Timing is everything when it comes to booking affordable flights. Different travel seasons—peak, off-peak, and shoulder—affect airfare prices, and knowing when to book can save you significant amounts. Here’s a guide on booking flights during the right season to secure the best fares.

1. Understand Peak, Off-Peak, and Shoulder Seasons

Peak season (high season) is the busiest time for travel in a given location, typically when fares are highest. Off-peak season is when demand is lowest, and shoulder season falls between the two, offering a balance of good weather and lower prices.

• General guide:
  • Peak Season: Summer months (June-August) and major holidays.
  • Off-Peak Season: Late winter and early spring, excluding holiday weeks.
  • Shoulder Season: Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) in most destinations.

2. Plan Travel During Shoulder Seasons for the Best Value

Shoulder season often provides the best combination of lower prices, pleasant weather, and fewer crowds. Destinations like Europe and Asia are typically cheaper to visit in April or October compared to peak summer months.

• Pro tip: Use flexible date searches on platforms like Google Flights or Skyscanner to identify shoulder season dates with the best fares.

3. Avoid Major Holidays and School Breaks

Airfare prices rise during holidays like Christmas, Thanksgiving, and summer school vacations. Traveling outside these high-demand periods will almost always yield better rates.

• Smart timing: If you must travel around a holiday, try booking your flight on the holiday itself (e.g., December 25 or November 24) when fares are sometimes lower due to reduced demand.

4. Consider Off-Peak Travel for Substantial Savings

Off-peak travel generally falls in winter for most destinations, excluding holiday weeks. While weather may be less ideal, prices are significantly lower, especially for destinations like Europe, where winter is the least crowded time.

• Extra benefit: Many attractions are less crowded in the off-peak season, making it easier to explore popular sites without long lines.

5. Use Price Alerts for Specific Seasons

If you’re set on traveling during a particular season, use price alerts on Google Flights, Hopper, or Kayak to monitor fares for your dates. These alerts notify you when prices drop, helping you book at the right time.

• How to do it: Enter your destination and travel dates, then set up alerts to catch the best fares as they become available.

6. Book Early for Peak Season Travel

For peak season, especially in summer, booking early (6-12 months in advance) is usually essential to secure a reasonable fare. As demand rises closer to the travel dates, fares typically increase sharply.

• When to book: Try booking summer or holiday flights by January to lock in lower fares before prices surge.

7. Check Weather and Event Calendars to Optimize Shoulder Season

Certain events and festivals can temporarily raise prices, even during shoulder season. Checking local event calendars can help you avoid these times or plan around them for better rates.

• Example: Avoid cities during major events like Oktoberfest in Munich or Cherry Blossom season in Japan if you’re looking for lower fares.

8. Consider Weekend vs. Midweek Travel Timing

Flying on less popular days, such as Tuesdays or Wednesdays, generally costs less than weekend travel, even within the same season. This applies to both peak and off-peak travel, with significant savings for mid-week flights.

• Best practice: Use a flight comparison tool’s “Flexible Dates” option to compare mid-week and weekend fares side by side.

9. Utilize Low-Cost Airlines During Off-Peak Season

Low-cost carriers often reduce fares even further during off-peak season to attract more travelers. Budget airlines like Ryanair in Europe and Southwest in the U.S. may offer particularly low fares during winter or shoulder seasons.

• Bonus tip: Be prepared for minimal amenities with budget airlines, and confirm baggage policies to avoid unexpected fees.

10. Watch for Flash Sales at the End of Peak Seasons

Some airlines offer flash sales at the end of peak seasons to boost bookings as demand drops. These sales can be a great way to book last-minute flights for lower prices, especially if you’re flexible with dates.

• Where to find them: Sign up for email alerts from airlines to catch flash sales at the end of summer or before winter holidays.

Conclusion: Timing Travel for Optimal Savings

Booking flights during the right season can make a significant difference in airfare costs. By understanding peak, off-peak, and shoulder seasons and planning your trips accordingly, you can save on flights while still enjoying great travel experiences.