Best Day to Book Flights: Smart Tips to Save on Airfare

Last Updated: October 9, 2025

Planning a family trip and seeing flight prices change every time you refresh the page? One minute it’s $350, and ten minutes later it’s $420. Sounds familiar, right?

Flight fares often rise and fall within hours. Knowing the best day to book flights can make a real difference; you might save anywhere between $30 and $150 on the same route. For many travellers, timing their bookings correctly feels like a small win before the trip even begins.

In this blog, we’ll look at why flight prices change so often, which days and times are best for booking, and how to make sure you never overpay again.

Why Does the Day You Book Flights Matter So Much?

Flight prices change more often than most people realise. A ticket that costs $350 today could jump to $420 tomorrow and then fall again by the weekend. Airlines use dynamic pricing that reacts to demand, route popularity, and even search traffic.

Booking on the right day can make a clear difference. Data shows that travellers who understand timing save anywhere from 5% to 25% on average. The trick is to combine the right booking day with the right travel day.

Key reasons prices fluctuate:

Demand and holidays: Prices rise near public holidays and long weekends.
Planning: Booking too early or too late typically incurs higher costs.
Competition: When one airline offers a fare discount, others often follow suit.

Also Read: Cyber Monday Flights

What Do Studies Say About the Best Day to Book Flights?

Several travel reports confirm that the booking day really does affect ticket prices.

According to Expedia’s 2025 Air Travel Hacks Report, passengers who booked flights on Sundays instead of Fridays saved up to 17% on average.

Google Flights found a similar pattern: Sunday bookings were often cheaper for both domestic and international routes.

However, no single day always guarantees the lowest fare. Airlines change prices frequently, so flexibility is your best advantage. Still, mid-week bookings tend to be more stable and less competitive than weekend searches.

Quick insights from major studies:

Domestic routes: Booking 1–3 months before travel saves around 25%.
International routes: The best savings appear 18–29 days before departure.
Sunday advantage: Consistent savings for both economy and business classes.

Also Read: Top Fun Things to Do in Japan

Is There Really a Best Day of the Week to Book Flights?

The idea that Tuesday is always cheapest has been repeated for years. While that’s partly true, newer data points to Sunday as the best overall booking day.

Travellers who buy tickets at the start of the week still benefit, but Sunday now edges ahead.

Here’s a look at average savings by class:

Domestic Economy

Average Savings- 5%
Typical Booking Window- 30–45 days before travel

Domestic Business

Average savings- 7%
Typical booking window- 40–60 days before travel

International Economy

Average savings- 5%
Typical booking window- 18–29 days before travel

International Business

Average savings- 24%
Booking window- 2–3 months before travel

Booking early Sunday morning often gives you access to unsold discounted fares before other travelers notice them. Avoid booking late Friday night or during heavy weekend search hours, when prices tend to spike.

Also Read: Do Flights Really Get Cheaper on Black Friday?

When Is the Best Time of Day to Book Flights for Cheaper Deals?

Time of day also influences ticket prices. Airlines update their systems overnight, so early-morning and late-night searches often show lower fares.

Try these windows:

Early morning (5 a.m.–8 a.m.): Systems refresh and display new promotional fares.
Late night (after 9 p.m.): Lower online traffic helps reduce demand-based price surges.
Avoid evenings: Between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. is when most people book, raising prices temporarily.

If you’re comparing options, the best day and time to book flights usually falls early Tuesday morning or late Sunday night.

Do Seasons and Months Affect Flight Prices?

Absolutely. Airfare is seasonal, and picking the right month can make a major difference.

Research shows:

August is the cheapest month to fly.
February and March are typically the most expensive.
Travelling in September or October, known as the shoulder season, can save as much as 40% compared with summer peaks.

Tickets around Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s are always higher. For holiday trips, book before the end of October to avoid price jumps.

Also Read: Find cheap flights in December

Which Airlines Offer Cheap Tickets and Are They Worth It?

Low-cost carriers such as Spirit, Frontier, or Avelo often appear cheapest, but their advertised fares rarely include baggage, seat choice, or food. After add-ons, the total price can equal or exceed standard airlines.

Tips before choosing:

Compare total cost after fees.
Check whether you can bring a carry-on free of charge.
Use sites like Affluence Travels to see the real final price.

Sometimes a slightly higher base fare with a major airline includes perks like free baggage or better schedules, worth the extra few dollars.

What Tools and Tricks Help You Find the Best Airfare?

Today’s traveller can automate savings with smart tools:

Google Flights: Tracks fare trends and notifies you when prices are expected to drop.
Hopper App: Predicts the best time to book with colour-coded alerts.
Affluence Travels: Shows live comparisons and offers refund guarantees if fares fall later.
Price alerts: Set alerts for routes you plan to fly within the next few months.

Regular tracking for just five minutes a week often saves far more than waiting for a “sale.”

Also Read: Why airports are quiet on Christmas Day?