Booking flights at the right time can make a significant difference in the price you pay. While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, several factors influence the best time to book flights, including the day of the week, the time of day, and how far in advance you book. Here’s a detailed look at when you should consider booking your flights to get the best deals:
Best Day of the Week to Book Flights
Tuesday and Wednesday
Historically, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are considered the best days to book flights. This is because many airlines release their weekly sales on Monday evenings, and by Tuesday afternoon, other airlines have typically matched those prices. This creates a competitive environment that can lead to lower fares. Additionally, midweek bookings often see less demand compared to weekends, resulting in better deals.
Avoid Weekends
Weekends, particularly Saturday and Sunday, are generally not the best time to book flights. During these days, airlines know that people have more free time to plan their trips, and demand tends to be higher, which can lead to increased prices. If you’re looking for the lowest fares, it’s usually better to avoid booking on weekends.
Best Time of Day to Book Flights
Early Morning or Late Night
Booking flights early in the morning or late at night can often result in better deals. This is because fewer people are searching for flights during these times, leading to less competition for the lowest fares. Additionally, airlines may release unsold inventory from the previous day or adjust prices based on demand, which can sometimes result in lower prices during these off-peak hours.
Timing Considerations
The best time of day to book flights can also depend on the time zone of the airline’s headquarters. For example, if you’re booking a flight with a U.S.-based airline, checking prices early in the morning on the East Coast might yield better results. Similarly, if you’re booking with an airline based in Asia, you might find better deals by searching in the evening when it’s morning there.
See also: What Time of the Week Is Best to Book Flights？
How Far in Advance to Book Flights
Domestic Flights
For domestic flights, the optimal booking window is typically between 1 to 3 months in advance. Booking too early or too late can result in higher prices. Within this window, airlines are likely to offer their best fares as they gauge demand for the flight.
International Flights
For international flights, it’s generally recommended to book between 4 to 6 months in advance. International travel is more complex and involves higher costs, so airlines tend to offer better deals further out to ensure they fill their seats. However, it’s important to monitor prices, as they can fluctuate, and sometimes last-minute deals can also be found, especially if the airline needs to fill remaining seats.
Considerations for Holiday and Peak Travel Times
Book Early for Holidays
If you’re planning to travel during peak holiday periods, such as Christmas, New Year’s, or summer vacation, it’s crucial to book as early as possible, sometimes up to a year in advance. Prices for these periods can rise quickly due to high demand, and waiting too long can result in significantly higher fares.
Be Flexible with Dates
Flexibility with your travel dates can also help you find better deals. If you can avoid traveling on the peak days around holidays (such as the day before Thanksgiving in the U.S.), you’re more likely to find lower fares. Using fare comparison tools that allow you to search with flexible dates can help you identify the cheapest travel days.
Use Fare Alerts and Comparison Tools
Set Fare Alerts
Many travel websites and apps offer fare alert services, which notify you when prices drop for flights on your chosen route. This can be an excellent way to keep track of price fluctuations and book when fares are at their lowest.
Use Multiple Comparison Sites
Comparing prices across multiple travel booking sites can help you ensure you’re getting the best deal. Sometimes, different sites may offer slightly different prices or have access to different deals, so it’s worth checking a few before you book.
Conclusion
The best time to book flights is often early in the morning or late at night on a Tuesday or Wednesday, about 1 to 3 months in advance for domestic flights and 4 to 6 months in advance for international flights. However, these are general guidelines, and factors like peak travel times, fare alerts, and flexibility with your travel dates can also play a significant role in finding the best deals. By keeping these tips in mind, you can increase your chances of securing a good price on your next flight.