Airline Travel: Best Time To Buy Tickets And Fly

There's no exact science to booking flights, but there are some general guidelines to follow. For domestic flights, the best time to book is typically one to three months before your trip, while for international flights, it's better to book three months or more in advance. Booking too far in advance (more than five months) can result in higher prices, and waiting until the last minute can cause prices to double. To get the best deals, it's recommended to use comparison tools and set price alerts.

Domestic vs. international flights

The best time to book a flight depends on whether you are travelling domestically or internationally, and several other factors.

Domestic Flights

For domestic flights, it is recommended to book between one and three months before your trip. This is considered the 'Goldilocks window'—not too early, not too late, but just right. However, it is a good idea to start searching much earlier to get a sense of the standard price range. That way, you can spot a good deal when it appears and book it immediately.

It is not advisable to wait until the last minute to book a domestic flight. The best prices for domestic flights are usually found 21 to 52 days before travel, with prices bottoming out, on average, 38 days before departure.

International Flights

For international flights, it is best to book two to eight months in advance. For flights to Europe, it is recommended to book three months or more in advance; for flights to Mexico or the Caribbean, you should book around two months ahead.

If you are planning to travel during the holidays, it is advisable to book even earlier. For Thanksgiving, the lowest prices are usually found 26 to 59 days before departure, while for Christmas, the lowest prices are typically found 36 to 72 days ahead.

Other Factors to Consider

The day of the week you plan to fly can also impact the cost of your flight. Generally, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday are the cheapest days to fly, as these are less popular travel days.

Additionally, the route you are flying, the time of year, and special events can all influence airfare prices. More competitive routes with multiple airlines serving the same airports will usually offer better deals. Travelling during peak seasons or festivals will also increase prices.

To find the best deals, it is recommended to use flight search tools like Google Flights, which allow you to track prices and set alerts for when the price changes.

Both domestic and international flights have their unique considerations when it comes to booking. For domestic flights, it is crucial to find the right timing within the "Goldilocks window" of one to three months before departure. On the other hand, international flights typically require a longer lead time of two to eight months.

International flights, especially to destinations like Europe, may demand even more advance planning, with the best deals often found three to four months ahead. Holiday travel, whether domestic or international, further emphasizes the need for early booking, with the lowest prices for Christmas flights sometimes appearing as early as 72 days in advance.

In summary, while there are general guidelines for when to book, it is always beneficial to start monitoring prices early and be prepared to book when a good deal arises. This strategy ensures that you take advantage of the best prices, whether for domestic or international travel.

Timing

The best time to book a flight depends on several factors, including the destination, the timing of your trip, and whether it is a domestic or international flight.

Domestic Flights

The best time to book a domestic flight is typically about one to three months before your trip. Booking at least 20 to 45 days in advance is recommended, as prices tend to increase in the final few weeks before departure. According to Expedia's 2024 Air Travel Hacks report, booking 28 days before your domestic flight can save travellers up to 24% compared to last-minute bookings.

International Flights

For international flights, it is generally recommended to book earlier, with the ideal booking window being around two to eight months before your trip. Booking international flights around 60 days in advance can offer the best availability and savings. According to Expedia, booking international flights no more than four months before the desired departure date is ideal.

Holiday Flights

Flights during the holidays tend to be more expensive, so it is advisable to plan further ahead. For Thanksgiving flights, it is best to book around 26 to 59 days in advance, with the lowest prices typically found about 52 days before departure. For Christmas and winter holiday flights, booking a little earlier is recommended, with the lowest prices found between 36 and 72 days ahead.

Peak Travel Seasons

It is important to consider peak travel seasons, such as summer and the holiday season. Booking during these periods can be more expensive, so it is advisable to plan and book in advance. For summer travel, it is ideal to book flights at least six months in advance.

Day of the Week

While there is no magic day of the week for cheap flights, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays are often cheaper days to fly, as demand is typically lower on these days.

Tracking and Alerts

To find the best deals, it is recommended to track flight prices using tools like Google Flights or Hopper. Setting price alerts can help you stay informed about price changes and notify you when prices drop, making it easier to decide when to book.

Booking in Advance

Booking too far in advance (more than five months) may result in higher prices. Additionally, waiting until the last minute can also lead to higher fares, especially in the weeks leading up to the departure date.

In summary, the best time to book flights depends on your destination and travel period. For domestic travel, booking one to three months in advance is ideal, while for international travel, two to eight months is generally recommended. Holiday flights and peak travel seasons require earlier planning and booking. Using tools to track prices and setting alerts can help you find the best deals.

Peak season

However, this can vary depending on the destination, with some regions experiencing peak seasons during local festivals, holidays, special events, or microclimates. For example, the peak season in Europe is typically June to August, but ski resorts will be busiest during the winter months.

In addition, airfare prices are influenced by the season in both the destination and departure regions. For instance, an American traveller flying to Australia will pay less if they travel in January (Australia's summer) than in July (Australia's winter and America's summer).

To get the best prices during peak season, it is recommended to book domestic flights one to three months in advance, and international flights two to eight months in advance. It is also beneficial to be flexible with travel dates, as Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays are often cheaper days to fly.

Price alerts

Google Flights is a popular option for setting up price alerts. It allows you to track prices for specific flights or routes, sending you an email any time prices drop significantly. This can be an easy way to know exactly when to book your flight, especially if your travel dates and destination are fixed. You can also manually check how prices are changing by opening the tracked flight prices dashboard.

Google Flights' price alerts can be particularly useful for holiday travel, as flights during this period are usually more expensive. By setting an alert as early as possible, you can aim to book during the recommended booking windows and take advantage of any price drops.

Another option for price alerts is the Kayak website and app. Additionally, eligible Capital One cardholders can use the "watch this trip" feature on the Capital One Travel portal to receive emails about price changes.

Flexibility

Booking Window Flexibility

It's recommended to start monitoring flight prices as early as possible, even if your desired travel dates are a year away. Most airlines release their bookable flights about a year in advance, and prices can fluctuate significantly during this time. By tracking prices early on, you can take advantage of any price drops and secure your tickets at a lower cost.

Booking Timeframe Flexibility

While there is no magic day of the week to find cheap flights, it's generally advised to book at least a few weeks or months in advance. For domestic travel, the sweet spot is usually around one to three months before your trip. For international trips, it's best to book three months or more in advance, ideally no more than four months out.

Travel Date Flexibility

If you have flexibility with your travel dates, you can take advantage of off-peak seasons and days of the week. Traveling during off-peak months, such as January, February, September, and October, can lead to significant savings. Additionally, flying on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays is often cheaper than flying on weekends.

Flight Alert Flexibility

Utilize price alerts on tools like Google Flights or travel booking apps to stay informed about price changes. These alerts will notify you when prices drop, allowing you to book at the optimal time.

Ticket Type Flexibility

When booking your flight, consider purchasing a main cabin or standard economy ticket instead of a basic economy fare. Basic economy tickets often have limited flexibility and may not allow changes or cancellations. With a main cabin or standard economy ticket, you have the option to rebook if the price drops and receive a voucher or travel credit for the difference.

Airline Choice Flexibility

Don't limit yourself to a single airline. Compare prices across multiple airlines and be open to different carriers to find the best deals. Additionally, consider signing up for frequent flyer programs to receive notifications about airfare sales.

Payment Method Flexibility

Using a travel rewards credit card can provide additional benefits and savings. These cards often offer perks such as free companion passes, elite status in frequent flyer programs, complimentary lounge access, and more. Accumulating miles or points can also help you book flights using rewards instead of cash.

In summary, flexibility is a valuable asset when booking airline travel. By being adaptable with your booking window, timeframe, travel dates, and ticket choices, you increase your chances of finding the lowest fares. Utilizing price alerts, comparing options, and choosing the right payment methods will also enhance your ability to secure the best deals on airfare.

Frequently asked questions