One of the most frequently asked questions by travelers is: “When is a good time to buy airline tickets?”
With airfare prices constantly fluctuating, finding a great deal can feel overwhelming. Should you book early or wait for a last-minute deal? What if prices drop after you book? This guide breaks down what you need to know about booking flights to get our best deals.
- When to Buy Domestic and International Flights
Airfare prices follow patterns based on demand, seasonality, and airline pricing algorithms. Here’s a general timeline to follow:
📌 Domestic Flights (Within the U.S.)
- When to book: 1 to 3 months before departure
- Great booking window: 21 to 90 days before departure
- Less optimal time to book: Less than 7 days before travel (prices can be $200+ higher)
📌 International Flights
- When to book: 3 to 6 months before departure
- Great booking window: 60 to 180 days before departure
- Less optimal time to book: Last-minute (prices skyrocket as demand increases)
💡 Tip: Flights to Europe are cheap when booked around 4 to 6 months in advance, while flights to Asia and Australia should be booked 6 to 9 months ahead.
- Last-Minute Flight Deals
A common misconception is that airlines drop prices at the last minute. The reality is that waiting longer to book can sometimes means paying more. Airlines know that business travelers and last-minute vacationers may pay higher prices, so fares tend to increase within 7 days of departure.
✅ Exceptions:
- Budget airlines sometimes have unsold seats that cost less a few days before departure.
- Less popular destinations may have occasional last-minute fare drops.
- If a flight has low demand, airlines might have some cheap fares closer to departure.
But overall, last-minute deals are rare and not a reliable way to save money.
- When to Book and Fly for Cheaper Tickets
✈️ Great Days to Book Flights
Trends show that booking flights on Sundays or early in the week can help secure lower prices.
✈️ Cheap Days to Fly
- Tuesday and Wednesday: Historically less expensive for domestic flights.
- Monday and Thursday: Sometimes offer reasonable fares.
- Friday and Sunday: Typically more expensive days to fly.
💡 Tip: Use fare comparison tools to monitor price drops and book when fares are lower.
- Strategies to Get Low Airfare
✔ Use Fare Comparison Tools
Set up alerts on flight search engines like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak to track price changes.
✔ Be Flexible with Dates
Flying a day earlier or later can sometimes cut ticket prices by 20-30%.
✔ Consider Alternative Airports
Flying into or out of a nearby airport can save you money, especially in major cities with multiple airports.
✔ Book One-Way Flights Instead of Round-Trips
Mixing and matching different airlines for departure and return flights can provide great deals.
✔ Use Airline Miles and Points
If you have a frequent flyer account or travel rewards credit card, redeeming miles can significantly reduce airfare costs.
✔ Avoid Additional Fees
- Pack light to avoid baggage fees.
- Skip paid seat selection if it’s not necessary.
- Check airline policies to avoid additional charges.
- When to Buy for Peak Travel Seasons
If you’re traveling during peak seasons, booking early is even more important:
- Spring Break (March – April) → Book 4-5 months in advance
- Summer Travel (June – August) → Book 5-6 months in advance
- Holiday Travel (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s) → Book 6+ months in advance
FAQs: Your Flight Booking Questions Answered
Q. Should I wait for a lower price after finding a good fare?
Ans. If you find a fare that fits your budget, book when you’re ready. Prices sometimes go up as the departure date gets closer.
Q. Will airlines refund me if the price drops after I book?
Ans. Some airlines offer price matches or allow you to rebook at a lower fare. Always check their policies or consider booking on airlines that waive change fees.
Q. Do flights get cheaper at midnight?
Ans. Not necessarily. While some airlines release updated fares overnight, flight prices change throughout the day. Instead of relying on a specific time, use price alerts to track fluctuations.
Q. Is it cheaper to book directly with the airline or through third-party websites?
Ans. Booking directly with the airline can sometimes be cheaper and offer better flexibility, especially if you need to make changes. However, third-party sites often bundle deals or offer extra savings.
Final Takeaway: Book Early and Stay Flexible
Securing a great fare is doable if you book when you’re ready and stay flexible with your travel plans.
✔ For domestic flights: Book 1 to 3 months ahead.
✔ For international flights: Book 3 to 6 months ahead.
✔ Try to avoid last-minute bookings unless you have flexible travel dates.
✔ Use fare tracking tools to monitor price drops.
By following these strategies, you can avoid overpaying and enjoy smooth travel planning.
Happy travels! ✈️
