We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again — when it comes to booking flights, there is no magical day of the week or time of day that will guarantee you a good deal.

But can you play the odds to increase your chances of finding a good deal? According to Expedia, yes. We dug through Expedia’s 2024 Air Travel Hacks report and spoke to Expedia travel expert Christie Hudson for some helpful tips on scoring cheap flights.

📅 Best Day of the Week to Book Flights

Dynamic Pricing: Airlines use dynamic pricing, meaning flight prices can change at any moment.
Sunday Savings: According to Expedia’s data, booking on a Sunday can save you about 13% on international flights and 6% on domestic flights.
Keep an Eye on Prices: Monitor flight prices throughout the week to catch potential drops.

🕒 Best Time of Day to Book Flights

No Specific Time: Due to dynamic pricing, there’s no guaranteed best time of day to book flights.
Set Price Alerts: Use tools like Expedia’s price alerts to get real-time notifications about price changes and predictions.

💡 Tips for Finding Cheap Flights

Book Early:
- International Flights: Book 60 days in advance for the best savings.
- Domestic Flights: Book 28 days in advance to save around 24% compared to last-minute bookings.
Fly on Cheaper Days:
- Best Days: Thursdays are generally the cheapest day to start your trip, while Sundays are the most expensive.
- Summer Travel: During summer, departing on a Monday (international) or Tuesday (domestic) can save you around 15%.
Track Prices After Booking:
- Price Drop Protection: Continue monitoring your booked flight’s prices. If they drop, you can rebook and pocket the difference as an airline e-credit. Expedia’s Price Drop Protection can help automate this process and get you refunds.
Avoid Basic Economy Fares:
- Hidden Costs: Basic economy fares may seem cheaper but often come with hidden costs like seat selection and baggage fees, which can add up.
- Restrictions: You won’t be able to choose your seat in advance or change/cancel your flight without penalties.

Additional Hacks

Ideal Booking Window: Aim to book flights within the optimal booking windows for the best savings.
Flexible Dates: Use flight price calendars to check for cheaper travel dates.
Membership Perks: Consider loyalty programs or premium memberships that offer additional protections and benefits.

Remember, while there’s no magic formula for the cheapest flights, these strategies can help you increase your chances of scoring a great deal!

Also Read: The Best Time to Ask for a Flight Upgrade (According to Flight Attendants)