The Best Time to Book Flights for the Cheapest Fares

Traveling can be one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences, but the cost of airfare can often be a significant barrier. Finding the best deals on flights can make a huge difference in your travel budget, leaving more money for other aspects of your trip, such as accommodations, activities, and dining. But when exactly is the best time to book flights for the cheapest fares?

The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Airfare pricing is influenced by a complex combination of factors, including demand, seasonality, and even the day of the week. However, by understanding these factors and following some tried-and-true strategies, you can increase your chances of snagging the best deals. In this guide, we’ll explore when and how to book flights to help you save money on your next adventure.

1. Book in the “Sweet Spot”

One of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to booking flights is, “How far in advance should I book to get the best price?” While there’s no magic formula, there is a general “sweet spot” that can help you secure cheaper fares.

Domestic Flights:

Ideal Booking Window: For domestic flights, the best time to book is typically between 1 to 3 months before your departure date.
Reasoning: Booking too early can mean paying higher prices since airlines might not have released their lowest fares yet. On the other hand, booking too close to your departure date can lead to higher prices due to increased demand and fewer available seats.

International Flights:

Ideal Booking Window: For international flights, it’s often best to book between 3 to 6 months in advance.
Reasoning: International travel is generally more complex, and airlines start offering competitive prices earlier than for domestic flights. However, booking too early can still result in higher prices, so aim for that sweet spot.

Example: If you’re planning a trip from New York to Los Angeles, booking your flight about 6 to 8 weeks in advance is likely to get you the best deal. For a trip from New York to Paris, start looking around 4 to 5 months before your desired travel dates.

2. Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates

Flexibility is one of the most powerful tools you have when it comes to finding cheap flights. Airfare can vary significantly depending on the day of the week, time of year, and even the time of day you choose to fly.

Day of the Week:

Cheapest Days to Fly: Historically, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays are often the cheapest days to fly, as these are typically off-peak travel days.
Most Expensive Days to Fly: Fridays and Sundays tend to be the most expensive, as these are popular travel days for weekend trips and business travelers.

Time of Day:

Cheapest Times to Fly: Early morning flights (before 8 a.m.) or late-night flights (after 8 p.m.) are often cheaper, as they are less convenient for most travelers.
Most Expensive Times to Fly: Mid-morning and early evening flights are generally more expensive due to higher demand.

Seasonality:

Off-Peak Seasons: Traveling during the off-peak season can save you a significant amount on airfare. For example, flights to Europe are usually cheaper in the winter months (excluding the holiday season) compared to summer.
Peak Seasons: Holidays, school vacations, and popular events can drive up the cost of flights. If you must travel during these times, booking as early as possible is advised.

Example: If you’re flexible with your travel dates, consider flying on a Tuesday morning instead of a Friday evening. This small adjustment could save you hundreds of dollars, especially on longer routes.

3. Monitor Fares and Set Alerts

Airfare prices fluctuate frequently, and keeping an eye on these changes can help you catch the best deals. One of the best ways to do this is by setting up fare alerts.

Using Fare Alerts:

Tools to Use: Websites and apps like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak allow you to set up fare alerts for specific routes. These tools will notify you when prices drop, allowing you to book at the optimal time.
How It Works: Simply enter your departure and destination cities, select your travel dates, and set up an alert. You’ll receive notifications when the price changes, so you can book when the fare is at its lowest.

Example: If you’re planning a trip from San Francisco to Tokyo, set up a fare alert 6 months in advance. This way, you’ll be notified if the price drops, allowing you to book when it’s most affordable.

4. Consider Booking on Specific Days

While the day you fly can impact the cost, so can the day you book your flight. Studies have shown that certain days of the week may offer better prices for booking flights.

Best Days to Book:

Tuesday or Wednesday: Historically, airlines tend to release their sales on Tuesdays, making it a great day to book flights. By Wednesday, competing airlines have usually matched these prices, so you can still find good deals.
Worst Days to Book: The weekend, particularly Fridays and Sundays, tends to be the worst time to book flights as demand is higher, which can lead to increased prices.

Example: If you’re planning to book a flight from Chicago to Miami, try searching for fares on a Tuesday afternoon. You might find a lower price compared to booking on a Friday.

5. Use Incognito Mode for Searches

Airlines and travel websites use cookies to track your search history. If they see that you’re repeatedly searching for the same flight, they may increase the price in an attempt to pressure you into booking quickly. To avoid this, use incognito mode when searching for flights.

How to Use Incognito Mode:

In Your Browser: Open a new incognito or private browsing window in your web browser. This prevents cookies from being stored and ensures that your search history doesn’t influence the prices you see.
Refresh Regularly: If you’re searching for flights over multiple days, regularly refresh your incognito window to reset your search history and see the most up-to-date prices.

Example: If you’re searching for a flight from Los Angeles to New York, use incognito mode to avoid price hikes based on your search history. This simple trick could save you money by showing the lowest available fares.

6. Book One-Way Flights Instead of Round-Trips

While it’s common to book round-trip flights for convenience, booking two separate one-way flights can sometimes be cheaper. This strategy also allows you to mix and match airlines to find the best deals.

Advantages of Booking One-Way Flights:

More Flexibility: Booking one-way flights allows you to choose different airlines for your departure and return, which can lead to better pricing or more convenient flight times.
Potential Savings: In some cases, booking two one-way flights can be cheaper than booking a round-trip ticket, especially if different airlines offer lower fares on different legs of the journey.

Example: If you’re flying from Seattle to Boston, compare the cost of booking a round-trip ticket with the cost of booking two one-way tickets on different airlines. You might find that the one-way tickets offer a better deal.

7. Consider Alternate Airports

If you’re flying to a major city with multiple airports, consider searching for flights to and from alternate airports. Smaller or less popular airports often have cheaper flights, and the savings can sometimes outweigh the inconvenience of traveling a bit farther.

Benefits of Alternate Airports:

Lower Fares: Smaller airports often have lower landing fees, which can result in cheaper flights. Airlines may also offer promotions to encourage travelers to use these airports.
Less Crowded: Alternate airports tend to be less crowded, which can make your travel experience more pleasant, with shorter lines and fewer delays.

Example: If you’re flying to New York, consider searching for flights to Newark (EWR) or LaGuardia (LGA) instead of JFK. Alternatively, if you’re traveling to Los Angeles, check flights to Burbank (BUR) or Long Beach (LGB) in addition to LAX.

8. Take Advantage of Airline Sales and Error Fares

Airlines often run sales or occasionally make pricing errors that result in drastically reduced fares. Being aware of these opportunities can lead to significant savings on flights.

How to Find Sales and Error Fares:

Sign Up for Newsletters: Subscribe to airline newsletters and travel deal websites like Scott’s Cheap Flights or Secret Flying. These platforms notify subscribers of sales and error fares as soon as they’re discovered.
Follow on Social Media: Airlines and travel websites often announce sales and promotions on their social media channels. Following your favorite airlines can keep you in the loop about upcoming deals.
Act Fast: Error fares are usually corrected quickly, so if you find one, book it immediately. Most airlines will honor the fare, but there’s no guarantee, so be prepared for the possibility of cancellation.

Example: If you’re flexible with your travel dates and destinations, signing up for an error fare alert could land you a flight from the U.S. to Europe for under $200 round-trip—a rare but exciting opportunity.

9. Use Points and Miles Strategically

If you’ve accumulated points or miles through a frequent flyer program or a travel rewards credit card, using them strategically can help you save a significant amount on flights.

Maximizing the Value of Points and Miles:

Transfer to Airline Partners: Some credit card rewards programs allow you to transfer points to partner airlines. This can sometimes yield better redemption rates than booking directly through the credit card’s travel portal.
Look for Off-Peak Awards: Many frequent flyer programs offer lower redemption rates during off-peak times. Booking during these periods can stretch your points or miles further.
Combine Points and Cash: Some airlines offer the option to use a combination of points and cash for booking flights. This can be useful if you don’t have enough points for a full award ticket.

Example: If you have a stash of points with a travel rewards card like Chase Sapphire Preferred, consider transferring them to an airline partner like United or Southwest to get more value from your points when booking a flight.

10. Consider Budget Airlines (But Watch for Extra Fees)

Budget airlines often offer significantly lower base fares than traditional carriers, but they may charge for additional services like checked bags, seat selection, and onboard meals. If you’re willing to forego some of these extras, budget airlines can be a great way to save on flights.

Tips for Flying Budget Airlines:

Compare Total Costs: When booking with a budget airline, make sure to account for all potential fees, such as baggage fees, seat selection, and even printing your boarding pass. Compare the total cost with full-service airlines to see if it’s still a good deal.
Pack Light: If possible, travel with only a carry-on bag to avoid checked baggage fees, which can add up quickly on budget airlines.
Check Airport Locations: Some budget airlines fly into secondary airports that are farther from the city center. Consider the cost and time of getting to and from these airports when booking.

Example: If you’re flying within Europe, consider booking with budget airlines like Ryanair or easyJet. Just be sure to factor in any extra fees when comparing prices with full-service carriers like British Airways or Lufthansa.

Conclusion

Finding the best time to book flights for the cheapest fares requires a combination of timing, flexibility, and strategy. By booking during the “sweet spot,” being open to different travel dates and times, setting fare alerts, and considering alternate airports and budget airlines, you can significantly reduce your travel costs.

Remember, the key to finding the cheapest flights is to stay informed, act quickly when you see a deal, and be flexible with your travel plans. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to booking affordable flights and making your travel dreams a reality.