriers like Spirit, Ryanair, or EasyJet often advertise cheaper base fares, but fees for bags, seat selection, and extras can add up. Always compare total costs at airfare.flights before booking.