Timing is key when it comes to finding affordable flights. Knowing the best days of the week to book and fly can help you secure lower fares. Here’s a guide to understanding how timing affects prices and when to book for the best deals.

1. Book Flights on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for Lower Fares

Tuesdays and Wednesdays are generally the cheapest days to book flights. Airlines often release discounts and adjust fares mid-week, creating a window of lower prices. Booking on these days can sometimes yield better rates than weekends, when demand is higher.

• Pro tip: Start your search Tuesday morning and check periodically throughout the day, as prices can fluctuate.

2. Travel on Mid-Week Days for Cheaper Flights

Flying on mid-week days—specifically Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and sometimes Saturdays—can lead to lower fares. These days tend to have less demand, so airlines are more likely to offer discounts on tickets.

• Example: If possible, try to book departure flights for Tuesday or Wednesday and return flights mid-week to get the best rates.

3. Avoid Booking on Weekends

Weekends, especially Saturdays and Sundays, see higher demand for flights as many people book their travel on days off. Airlines often raise prices during this time, knowing more people are online and planning their trips.

• Alternative: If you must book over the weekend, try searching at off-peak times, such as early morning or late at night.

4. Check Prices on Monday and Thursday Evenings for Flash Sales

Many airlines release weekly flash sales or discounted fares on Monday and Thursday evenings. These deals are usually short-lived and may only last for a few hours, so acting quickly is crucial if you see a good price.

• How to catch them: Sign up for airline newsletters and check deal pages on Monday and Thursday nights to spot these limited-time offers.

5. Consider Flying on Saturdays for Shorter Domestic Trips

While weekends generally have higher fares, Saturday flights, especially for domestic travel, can sometimes be cheaper than Friday or Sunday. This can be an ideal day for short trips if you’re flexible with your schedule.

• Extra tip: Pair a Saturday departure with a mid-week return for even greater savings.

6. Use Fare Alerts to Monitor Price Fluctuations Throughout the Week

Set up fare alerts for your destination and desired dates to monitor how prices fluctuate over the week. Apps like Google Flights, Hopper, and Kayak notify you of price drops, allowing you to book when fares are at their lowest.

• Best approach: Set alerts at least one to three months ahead of domestic flights and four to six months for international routes.

7. Book Early for Peak Travel Dates

For travel during peak dates—like summer vacations or major holidays—booking well in advance is essential, regardless of the day of the week. Demand drives prices up quickly during these periods, so securing a good deal means acting early.

• Suggested timing: For peak season travel, aim to book flights 6 to 12 months in advance to avoid the high prices that come closer to departure.

8. Check Prices at Unconventional Times

Prices may be lower when demand is low, such as late at night or very early in the morning. Checking prices at off-peak hours can sometimes reveal lower fares that aren’t available during busy booking periods.

• Best practice: Set aside time to check fares around midnight or early in the morning, especially if your initial search didn’t yield great results.

9. Consider Flying on Off-Peak Days to Avoid Price Hikes

Avoiding high-demand days, such as Fridays, Sundays, and the days surrounding major holidays, can lead to substantial savings. Off-peak travel dates are more likely to have lower fares, especially if you fly mid-week or early in the morning.

• Pro tip: Avoid flying the day before or after a major holiday, such as Thanksgiving or Christmas, when prices are typically at their highest.

10. Plan for Flexibility on Return Dates

When booking round-trip flights, choosing flexible return dates can make a big difference. Being open to a return flight one or two days before or after your preferred date often reveals cheaper options.

• Example: Use the flexible date option on Google Flights or Skyscanner to compare return fares within a few days of your preferred date.

Conclusion: Timing Is Key to Affordable Flights

Knowing the best days of the week to book and fly can lead to significant savings on airfare. By focusing on mid-week bookings, monitoring prices through alerts, and avoiding peak travel days, you’ll have more success in finding affordable flights for your trips.