The Ultimate Guide to Scoring Cheap International Airfare

Airfare can feel like a game of chance, with prices fluctuating seemingly at random. But don’t worry—we’ve got the data to help you win the airfare game. Each year, CheapAir.com analyzes millions of airfares to determine when to buy flights. In our latest study, we examined over 917 million airfares covering 1 million international trips across 3,000+ global markets. Here are the key insights to help you save.

What Is the “Prime Booking Window”?

The prime booking window is the sweet spot where you’re likely to find our lowest fares. Buying too early or too late can cost you. For high-demand events like Oktoberfest in Germany or Holi in India, aim for the early part of this window.

When to Buy by Region

1. Canada

• Prime Booking Window: 3 weeks to 5 months before departure
• When to Buy: 66 days in advance
• Average Airfare: $427
• Cheaper Month: October
• Expensive Month: July
• Cheap Days to Fly: Tuesday, Wednesday

2. Mexico & Central America

• Prime Booking Window: 2 weeks to 6 months
• When to Buy: 70 days in advance
• Average Airfare: $489
• Cheaper Month: September
• Expensive Month: December
• Cheap Days to Fly: Tuesday, Wednesday

3. Caribbean

• Prime Booking Window: 1 month to 11 months
• When to Buy: 207 days in advance
• Average Airfare: $545
• Cheaper Month: January
• Expensive Month: December
• Cheap Days to Fly: Tuesday, Wednesday

4. South America

• Prime Booking Window: 5 weeks to 11 months
• When to Buy: 110 days in advance
• Average Airfare: $845
• Cheaper Month: February
• Expensive Month: December
• Cheap Days to Fly: Tuesday, Wednesday

5. South Pacific

• Prime Booking Window: 54 days to 8 months
• When to Buy: 197 days in advance
• Average Airfare: $1,708
• Cheap Month: May
• Expensive Month: December
• Cheaper Days to Fly: Tuesday, Wednesday

6. Asia

• Prime Booking Window: 1 month to 7 months
• When to Buy: 120 days in advance
• Average Airfare: $1,113
• Cheap Month: November
• Expensive Month: June
• Cheap Days to Fly: Tuesday, Wednesday

7. Europe

• Prime Booking Window:5 to 8 months
• When to Buy: 160 days in advance
• Average Airfare: $1,151
• Cheaper Month: March
• Expensive Month: July
• Cheap Days to Fly: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday

8. Africa & Middle East

• Prime Booking Window: 96 to 287 days
• When to Buy: 199 days in advance
• Average Airfare: $1,238
• Cheaper Month: February
• Expensive Month: July
• Cheap Days to Fly: Tuesday, Wednesday

Key Takeaways:

• Book Early for High-Demand Seasons: Festivals, holidays, and major events drive prices up.
• Midweek Flights Are Cheaper: Flying on Tuesdays and Wednesdays often yields savings.
• Flexibility Saves Money: Adjust your travel dates to fit within the prime booking window.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is it cheaper to book international flights on certain days?
Ans. Yes, flights booked or flown on Tuesdays and Wednesdays are generally cheaper.

Q. Should I book flights early or wait for last-minute deals?
Ans. For international flights, early booking within the prime window is almost always cheaper than last-minute deals.

Q. Does the destination affect when you should book?
Ans. Absolutely. Regions like Europe and the South Pacific have longer prime booking windows compared to Mexico or Canada.

Q. How do global events impact airfare prices?
Ans. Major events like the Olympics or World Cup can cause prices to spike. Book early if traveling during such times.

Ready to Book Smarter?

Now that you know when to book, start planning your next international adventure today! Explore, compare, and secure our best fares with confidence. Happy travels!