Timing your booking can make a big difference in airfare costs, but the best approach depends on your travel flexibility and destination. Here’s a breakdown of the advantages and disadvantages of booking early versus last minute, and how each strategy can save you money.

1. Booking Early: Ideal for International and Peak Season Travel

Booking flights 6-12 months in advance is often best for international flights and peak travel seasons, like holidays or summer. Airlines release seats with introductory fares months ahead, and prices tend to rise as the departure date approaches.

• Best timeframe: Book at least 6 months in advance for international flights and 2-3 months for domestic flights, especially if traveling during high-demand periods.

2. Advantages of Booking Early

• More choices: Early booking offers the best selection of seats, routes, and departure times, especially on popular routes.
• Lock in lower fares: When airlines first release tickets, they often offer lower prices to attract early bookings, making it easier to find affordable options.
• Planning security: Early bookings are ideal for travelers who want to avoid last-minute price hikes and plan their itinerary well in advance.

3. Last-Minute Bookings: Suitable for Short Trips and Off-Peak Seasons

Last-minute deals are more common for short-haul or domestic flights during off-peak seasons when airlines want to fill empty seats. If you have a flexible schedule and can travel on short notice, you may find good deals by booking within a few days to a few weeks of departure.

• When to book: For last-minute deals, start checking 2-3 weeks before your planned departure, particularly for domestic or short-haul flights.

4. Advantages of Last-Minute Bookings

• Potential discounts: Airlines may offer discounted fares close to the departure date to fill remaining seats, especially on less popular routes.
• Flexibility in travel plans: Last-minute bookings can lead to unplanned trips at discounted rates, ideal for travelers with a flexible schedule.
• Spontaneous travel opportunities: Last-minute booking opens up the chance for spontaneous adventures, especially during off-peak seasons when airlines try to boost passenger numbers.

5. Use Fare Alerts for Both Strategies

Whether booking early or last minute, setting fare alerts on Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Kayak can help you track price drops and avoid missing out on deals. These alerts notify you when fares change, giving you the flexibility to book at the optimal time.

• How to use: Set up multiple alerts as early as possible, and monitor them if you’re planning to book at the last minute.

6. Consider Non-Refundable vs. Flexible Tickets for Last-Minute Bookings

Non-refundable tickets are generally cheaper, but they come with the risk of limited flexibility. If you’re booking at the last minute, consider flexible ticket options, especially if your plans might change. Many airlines now offer basic fares with paid upgrade options for flexibility.

• Smart tip: Use a travel credit card that includes travel insurance, which may cover cancellations or last-minute changes.

7. Look for Last-Minute Deals with Budget Airlines

Budget airlines often offer flash sales or discounts on last-minute tickets. They prioritize filling seats quickly, so you may find competitive rates even close to the departure date.

• Examples: Airlines like Southwest, Ryanair, and JetBlue frequently run last-minute deals and promotions, especially for domestic or short-haul routes.

8. Book Early for Premium Routes and Non-Stop Flights

Non-stop and premium routes (like those between major business hubs) tend to sell out quickly, and prices generally rise over time. Booking early for these routes is almost always the best way to find affordable fares.

• Example: If you’re flying non-stop from New York to London or Los Angeles to Tokyo, aim to book early to secure the best fare.

9. Use Apps that Track Last-Minute Deals

Apps like Hopper and Last Minute Travel specialize in tracking last-minute fare drops, which can be helpful if you’re planning to book within a few weeks of departure. These apps use algorithms to predict fare trends, helping you decide whether to book now or wait.

• Best feature: Hopper provides booking recommendations based on predicted price changes, ideal for travelers weighing last-minute deals.

10. Mix Early and Last-Minute Bookings for Multi-City Trips

For multi-city or open-jaw trips, booking early for the main long-haul flights and last minute for short, regional flights can be a cost-effective strategy. This approach ensures you have guaranteed seats for major routes while still taking advantage of last-minute savings on shorter legs.

• Example: If you’re traveling to Europe, book early for your transatlantic flight, but look for last-minute deals on regional flights within Europe.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Timing for Your Travel Plans

Booking early works best for international, long-haul flights and high-demand routes, while last-minute deals can be more cost-effective for short domestic trips and off-peak travel. By combining both strategies and using tools like fare alerts and last-minute deal apps, you can maximize your chances of finding the best fares for your trip.