Best Time to Book Flights

A clear, no-nonsense guide to booking at the right time and flying for less.

bolt Quick answer

Book domestic flights 1–3 months ahead and international flights 2–6 months ahead. Fly mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) and avoid Friday/Sunday. Travel in the off-peak seasons (late winter and early fall) for the lowest fares.

How far in advance should you book?

The single biggest factor in airfare is how far ahead you book — not the day you click "buy." Airlines price seats dynamically, raising fares as a flight fills up and as the departure date approaches.

  • Domestic US flights: roughly 1 to 3 months before departure.
  • International flights: roughly 2 to 6 months before departure.
  • Peak periods (summer, Thanksgiving, December holidays): add a month or two and book earlier.

Booking too early (8+ months out) rarely helps — fares often start high, dip into the sweet spot, then climb again in the final weeks.

Cheapest days to fly

Tuesday and Wednesday departures are usually the cheapest because business and leisure demand is lower mid-week. Friday and Sunday are typically the most expensive. If your dates are flexible, shifting a departure by a day or two can cut the fare noticeably.

Does the day you book matter?

Not really — the old "always book on Tuesday" advice is outdated. Prices update continuously, so the booking day has far less impact than the booking window and your travel day. Focus your energy there.

Cheapest time of year

Off-peak shoulder seasons — late January to early March and late August to early October — usually have the lowest fares and lighter crowds. Holidays and summer are the priciest.

A few extra ways to save

  • Compare several nearby dates — fares can swing widely day to day.
  • Be flexible on nearby airports when one is cheaper.
  • Search round-trip and one-way separately; sometimes mixing carriers is cheaper.
  • Set up your search early so you recognize a genuinely good price when you see one.

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FAQs

How far in advance should I book a flight? expand_more
For domestic US flights, booking about 1–3 months ahead usually finds the best fares. For international trips, 2–6 months ahead is the sweet spot. Booking too early (more than ~6–8 months) or last-minute typically costs more.
What is the cheapest day to fly? expand_more
Mid-week departures — Tuesday and Wednesday — are usually the cheapest, while Friday and Sunday are typically the most expensive because demand is highest.
What is the cheapest day to book a flight? expand_more
The day you book matters far less than how far ahead you book and which day you fly. Prices change continuously, so the old "book on Tuesday" rule no longer holds — focus on booking in the right window and flying mid-week.
Are flights cheaper if you book last minute? expand_more
Usually not. Last-minute fares are generally higher because airlines know remaining seats are in demand. Occasionally you may find a deal on an undersold flight, but it is risky to rely on it.
When is the cheapest time of year to fly? expand_more
Off-peak seasons — late January to early March, and late August to early October — tend to have the lowest fares. Holidays and summer are the most expensive.