Want to know the perfect time to book flights so you never overpay? You’re in luck!
After years of testing different booking strategies, I’ve found the exact sweet spots for getting the cheapest flights, whether you’re flying domestically or internationally.
Here’s the secret: Airlines don’t just randomly change prices. They follow predictable patterns, and if you book at the right time, you can save hundreds of dollars.
The Best Time to Book Flights (Based on Science & Data)
1. For International Flights: Book 8–10 Months Early
If you’re flying overseas, early birds get the best deals. Airlines release their cheapest seats almost a year in advance, and prices only go up as seats sell out.
✅ Pro Tip: Use Google Flights’ price tracker to monitor trends for your route.
2. Domestic Flights: Book 2–3 Months Before
For flights within your country, the best deals usually appear 2–3 months before departure. Booking too early (6+ months) or too late (last minute) often leads to higher prices.
3. Seasonal Booking Sweet Spots
⭐ Winter Travel (Dec–Feb) → Book 100 days before.
⭐ Spring Travel (Mar–May) → Book 75–78 days before.
⭐ Summer Travel (Jun–Aug) → Book 40–45 days before.
⭐ Fall Travel (Sep–Nov) → Book 75–80 days before.
🤷♂️ Why? Airlines adjust prices based on demand—booking during these windows helps you avoid peak pricing.
The Worst Time to Book Flights
🚫 Avoid booking:
⭐ Last-minute (unless there’s a rare sale).
⭐ During holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s).
⭐ Weekends (Friday–Sunday bookings are pricier).
Bonus: The Cheapest Day to Fly
Even if you book at the right time, your travel day matters too!
⭐ Cheapest days to fly: Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday.
⭐ Most expensive days: Friday & Sunday.
What If I Need a Last-Minute Flight?
If you must book late, try:
✅ Budget airlines (Spirit, Frontier, Ryanair).
✅ Error fares & flash sales (follow @SecretFlying on Twitter).
✅ Same-day standby deals (ask at the airport counter).
True story: I saved $420 on a Tokyo trip by booking exactly 9 months early, while my friend paid double for the same flight 3 weeks out. Moral? Early birds get the worm—and the window seat.
P.S. Exceptions exist (like error fares), but don’t bet on luck! 🎫
Final Tip: Set Price Alerts & Book Fast!
Flight prices change constantly. Use:
⭐ Google Flights (free price tracking).
⭐ Hopper (predicts price drops).
When you see a great deal, book immediately—it could disappear in hours!
Want More Cheap Flight Hacks?
This was just Tip #1 from our full guide: 10 Proven Ways to Find Cheap Flights.
Which booking strategy works best for you? Let me know in the comments! 👇
P.S. Sharing = Saving! Tag a friend who always books flights at the wrong time. 😉
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