The Best Time to Book a Flight for the Cheapest Airfare

Booking flights shouldn’t feel like playing the stock market, but with fluctuating fares and unpredictable deals, finding the cheapest airfare can feel like a gamble. The truth is, airfare pricing is dynamic, changing due to factors like demand, seasonality, fuel prices, and even time of day.

However, there is good news: you can use advice from travel experts and data to find the best time to buy your tickets. And so, if you’re planning a domestic, European or holiday trip in 2025, this guide will tell you the best time to book your flight and how to save money.

Does Booking Early (But Not Too Early) Actually Work?

Unlike groceries or gas, airline ticket prices don’t follow a steady pattern. “Flight prices are the most unpredictable expense in our daily lives,” says Scott Keyes, aviation expert and founder of Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights). “They can shift dramatically without warning.”

You should aim for a time that is neither too early nor too late to get the best results. But remember, timing depends on whether your trip is within your own country or to another country.

The Sweet Spot: Book 21 to 60 days in advance for domestic trips and 2 to 8 months in advance for international travel.

When to Book Domestic Flights

Are you planning a weekend trip or a business trip in your country? The most effective time to book is generally between 3 and 6 weeks ahead of your trip. Google’s data shows that the cheapest average fares are found 38 days ahead of your flight. You can save up to 24% by booking your trip now, according to Expedia.

Tip: Use Google Flights’ color-coded pricing tool. Green means go—it signals a low fare relative to that route’s norm.

When to Book International Flights

Scoring a cheap international fare takes more foresight. Since demand is higher and visas take time, you should start planning your trip abroad well in advance.

In fact, here are three well-known facts from the experts:

• Scott Keyes suggests searching 2 to 8 months ahead, depending on the destination and season.
• Expedia’s 2024 travel report found that booking 60 days in advance yielded cheaper fares, saving travelers around 10% compared to peak pricing periods.
• Skyscanner recommends booking at least 4–6 months in advance for destinations like Asia, Africa, and Oceania.

Tip: Book international flights 60–120 days ahead for best results, especially if flying long-haul or during summer.

Best Time to Book Holiday Flights (Thanksgiving & Christmas)

Holiday airfare is notoriously expensive, but savvy planning can soften the blow.

• According to Google Flights, Thanksgiving tickets are cheapest 26 to 45 days before travel, so book in early October.
• For Christmas flights, aim for 36 to 72 days out, with the lowest prices around 58 days before departure, so book by mid-October.

Tip: For the best holiday fares, start looking by late September or early October, and be ready to book when prices dip.

Best Time to Book Summer Travel

Summer is peak travel season, especially for families and students, meaning fares skyrocket if you wait too long.

• Book in winter for summer trips. January and February are ideal for finding deals for June through August.
• Think of flights like seasonal clothing—summer airfares go “on sale” in the off-season.

Tip: Book at least 3–6 months in advance for summer travel, and even earlier if heading to popular tourist hotspots like Europe, Hawaii, or Southeast Asia.

The Best Day to Book a Flight?

It’s a myth that Tuesday at midnight always holds the best deals. While that may have been true a decade ago, now, according to Google Flights, Tuesday is only 1.3% cheaper than Sunday, which is the most expensive day to book.

Bottom line? There is no longer a golden hour. Pay attention to the right time to book, not just a particular day.

What Are the Cheapest Days to Fly?

This is where the real savings lie. Shifting your departure day can make a significant difference.

• Domestic Flights: Flying on Tuesday or Wednesday could save you up to 13–20%.
• International Flights: Thursday tends to offer lower fares, with up to 6% savings.

And don’t shy away from holiday travel. Departing on Thanksgiving or Christmas Day can be a hidden gem of a deal.

What Are the Cheapest Months to Fly?

If you can time your travel for value instead of peak demand, your wallet will thank you.

• Domestic trips: January and February are historically the most affordable months.
• International trips in summer: August often comes in cheaper than July, with up to 10–29% savings, depending on destination and departure week.

How to Snag the Best Flight Deals: Pro Tips

Want to beat the system like a pro traveler? Use these savvy strategies:

1. Use Comparison Sites Smartly
   Search across platforms like:
   • Google Flights
   • Skyscanner
   • Kayak
   • Expedia
   • Momondo

However, after you find the cheapest fare, check with the airline directly. If your flight is delayed or canceled, you may receive better customer service when you book directly with the airline.

2. Set Fare Alerts
   Let the deals come to you. Use tools that track your preferred routes and notify you of drops.
3. Book Flexible or Refundable Tickets
   If your schedule is fluid, opt for changeable flights. You’ll be free to rebook if a better price pops up later.
4. Avoid Last-Minute Panic Booking
   Prices often spike in the final days leading up to a flight, especially for domestic routes. Avoid paying a premium by locking in your trip a few weeks out.

How Do Airlines Price Flights?

Understanding airfare pricing can help you outsmart it. Airlines use “dynamic pricing,” which means prices adjust constantly based on:

• Seat availability
• Booking trends
• Fuel prices
• Competitor pricing
• Time of departure
• Holidays, events, and seasons

They release cheap fares first and gradually increase prices as the plane fills. That’s why booking early—within the “Goldilocks window”—is key.

Final Thoughts

Flight pricing doesn’t have to be a mystery. By booking during optimal windows, flying on less popular days, and taking advantage of travel tools, you can land the cheapest seats in the sky, without the stress.

So next time you’re planning a trip, don’t rely on luck. Use strategy. Your travel budget—and your future self—will thank you.