A question we get asked all the time is: “When’s the best time to book a flight to get the lowest price?” With airfare prices always fluctuating, it can feel like a guessing game. Luckily, the latest insights from Google Flights offer some clear, data-backed answers to help you save on your next adventure!
Best Days to Fly:
If your travel dates are flexible, aim to fly on Mondays, Tuesdays, or Wednesdays. According to Google’s research, Tuesday is often the cheapest day to fly, with midweek departures saving travelers an average of 13% to 20% compared to flying on weekends. Sundays, in particular, tend to be the most expensive.
When to Book:
For domestic travel, the magic window is 21 to 52 days before your departure, with 38 days out being the “sweet spot” for the lowest prices. Planning an international trip? Book as early as possible prices tend to be lowest 50 days or more before your departure. For flights to Europe, aim to book about 94 days in advance for the best deals.
Holiday travel has its own timing:
For Thanksgiving, book your flight about 45 days before (early October).
For Christmas, the best deals are found around 58 days out (late October).
Other Money-Saving Tips:
Consider flights with layovers—they’re about 25% cheaper than nonstop routes.
Contrary to old myths, there’s no significant benefit to booking on a specific day of the week. Focus on when you fly, not when you book.
For Mexico and the Caribbean, book 26–68 days in advance, with 44 days being optimal.
At Privada Travel, we know that timing is everything when it comes to travel savings. Let us help you navigate these trends and find the best fares, so you can focus on enjoying your journey! Ready to start planning? Reach out to us today!