Best Dates To Travel: Planning Your Next Vacation

There is no single best day to book flights, but there are cheaper days and times to fly. The best days to fly domestically are Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, with Thursdays being slightly more expensive. Fridays, Sundays, and Mondays are the most expensive days to fly due to higher demand from business travellers and vacationers.

For international flights, it is more difficult to find a pattern, but Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays are often the cheapest days to fly.

It is recommended to book flights in advance, with the sweet spot for booking domestic flights being around 28 days, and for international flights, 60 days.

Cheapest days to fly domestically

The cheapest days to fly domestically are usually Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. Thursdays are also reasonable. This is because most business travel takes place on Mondays and Fridays, and vacationers tend to fly on Fridays and Sundays. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the slowest travel days of the week, so airlines are eager to sell more tickets on these days, resulting in lower prices.

For example, flights from Minneapolis-St. Paul to Portland are significantly cheaper on most Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Similarly, flights from San Francisco to Atlanta are $21 cheaper on Tuesdays and Wednesdays than on Mondays.

However, the cheapest days to fly can vary depending on your destination. For instance, flights to Florida or Nevada are cheapest on Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, while flights from these states are cheapest on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.

It is worth noting that the cheapest days to fly are not set in stone and can change depending on demand and other factors.

Cheapest days to fly internationally

When it comes to finding the cheapest days to fly internationally, there are a few things to keep in mind. While there's no exact science, data shows that flying on Wednesdays and Saturdays is usually the cheapest option, with Tuesdays also being a good choice. This is because there is less demand for flights in the middle of the week, as most business travel occurs on Mondays and Fridays, and people tend to fly out for long weekends on Thursdays and Fridays, returning on Sundays.

However, it's important to note that the day of the week with the cheapest flights can vary depending on your destination. For example, while Wednesdays and Saturdays are typically the cheapest days to fly internationally, there might be some variation depending on the specific international route. Additionally, budget carriers are often an exception to this rule, as their flight prices tend to be low on most days of the week.

When booking international flights, it's recommended to book in advance, as last-minute flight prices tend to be higher. Booking during the shoulder season, which is the time between the peak and off-peak seasons, can also help you find cheaper flights.

Cheapest times of day to fly

While there is no single best day to book flights, there are cheaper days and times to fly.

The most expensive times of day to fly are when most people want to fly. This means mid-morning and late afternoon flights are often more expensive. If you want a great deal on a flight, consider very early morning or very late at night (red-eye) flights. These flights are usually cheaper because they are less convenient for most people.

Cheapest days of the week to fly

Generally, the best days of the week to fly domestically are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday. Thursday is the next best day, but it tends to be a little more expensive. The worst days to fly are Sundays, Mondays, and Fridays. These days generally have the highest demand, causing flight prices to be more expensive.

For international flights, flying on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays will almost always be your best bet. However, it is harder to predict the cheapest days of the week for international flights, and great deals can be found any day.

Cheapest times of year to fly

The cheapest times of year to fly are during the shoulder seasons and off-seasons. For summer destinations, book your trip towards the end of May to the early to mid-parts of June, or from the end of August to the early to mid-parts of September. For winter destinations, consider travelling during the summer.

The worst times of year to fly are during holidays, summer, spring break, and major sporting events.

Cheapest seasons to fly

While there is no single best day to book flights, there are certainly cheaper days and times to fly. The cheapest days to fly domestically are usually Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. Thursdays are also relatively cheap. In contrast, the most expensive days to fly are Sundays, Mondays, and Fridays, as these days have the highest demand.

For international flights, it is generally still cheapest to fly on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. However, it is a little harder to predict, and you can often find great deals on other days of the week, too.

The time of year also has a significant impact on flight prices. Peak times, such as the summer months, holidays, and spring break, tend to be much more expensive. Instead, it is recommended to travel during the "shoulder season" or "off-season". For example, flights to popular summer destinations tend to be cheaper in the winter, and vice versa.

• Early December: The first two weeks of the month, between Thanksgiving and Christmas/New Year.
• January: The first week of the month, after the New Year rush.
• Spring: Not as cheap as January, but still a good time to find deals (excluding Spring Break weeks in March/April).
• Fall: Starting in late August, with another price drop usually occurring in October.

In addition to the time of year and day of the week, the time of day can also impact flight prices. Early morning and late-night flights, including red-eye flights, are often substantially cheaper than mid-morning and late-afternoon flights.

It is also worth noting that booking in advance can help you secure cheaper flights. For domestic flights, it is recommended to book around 28 days before departure, while international flights should be booked around 60 days in advance. Last-minute bookings often result in much higher prices.

By being flexible with your travel plans and considering all these factors, you can significantly enhance your chances of finding the best deals on airfare.

How to find the best flight deals

There is no silver bullet for finding the best flight deals, but there are some key strategies you can use to increase your chances of scoring a bargain. Here are some tips to help you find the best flight deals and save money on your next trip:

Be Flexible

Flexibility is key when it comes to finding the best flight deals. This includes flexibility in your travel dates, departure and arrival airports, and even your choice of airline.

• Travel Dates: Avoid booking within 30 days of your flight. For domestic flights, book one to three months in advance, and for international flights, two to eight months in advance. Try to avoid travelling during peak seasons, such as summer vacations and holidays. Instead, consider travelling during the shoulder season or off-season when prices tend to be lower.
• Departure and Arrival Airports: Be open to flying from or to nearby airports. Sometimes, you can find better deals by flying from an alternate airport that may be a little further away but could save you a significant amount on airfare.
• Airlines: Keep an eye out for sales and deals offered by different airlines. Budget carriers, for example, often have low prices on most days of the week.

Book in Advance

While last-minute flight deals may be tempting, they are not very common. Booking in advance gives you a better chance of finding cheaper flights and securing your desired travel dates.

• Domestic Flights: For domestic travel, aim to book around 28 days (about four weeks) in advance. This can save you up to 24% compared to booking at the last minute.
• International Flights: For international travel, book earlier rather than later, but ideally no more than four months before your desired departure date. The sweet spot for international flights is typically around 60 days in advance.

Choose the Right Days to Fly

The day of the week you fly can also make a big difference in the cost of your flight. Generally, mid-week flights (Tuesday, Wednesday, and sometimes Thursday) tend to be cheaper for domestic travel, while weekends (Friday to Monday) are more expensive.

• Domestic Flights: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays are usually the cheapest days to fly within the US. Flying on these days can save you up to 20% compared to weekend flights.
• International Flights: For international travel, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays are also typically the cheapest days to fly.

Use Flight Comparison Tools

Take advantage of online tools and websites that allow you to compare flight prices across different airlines and dates.

• Google Flights: Google Flights is a great tool for comparing prices and tracking cost fluctuations over time. It also allows you to track specific flights and receive email notifications when prices change.
• Other Options: Other websites like Hopper, Skyscanner, and Kayak also offer similar features, such as price alerts and predictions about the best time to book.

Set Price Alerts

Instead of manually checking flight prices every day, set up price alerts on travel search engines or websites like Google Flights, Hopper, Skyscanner, or Kayak. They will notify you via email when the price of your desired flight drops.

Rebook if You Find a Cheaper Price

Keep an eye on flight prices even after you've booked your trip. If you find a cheaper price, consider rebooking to save money.

• Change and Cancellation Policies: Many airlines now offer more flexible change and cancellation policies. Before rebooking, ensure that your original flight allows for changes or cancellations without incurring fees.
• Price Drop Alerts: Set up price alerts to monitor the cost of your desired flight. If the price drops, cancel your original flight (if allowed) and rebook at the lower price.

By following these tips and strategies, you'll be well on your way to finding the best flight deals and saving money on your travels. Happy travelling!

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