When to Buy Cheap Flights: Your Ultimate Guide to Scoring Bargains!

Struggling to figure out the best time to snag those elusive cheap flights? You’re not alone! It feels like airlines play a constant game of hide-and-seek with their prices, making it super tricky to know when to hit “book.” But don’t worry, I’ve got your back. I’ll walk you through the real deal on finding those sweet spots, so you can save some serious cash on your next adventure.

The secret sauce to finding cheap flights isn’t just about when you want to fly, it’s often more about when you actually buy the ticket. We’ll cover everything from the ideal booking windows for domestic and international trips to the cheapest days to fly and even specific advice for popular destinations like Hawaii and Japan, plus those tricky holiday flights around Christmas. Stick with me, and you’ll be a flight-booking pro in no time!

Before we dive in, make sure you’ve got your travel planning arsenal ready. A good Flight Price Tracker can be a must, sending you alerts when prices drop. And for keeping all your itinerary details organized, a Travel Planner Notebook is a must-have. Let’s get started!

The Sweet Spot: General Booking Windows

When it comes to flight prices, timing is pretty much everything. But it’s not a one-size-fits-all situation. domestic and international flights often have different “sweet spots” for booking.

Domestic Flights

For flights within your own country, you generally don’t want to book too far in advance, nor do you want to wait until the last minute. Most experts agree that the optimal booking window for domestic flights is typically between one and three months 34 to 86 days before your departure date. Google’s data points to prices being lowest around 38 to 44 days before takeoff.

Think of it like this: If you book too early say, more than four months out, airlines might still be figuring out demand, and prices could be higher. Wait too long, especially within two weeks of your trip, and prices tend to skyrocket as available seats become scarce. The travel experts at Scott’s Cheap Flights call this the “Goldilocks Window” – not too early, not too late, just right!

International Flights

Now, if you’re planning an adventure abroad, you’ll need to think further ahead. For international flights, a good rule of thumb is to book between three and six months in advance. Some sources even suggest expanding that window to three to eight months, and for peak seasons, like a summer trip to Europe, you might even consider booking 9 to 12 months out to get the best deals.

However, be careful not to book too far in advance like more than 10 months or leave it until the last minute less than three weeks before departure, as you could end up overpaying significantly. Google’s data indicates that prices for international flights from the US are historically lowest about 50 to 101 days before your trip, but they usually start climbing within 50 days of the flight itself. So, that 3-6 month window gives you a good buffer. When to Buy a Mac: Your Ultimate Guide to Smart Apple Purchases

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Timing is Everything: Best Days to Book and Fly

Beyond how far in advance you book, the specific day you purchase your ticket and the day you choose to fly can also impact your wallet.

Best Day to Book Flights

This is a bit of a tricky one because different sources have slightly different ideas, and honestly, the “magic day” to book isn’t as clear-cut as it used to be.

• Some data suggests that purchasing airline tickets on Monday or Tuesday might offer better prices.
• Google Flights noted that while there isn’t a huge benefit to buying on a specific day, Tuesday bookings are historically about 1.3% cheaper than the most expensive day, Sunday.
• Expedia, based on ARC data, found that Sunday is often the cheapest day to book for both domestic around 10% savings compared to Friday and international flights.
• On the other hand, some experts suggest avoiding booking on weekends, especially Sunday, when demand tends to be highest. Roamless suggests Tuesday afternoons might be a good time, as airlines often release weekly sales and match competitors’ prices then.

My take? While there’s no perfectly consistent “best day” to book, the overarching advice is to set price alerts more on that later! and jump on a good deal when you see one, regardless of the day. The market is just too dynamic for one day to always rule them all. Key Lessons from World-Class Experts

Best Days to Fly Departure/Return

This is where the advice gets a lot more consistent: flying midweek is almost always your best bet for cheaper fares.

• Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and often Thursdays are consistently the cheapest days to fly.
• You could save anywhere from 13% to 20% on airfare by flying early to midweek compared to flying on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday.
• Sundays are generally the most expensive day to fly, followed closely by Fridays, due to high demand from weekend travelers and business travelers.
• For international round-trip flights, Wednesday departures tend to have the lowest average fares.

So, if you have flexibility, definitely aim for a mid-week departure and return. You’ll likely save money and might even enjoy less crowded airports! For those longer journeys, a comfortable Travel Pillow for Neck Support can make those cheaper mid-week flights much more enjoyable.

The Calendar Effect: Cheapest Months and Seasons

Just like the days of the week, certain months and seasons are naturally cheaper to fly than others, largely due to demand.

General Cheapest Months

Generally, the best months for finding cheap flights are during the off-peak or shoulder seasons, when fewer people are traveling. This typically includes: AppSumo’s Black Friday Blueprint: A Deep Dive into Their Strategy

• January and February: After the holiday rush, demand drops significantly.
• September, October, and November: After the summer holidays and before the winter holidays.

Expedia’s historical data even shows that flying internationally in September can offer savings of up to 41.5% compared to December, and domestic flights in October can be 35.8% cheaper than in March.

Expensive Months

You’ll usually want to avoid peak summer travel mid-June to mid-August and major holiday periods if you’re on a tight budget, as demand drives prices way up. Other months that can be pricey include December and sometimes March especially for international travel or Spring Break.

Shoulder Seasons

The “shoulder seasons” — late spring April/May and early fall September/October — can be the sweet spot. You often get pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and more reasonable prices than the absolute peak times. For example, August 25 was identified as one of the cheapest weeks to fly in 2025.

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Destination Deep Dive: Specific Routes

While general rules are helpful, some popular destinations have their own unique pricing quirks. Let’s look at a few.

When to Buy Cheap Flights to Hawaii

Dreaming of a Hawaiian getaway? To score cheap flights to Hawaii, you really need to play your cards right.

• Cheapest Months to Fly: The best time to experience the Aloha State without breaking the bank is typically from January to February after the New Year’s rush and during the fall months: September, October, and November. You might also find good deals in March and April. Prices tend to drop significantly in the last week of August as summer winds down.
• Booking Window: For domestic flights from the US mainland to Hawaii, the “sweet spot” is generally between 21 and 121 days before departure, often cited as 40 to 50 days out. Hopper’s data suggests booking at least 25 days in advance, as prices tend to jump sharply in the days immediately before takeoff. If you’re eyeing a summer trip to Hawaii, aim to book two to four months in advance, perhaps starting to check fares as early as January or February for a June trip.
• Best Days to Fly/Book: Like other domestic routes, flying on Tuesdays or Wednesdays can often get you better deals to Hawaii. Some data even suggests that Wednesday is often the cheapest day to buy a flight to Hawaii.

To make the most of your trip once you’re there, a comprehensive Hawaii Travel Guide Book can help you discover hidden gems and budget-friendly activities.

When to Buy Cheap Flights to Japan

Japan is an incredible destination, and with careful planning, you can find affordable flights. Take The Leap: From Side Hustle to Full-time Creator Pros & Cons

• Cheapest Months to Fly: The most budget-friendly months to fly to Japan are generally January to March and September to November. May and September are particularly highlighted as often being the cheapest months, with May being right after the Golden Week holidays and September marking the end of the summer peak and the start of cooler weather.
• Avoid: Steer clear of peak cherry blossom season early April, the humid summer months June to August, and the New Year holidays, as these are the priciest times.
• Booking Window: For Japan, aim to book your flights three to five months in advance for the best prices. It’s smart to start monitoring fares even earlier, perhaps six to seven months out, especially if you’re flexible with your exact travel dates.
• Best Days to Fly/Book: Similar to general advice, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often the cheapest days to buy flights to Japan.

Having a Japanese Phrasebook on hand can also help you navigate and enhance your experience once you arrive, possibly even helping you find local deals!

When to Buy Cheap Flights International General

For any other international destinations, the overarching advice remains consistent, but let’s reinforce it.

• Booking Window: As we discussed, the sweet spot is typically three to six months in advance. For very popular routes or during peak seasons, pushing that to nine to twelve months can yield better results. Just remember to avoid booking more than 10 months out or less than three weeks before your trip to avoid price surges.
• Cheapest Months to Fly: For most international travel, look at September, October, November, January, February, and March. March, for instance, is often the cheapest month for flights from the US to Europe.
• Cheapest Days to Fly: Again, Wednesdays and Thursdays often offer the best international flight deals.

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When to Buy Cheapest Flights for Christmas & Other Holidays

Holiday travel can be notoriously expensive and stressful, but a bit of planning can save you a bundle.

• Booking Window:
  • Christmas Flights: The golden rule here is to book by late October. Google Flights’ data suggests the lowest fares for Christmas are typically found between 36 and 72 days before departure, with 58 days out being the absolute cheapest. So, aim for the second half of October.
  • Thanksgiving Flights: For Thanksgiving, you’ll want to book even earlier, ideally in early to mid-October. Google Flights data indicates the lowest prices are generally found 26 to 59 days in advance, with 45 days being the sweet spot.
  • International Holiday Travel: For international trips during the holidays, the advice is simpler: book as soon as you spot a good deal. Prices tend to rise sharply as the holiday approaches, so don’t wait if you see a fare you like.
• Cheapest Days to Fly during Holidays: This is where flexibility can really pay off. Flying on the actual holiday itself – Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or New Year’s Eve/Day – can often be significantly cheaper and less crowded. If flying on the holiday isn’t feasible, consider the Monday through Wednesday of the week leading up to Christmas, as these days tend to be less expensive than the peak travel days immediately before or after the holiday.

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Smart Strategies Beyond Timing

While knowing when to book and fly is crucial, there are other strategies you can employ to consistently find cheaper flights.

• Be Flexible: This is probably the biggest piece of advice for budget travelers.
  • Dates: Seriously, shifting your travel dates by just a day or two can sometimes save you hundreds of dollars. Use “flexible dates” or “whole month” search features on flight comparison websites.
  • Airports: Don’t just look at the main airport in your target city. Check nearby alternative airports. Sometimes flying into a smaller regional airport or a larger hub a bit further away can be significantly cheaper, even with the added cost of ground transportation.
  • Destinations: If you’re just itching to get away and don’t have a specific place in mind, use the “everywhere” or “explore” features on sites like Google Flights or Skyscanner. You might discover an amazing deal to a place you hadn’t considered!
• Use Price Alerts: This is a non-negotiable strategy for finding cheap flights. Set up alerts on platforms like Google Flights, Kayak, Skyscanner, and Hopper for your desired routes. These tools will notify you when prices drop, allowing you to jump on deals without constantly checking manually.
• Consider Layovers: Nonstop flights are super convenient, but they often come with a premium price tag. Flights with one or more layovers are usually cheaper. If saving money is your priority, a longer journey with a stop might be worth it.
• Fly Midweek or Early Morning/Late Night: We touched on this, but it bears repeating. These off-peak times typically have less demand, meaning lower fares. Red-eye flights late-night departures are also often a great way to save money.
• Clear Your Cache/Use Incognito? This is a popular travel myth, but most experts agree that clearing your cookies or using incognito mode doesn’t significantly affect flight prices. Airlines use dynamic pricing models based on overall demand, not your individual browsing history. Your energy is better spent on flexibility and price alerts.
• Book One-Way vs. Round-Trip: Don’t assume a round-trip ticket is always the best value. Sometimes, booking two one-way flights on different airlines can be cheaper than a single round-trip. Always compare both options, especially if you’re flying to or from different cities.
• Sign Up for Airline Newsletters: Airlines frequently announce sales and special promotions directly to their subscribers. Joining their email lists can give you a heads-up on deals before they become widely known.

Having a dedicated Travel Essentials Bag can keep all your documents, chargers, and comfort items ready, making the booking and traveling process smoother.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do flights usually get cheaper?

Flights typically get cheaper during the “sweet spot” booking window, which is 1-3 months in advance for domestic flights and 3-6 months for international flights. Prices also tend to drop during off-peak travel months like January, February, September, October, and November.

Is it cheaper to fly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays?

Yes, generally, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the cheapest days to fly for both domestic and international routes. This is because these days have lower demand compared to peak travel days like Fridays and Sundays. Remote Work Academy vs. Other Remote Work Training

How far in advance should I book international flights?

You should aim to book international flights three to six months in advance for the best deals. For travel during peak seasons or to very popular destinations, extending this to 9-12 months can sometimes yield better results.

Are last-minute flights ever cheaper?

While it’s not common, last-minute flights can occasionally be cheaper if airlines have unsold seats they need to fill. However, this is a risky strategy and usually only works if you’re extremely flexible with your destination and travel dates. More often, waiting until the last minute results in significantly higher prices.

What months are generally the cheapest to fly?

The cheapest months to fly are typically January, February, September, October, and November. These months usually fall outside of major holiday periods and peak summer travel, leading to lower demand and thus lower prices.

Should I clear my cookies to get cheaper flights?

No, clearing your cookies or using an incognito browser window is a common myth that does not generally result in cheaper flights. Airlines use dynamic pricing based on overall market demand, not your individual browsing history. Focus your efforts on timing your booking, being flexible, and setting price alerts instead.

When is the best time to book flights for Christmas?

For Christmas flights, it’s best to book your tickets by late October. Google Flights suggests the lowest fares are often found between 36 and 72 days before departure, with 58 days out being the cheapest. For international Christmas travel, book as soon as you see a good deal. How Does Remote Work Academy Work?