Booking flights at midnight is a popular strategy among travelers looking for deals, as many airlines release fare updates, open up unbooked seats, and reset inventory late at night. While midnight bookings may not guarantee the lowest fares every time, this strategy can increase your chances of finding affordable flights. Here’s how to make the most of midnight bookings to secure cheaper tickets.

1. Check for Price Drops on Tuesday and Wednesday Nights

Many airlines release fare updates on Monday and Tuesday afternoons, with adjustments taking effect by Tuesday or Wednesday at midnight. By checking fares late at night on these days, you may catch recently lowered prices, especially if airlines are competing for passengers on popular routes.

• Pro tip: Set reminders to check flights around midnight on Tuesdays and Wednesdays to maximize your chances of catching price reductions.

2. Look for Unbooked Seats Being Re-released

Airlines sometimes hold seats for group reservations or high-demand customers, releasing them if they remain unbooked by the end of the day. Checking inventory after midnight can reveal these newly available seats, sometimes at discounted prices.

• How it works: Airlines clear their reservation holds late at night, which could lead to extra availability on sold-out flights, often at a competitive price.

3. Search International Routes for Possible Fare Adjustments

International fares often fluctuate based on demand in different time zones. Midnight in one region may coincide with fare adjustments in another, providing more opportunities to find discounts, especially on long-haul flights.

• Best practice: If your flight originates overseas, try searching at midnight in the departure country’s local time to catch fare adjustments for your route.

4. Use Fare Alerts for Midnight Price Drops

Setting up fare alerts on platforms like Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Hopper allows you to receive notifications when prices drop, even late at night. This can be particularly useful if you want to track multiple routes and don’t want to manually check each one.

• Tip: Use fare alerts to monitor your preferred routes, and when you get notified of a drop, check the fare at midnight to see if further reductions apply.

5. Book Flexible Fares if Available Late at Night

When fares drop late at night, some airlines may offer flexible fare classes at a discount, allowing you to take advantage of lower prices while keeping your plans adaptable. Flexible tickets can be especially valuable if you’re not 100% set on your travel dates.

• Extra benefit: Flexible fares let you lock in a low price while maintaining the option to adjust your travel schedule if a better fare arises later.

6. Take Advantage of Lower Competition for Popular Routes

Since fewer people search for flights in the middle of the night, booking at midnight may help you find better deals on high-demand routes, especially for summer or holiday travel. Booking during these off-peak hours can reduce the chance of fare increases due to high search volume.

• Ideal for: Travelers seeking popular domestic routes or holiday travel, as competition for seats is lower at midnight.

7. Search for Last-Minute Deals for Early-Morning Flights

Airlines sometimes discount tickets for early-morning flights the following day, especially if the plane is underbooked. If you’re looking for spontaneous travel options or don’t mind flying early, checking for last-minute deals after midnight can be fruitful.

• Example: For same-day travel, search after midnight for deals on flights departing in the early hours of the morning.

8. Use Incognito Mode for Fresh Searches

When checking fares at midnight, use incognito mode or clear your browser cookies to avoid dynamic pricing, which can increase fares based on frequent searches. This allows you to see the most accurate prices available for your chosen route.

• How it works: Open a new incognito window each time you check fares to avoid potential price increases caused by search tracking.

9. Look for Airlines Releasing Weekly Promotions

Many airlines publish weekly promotions or sales, which often go live on Monday or Tuesday. These promotions may be fully loaded into the airline’s inventory by midnight on Tuesday, giving you the best chance to book discounted seats before others notice.

• Where to find them: Check the airline’s website or sign up for their newsletters to receive notifications of these weekly deals.

10. Confirm Your Price with Other Aggregators Before Booking

Before finalizing a midnight booking, compare the fare with other aggregators like Momondo, Kayak, or Expedia to ensure you’re getting the best available price. Aggregators may sometimes show lower prices due to minor differences in fare listings or partner discounts.

• Tip: Check the fare on at least two different platforms to confirm you’re getting the best midnight deal.

Conclusion: Timing Your Bookings at Midnight for Better Deals

Booking flights at midnight can offer significant savings if you know when and how to search. By monitoring fare drops, using fare alerts, checking popular routes, and comparing platforms, you can take advantage of midnight price adjustments and find affordable tickets.