Knowing the best time to book flights is essential for finding the lowest fares and making the most of your travel budget. Here’s a guide on when to book flights for maximum savings based on research and industry trends.

1. Book Domestic Flights 1 to 3 Months in Advance

The best time to book domestic flights is typically between 1 to 3 months before departure. This booking window offers stable prices without the risk of last-minute price hikes or the higher fares of early bookings.

• Why it works: Airlines tend to start discounting fares a few months out as they work to fill seats.

2. Book International Flights 4 to 6 Months Ahead

For international flights, booking 4 to 6 months before departure usually yields the best prices. Airlines offer early discounts on long-haul routes to attract bookings and fill seats well in advance.

• Pro tip: For popular destinations or during peak seasons, book closer to 6 months out to avoid price surges as departure dates approach.

3. Check Prices on Tuesdays and Wednesdays

Historically, airlines have released discounts and adjusted fares on Monday nights, making Tuesday and Wednesday mornings ideal for finding the best prices. This pattern may vary, but these mid-week days often see lower prices due to less booking activity.

• How to time it: Start your search on Tuesday morning and monitor for any price drops or flash sales throughout the day.

4. Use Fare Alerts to Track Price Fluctuations

Setting up fare alerts on platforms like Google Flights or Hopper allows you to monitor price changes in real time. Fare alerts keep you informed without requiring constant checks, helping you secure the lowest rate.

• Best practice: Enable alerts for multiple routes or dates if you’re flexible to maximize your chances of finding a deal.

5. Consider Red-Eye and Off-Hour Flights

Flights scheduled during less popular times, such as red-eye flights (overnight) or very early morning departures, tend to have lower fares due to lower demand.

• Extra tip: Use flight comparison sites’ filters to include only flights with off-peak departure times, which are often cheaper.

6. Look for Last-Minute Deals Within Two Weeks of Departure

If you’re flexible with travel plans, checking for last-minute deals about two weeks before departure can occasionally yield savings. Airlines sometimes reduce prices to fill unsold seats close to the travel date.

• When to try this: Last-minute deals are more common for less popular routes or during off-peak travel periods, when airlines are motivated to sell remaining seats.

7. Avoid Booking During Major Holidays and Peak Travel Times

Airlines often increase fares around holidays, school breaks, and peak travel seasons due to high demand. By booking outside these times, you can avoid peak prices.

• Smart planning: If you need to travel during these periods, booking well in advance (often 9 to 12 months) is advisable to secure lower fares before they surge.

8. Use Flexible Date Searches for Best Results

Flight comparison sites like Skyscanner and Google Flights offer flexible date options, allowing you to see a range of prices for various travel dates. This feature helps you find lower fares by identifying less busy days to fly.

• How to use it: Search for flights using the “flexible dates” or “calendar” view to compare prices over a one-month period and select the cheapest day.

9. Sign Up for Airline Newsletters for Flash Sales

Airlines often announce flash sales or limited-time offers via email newsletters. Subscribing to your preferred airlines’ newsletters can give you access to exclusive promotions and discounted fares.

• Benefit: Flash sales can offer significant discounts but are typically available only for short periods, so acting fast is essential.

10. Use Apps for Real-Time Alerts on Fare Drops

Apps like Hopper and Kayak provide real-time alerts for fare drops, making it easy to secure a lower price the moment it becomes available. With instant notifications, you can book as soon as a deal appears.

• Best approach: Enable notifications on your app for immediate updates on price drops, especially if you’re tracking multiple routes.

Conclusion: Perfect Timing for Affordable Flights

Booking flights at the right time can lead to substantial savings on airfare. By planning ahead for domestic and international flights, using fare alerts, and being mindful of peak travel times, you can consistently book flights at lower prices.