Traveling midweek, especially on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, is a tried-and-true strategy for finding cheaper flights. Airlines experience lower demand on these days, which often leads to reduced prices. Here’s how to make the most of midweek travel to save on airfare.

1. Understand Why Midweek Flights Are Cheaper

Airlines often have fewer bookings on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so they lower fares to fill seats. Business travelers usually fly on Mondays and Thursdays, while weekend travelers favor Fridays and Sundays, making midweek less popular and thus more affordable.

• Best days to travel: Try to book departures and returns on Tuesday and Wednesday for the lowest fares.

2. Check Prices on Monday Night and Book for Midweek

Airlines tend to finalize fare adjustments for the week on Monday night, which can result in price drops on midweek flights. By searching for tickets on Monday night, you may find reduced fares for Tuesday or Wednesday departures.

• Pro tip: Set reminders to check fares on Monday nights and book if you see a good price for midweek travel.

3. Use Flexible Date Searches to Spot Midweek Savings

Many flight search engines, like Google Flights and Skyscanner, offer flexible date tools that show price differences across a week or month. These tools make it easy to identify the cheapest days to fly, often highlighting Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

• How to use: Select “flexible dates” or “calendar view” to see fare differences, and focus on Tuesday and Wednesday options.

4. Book Round-Trip Flights with Midweek Departures and Returns

Booking both your departure and return flights on midweek days can amplify savings. Some airlines provide additional discounts when your entire trip falls within low-demand days.

• Example: If you plan a week-long trip, try to fly out and back on a Tuesday or Wednesday to maximize discounts.

5. Leverage Fare Alerts for Midweek Travel Deals

Setting up fare alerts specifically for midweek flights can help you monitor price drops over time. Apps like Hopper, Google Flights, and Kayak can notify you when midweek fares go on sale.

• Best practice: Set fare alerts for multiple routes if your travel dates and destinations are flexible, as some routes may experience larger price drops on midweek days.

6. Book Long-Haul Flights on Tuesdays or Wednesdays

For international and long-haul flights, midweek travel can offer more than just cost savings. Flights on these days are often less crowded, making the journey more comfortable and offering a higher chance of seat upgrades.

• Extra tip: If you’re aiming for a comfortable long-haul flight, check for midweek options, as these are generally less packed with passengers.

7. Combine Midweek Travel with Red-Eye Flights for Additional Savings

Midweek red-eye flights, which depart late at night and arrive early in the morning, are another way to save. Airlines often discount these flights, and traveling midweek further reduces demand, which can result in even lower fares.

• Example: Book a Tuesday night red-eye flight to reach your destination early Wednesday morning, saving on airfare and potentially on a night of accommodations.

8. Avoid Last-Minute Midweek Bookings During Peak Travel Periods

While midweek flights are generally cheaper, booking at the last minute during peak travel seasons (like holidays or school breaks) can still lead to higher prices. During these times, plan and book well in advance to avoid unexpected price spikes.

• Best approach: For peak travel times, secure midweek flights at least 3-6 months ahead to keep fares low.

9. Look for Off-Peak Seasons with Midweek Travel Discounts

Combining midweek flights with off-peak seasons can lead to significant discounts. Airlines offer their lowest fares during these times to attract travelers, making it a great option for budget-conscious passengers.

• Example: For travel to Europe, consider booking midweek flights in late fall or early spring to save during the low season.

10. Use Aggregators and Travel Apps to Compare Midweek Fares

Flight comparison sites like Momondo, Expedia, and Kayak make it easy to compare midweek fares across multiple airlines. Some aggregators even highlight “midweek deals,” making it simple to spot savings opportunities.

• Pro tip: Compare fares on at least two platforms to ensure you’re getting the best deal, as prices can vary slightly between aggregators.

Conclusion: Save Big with Midweek Travel

Flying midweek, particularly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, offers consistent savings on airfare due to lower demand. By booking strategically, using fare alerts, and leveraging off-peak travel seasons, you can make the most of midweek flights to travel affordably.