Best Time to Buy Plane Tickets

Finding the cheapest airfare requires strategic timing, not luck. Based on extensive industry data and common booking practices, the optimal booking window is 1-2 months ahead for domestic trips and 3-5 months for international travel. Flying midweek, especially on Wednesdays, consistently yields lower fares than weekend flights. For holiday travel, the sweet spot for booking typically falls in early to late October.

Understanding Airfare Pricing Dynamics

The belief that a specific day of the week is best for booking flights is a persistent myth. Industry analysis consistently shows airfare prices fluctuate based on complex algorithms considering route demand, seasonality, and seat inventory, not the calendar day you purchase. The core principle is to focus on the advance booking window rather than a specific booking day.

Optimal Booking Windows for Different Trip Types

Timing your purchase correctly is the most reliable factor for securing a good deal.

• For Domestic Flights: The recommended practice is to book 1 to 2 months before your departure date. Booking too far in advance often means paying a premium when airlines first release schedules, while last-minute bookings usually come with high fares due to limited availability.
• For International Flights: Planning further ahead is crucial. Aim to book 3 to 5 months before your trip. For long-haul destinations like Asia or Oceania, some industry economists suggest extending that window to 5-7 months for the best prices.

The Cheapest Days to Fly, Not to Book

While the day you book is less important, the day you fly significantly impacts price. Midweek travel is consistently less expensive than weekend travel.

• Midweek Advantage: Flying on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday can save an average of $56 per ticket domestically, with savings often spiking over $60 during peak seasons like spring break and summer.
• Weekend Premium: Friday and Sunday flights are typically the most expensive due to high demand from leisure and business travelers.
• Time of Day: The first flight of the morning and overnight red-eye flights are often the cheapest options on any given day, offering substantial savings for flexible travelers.

Strategic Guide to Booking Holiday & Peak Season Travel

Holiday and peak-period airfare requires a more proactive and monitored approach. Prices are generally higher, but strategic booking within key windows can lead to significant savings.

Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Travel

• When to Book: Start monitoring prices in late summer, but plan to book by mid-to-late October. A common industry guideline is to have bookings locked in by Halloween.
• Data-Driven Windows: Historical data indicates the lowest average prices appear approximately 35 days before Thanksgiving and 51 days before Christmas and New Year's.
• Pro Tip: Consider flying on the actual holiday (e.g., Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve) for notably lower fares.

Spring Break Travel

• Domestic Trips: If traveling in March, the ideal booking window is early February.
• International Trips: For trips abroad, aim to book before the winter holidays. Google data suggests the lowest prices for March-April travel appear around 43 days before departure.
• Destination Matters: Popular warm-weather destinations sell out quickly, making earlier booking advisable.

Summer Vacation Travel

• General Rule: Follow the standard domestic (1-2 months) and international (3-5 months) booking guidelines.
• For Europe: Start monitoring flights in February and aim to book by early spring. For the most popular destinations, booking at the early end of the 3-5 month window is wise.
• Flexibility is Key: Being flexible with your destination using tools like Google Flights Explore can uncover unexpected deals.

Proactive Strategies for Securing the Best Fare

Passive booking often leads to overpaying. Implement these expert-recommended tactics.

Utilize Price Tracking Tools

Technology is your greatest ally in finding deals.

• Google Flights: Use the “Track Prices” feature to receive email alerts when fares for your specific route drop. The “Date Grid” and “Price Graph” functions help visualize the cheapest days to fly.
• Booking Apps: Apps like Hopper offer “Watch This Trip” functions, providing price predictions and notifications on when to buy.

Embrace Flexibility

Small adjustments can lead to major savings.

• Airports: Check alternative airports near your destination (e.g., Oakland instead of San Francisco, or Newark instead of New York JFK).
• Dates: Shifting your trip by a day or two to include a Wednesday can dramatically lower the cost.
• Points & Miles: When cash prices are high, it may be an optimal time to use accumulated points or miles, following the “earn and burn” philosophy.

Post-Booking Vigilance

Your search shouldn’t end after purchase.

• Continue Monitoring: Some airlines will offer a travel credit or voucher if the fare drops after you book. Keep your price alerts active.
• Consider Refundable Rates: If uncertain, booking a refundable fare or using refundable points provides a safety net to rebook if a better deal appears.

A Note on Booking Hotels

Hotel booking timelines differ from airfare. While last-minute deals can be found in major cities, popular resorts or peak-season destinations require earlier booking. For peak travel to in-demand locations, securing your hotel 2-4 months in advance is a common best practice. Last-minute award stays using hotel points can also present excellent value.

Final Recommendations

There is no single secret trick to cheap airfare, but a disciplined strategy works. Book domestic flights 1-2 months out and international flights 3-5 months out. Always aim to fly midweek, particularly on Wednesdays. Start monitoring holiday fares in the fall with a goal to book by late October. Use price-tracking tools, remain flexible with your plans, and be ready to act when you see a good deal.