'%20fill='%23ccc'/%3e%3c/svg%3e){kind=icon}
Best Times to Book Cheap Flights 🗓️
Timing is everything when it comes to air travel deals. Use the table below to find out when it’s usually cheapest to fly and book:
| Travel Type | Best Time to Book | Best Days to Fly | Estimated Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic (U.S.) | 1–3 months in advance | Tuesday, Wednesday | Up to 25% off average |
| International (Europe) | 2–8 months in advance | Monday–Thursday | Up to 30% off peak |
| Holiday Travel | 3–6 months in advance | Early morning flights | Up to 40% if early |
| Last-Minute Deals | 1–2 weeks before (less reliable) | Midweek departures | Up to 20%, varies |
Use Flight Comparison Tools & Alerts 📱
One of the easiest ways to find cheap tickets is to use flight comparison websites and set price alerts. Popular tools include:
- Google Flights
- Skyscanner
- Momondo
- Hopper
- Kayak
These platforms help you compare prices across airlines and track fare changes over time, giving you the edge in booking at the lowest point.
Be Flexible with Dates & Airports 🔄
Having flexible travel dates can cut your airfare dramatically. Use the “flexible date” or “calendar” view on search engines to spot the cheapest days to fly. Also consider flying into or out of alternative airports near your destination — sometimes smaller airports offer significantly cheaper flights.
💡 Example: Flying out of Oakland instead of San Francisco, or Newark instead of JFK, can save $50–$150+ round trip.
Book Flights Separately for Round Trips ✈️✈️
Sometimes booking two one-way tickets on different airlines is cheaper than a round-trip with a single carrier. This method also gives you more flexibility with departure and return times.
Clear Your Cookies or Use Incognito Mode 🕵️♂️
Flight prices can increase based on your search history. Always search in incognito/private mode or clear your cookies before checking the same route multiple times to avoid dynamic price hikes.
Consider Budget Airlines (But Read the Fine Print) 🧳
Low-cost carriers like Spirit, Frontier, or Allegiant often offer cheaper fares but make up for it with baggage and seat selection fees. If you pack light and read the rules, you can still save big.
Use Points & Travel Rewards 💳🌍
Credit card points, frequent flyer miles, and travel portals like Chase Ultimate Rewards or AmEx Travel can help reduce or eliminate your ticket cost. Combine these with strategic timing for maximum value.
