Want to save big on flights? Here’s the bottom line:
- Book domestic flights 1–3 months in advance (34–86 days is ideal).
- Book international flights 3–6 months ahead (longer for peak seasons).
- Best days to book: Sundays can save you up to 6% domestically and 17% internationally.
- Best days to fly: Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the cheapest, saving up to 20%.
- Avoid: Booking last-minute or flying on Sundays and Mondays, when prices are highest.
Use price tracking tools like Dollar Flight Club or set up alerts to spot deals quickly. Flexibility with dates and airports can also cut costs significantly. Stay ahead of seasonal trends – summer and holidays are priciest, while late August and shoulder seasons offer the best deals.
Booking Windows: Domestic vs International Flights
Knowing the right time to book your flights can make a big difference in how much you spend. The timing strategies vary depending on whether you’re flying domestically or internationally.
Domestic Flight Timing: When to Book
For domestic travel, the sweet spot for booking falls between 34 and 86 days before departure, potentially saving you up to 25%. Prices tend to be at their lowest around 38 days out. If you’re flexible, booking on a Sunday could add another 6% savings to your total.
| Booking Timeline | Average Savings | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 21–52 days ahead | Historical low prices | Standard trips |
| 34–86 days ahead | Up to 25% savings | Peak season travel |
For most domestic trips, planning a month or two ahead is your best bet for finding affordable fares.
International Flight Timing: How Far Ahead to Book
When it comes to international flights, the booking strategy changes. Data shows that booking 18–29 days in advance can save travelers about 17% compared to booking three months early. However, for busy travel periods like summer or holidays, experts suggest booking at least 90 days in advance to avoid paying premium prices.
| Destination | Recommended Booking Window | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Europe | 3–6 months ahead | Best for summer travel |
| Asia/Oceania | 5–7 months ahead | Lowest fares |
| General International | 3–6 months ahead | Standard trips |
The general rule for international travel is to book 3–6 months in advance, with some destinations requiring even more lead time. Christina Bennett from Priceline highlights the “rule of 90”, advising travelers to secure their tickets at least 90 days before departure for the best deals.
Cheapest Days to Book and Fly
Best Days to Book Tickets
The old advice about booking flights on a Tuesday to snag the best deals is no longer a sure thing. Airline prices are influenced by demand, competition, and market conditions, making them highly unpredictable. However, Expedia’s 2025 Air Travel Hacks Report reveals that booking flights on a Sunday can save travelers up to 6% on domestic flights and 17% on international flights. If Sunday doesn’t work for you, booking between Tuesday and Thursday can still help you save a bit, but fares tend to climb on Fridays and Saturdays.
| Booking Day | Potential Savings | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday | Up to 6% domestic; 17% international | Highest savings potential |
| Tuesday–Thursday | Moderate savings | A solid alternative |
| Friday–Saturday | Higher prices | Best to avoid |
While booking on the right day is important, selecting the best travel day can also make a big difference in your overall cost.
Best Days to Travel
Pairing a smart booking day with the right travel day can maximize your savings even further. For both domestic and international flights, Tuesday and Wednesday stand out as the most budget-friendly days to fly.
| Travel Day | Average Savings | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday/Wednesday | Up to 20%, ~$56 savings | Best overall value |
| Saturday | ~17% less than Sunday | A good alternative |
| Friday | 12% below peak prices | Moderate savings |
| Sunday/Monday | Highest fares | Best to avoid |
During peak travel times like spring break, summer vacations, or holidays, midweek departures can save even more. Savings can hit $60+ during busy seasons and climb to $100 during holidays. On the flip side, fares tend to spike on Sundays and Mondays, so it’s best to steer clear of those days if you’re looking to save.
For the best combination of savings, try booking your flight on a Sunday and schedule your travel for Tuesday or Wednesday. Keep in mind that prices will always vary depending on the route, season, and demand, so flexibility is key!
Price Changes by Season
Flight prices don’t stay the same year-round – they can shift dramatically depending on the season. In fact, fares can swing by as much as 30% between peak and off-peak times. These changes tie directly into the best times to book, creating clear pricing trends throughout the year.
Peak vs. Off-Peak Travel Times
Airfare hits its highest during the summer and holiday seasons. From June through August, domestic roundtrip flights average around $432, while international fares soar to $1,513. July, in particular, sees a surge in demand, with more than double the number of flights compared to February.
| Season | Avg. Fares | Best Booking Window |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Peak) | $432 domestic / $1,513 international | 2–3 months domestic / 4–6 months international |
| Holiday Season | 10–15% higher than off-peak | 3–6 months ahead |
| January/February | 10–15% below December | 1–3 months ahead |
For summer travel, a roundtrip to Europe from major U.S. cities priced around $600 is considered a good deal, while tickets from smaller airports typically hover near $900. Outside of these peak and off-peak extremes, the shoulder seasons offer a sweet spot for savings.
Mid-Season Travel Deals
Spring and fall, known as shoulder seasons, are perfect for snagging lower fares while still enjoying good weather. August stands out as the cheapest month for both domestic and international flights, while March tends to be the priciest for domestic economy tickets.
Here are a couple of tips to make the most of mid-season travel:
- Travel Timing
Shifting your summer trip from early July to late August could save you nearly 30%. - Destination Selection
Popular winter beach spots often come with higher price tags, while European destinations are much more affordable from late September through early November.
To stretch your budget even further, set up price alerts and explore flights from alternative airports. Shoulder seasons give you the chance to travel smart without compromising on the experience.
Price Tracking Tools and Services
Keeping an eye on price drops can help you snag the best flight deals. Today’s tracking tools have changed the game, making it easier than ever to save big on airfare. In fact, travelers saved an average of $297 per trip in 2024 by using these tools.
Setting Up Price Alerts
Price tracking tools work by monitoring flight routes and detecting price shifts, sometimes as much as 40% within just a few hours. Here’s how to make the most of them:
- Set alerts as soon as your travel dates are decided.
- Track flights from multiple airports.
- Enable mobile notifications to catch deals quickly – this can help you find 22% more deals.
Travelers who use price alerts tend to book their flights 31 days earlier on average, often securing deals on Tuesday mornings. For even more convenience, subscription services like Dollar Flight Club offer personalized deal alerts to streamline the process.
Dollar Flight Club Features
Dollar Flight Club has helped over 3 million members save an average of $500 per ticket. It offers several membership options, each designed to fit different needs:
| Feature | Basic (Free) | Premium ($69/year) | Premium+ ($99/year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deal Frequency | 1-3 weekly | Daily deals | Daily deals |
| Flight Types | Domestic economy | Domestic & international | All classes, including business |
| Departure Airports | 1 airport | 4 airports | 4+ airports |
| SMS Alerts | No | No | Yes |
| Travel Perks | Basic | Enhanced | $1,000+ in savings |
This service specializes in uncovering flash sales, error fares, and significant price drops. For instance, one member managed to book a Philadelphia-to-Barcelona flight for just $380 using points.
Real-time tracking through services like these can lead to even greater savings – international flights, for example, average 37% in savings, with European routes offering up to 43% more savings compared to Asia Pacific destinations.
Conclusion: Key Steps for Finding Cheap Flights
Timing, flexibility, and diligent tracking can make a world of difference when it comes to saving on airfare. As we’ve explored, these strategies consistently help travelers cut costs on both domestic and international flights.
Flying midweek is often a great way to lower ticket prices, while Saturday flights are typically the most economical choice for domestic trips. Seasonal changes also play a big role – winter flights tend to be more affordable, whereas summer usually brings higher prices.
To build on earlier tips about booking windows and ideal travel days, here are a few additional strategies to keep in mind:
- Choosing flights with layovers can often save you up to 25%.
- Use price alert tools like Dollar Flight Club to stay informed about major discounts.
- Explore departures from multiple nearby airports to uncover unexpected deals.
Ultimately, the key to finding cheap flights is staying flexible with your travel plans and keeping a close eye on price trends using trusted tracking tools.
FAQs
How can I use price tracking tools to find the cheapest flights?
To score the best flight deals, start by setting up price alerts through trusted platforms like Google Flights or Skyscanner. Simply input your departure and destination airports, travel dates, and any specific preferences. These tools will notify you whenever ticket prices go up or down, so you don’t have to keep checking manually.
If your schedule is flexible, take advantage of features that track fares across a range of dates. Being open to different travel days can often lead to better savings. For instance, Google Flights’ price tracking feature can notify you of major fare drops, helping you lock in the best price at the right moment. These tools are a great way to save both time and money while ensuring you get the lowest possible airfare.
What are shoulder seasons, and why are they great for finding cheaper flights?
Shoulder seasons fall between peak travel times and the quieter off-peak periods. These windows, often in spring and fall, come with some fantastic perks: smaller crowds, pleasant weather, and more affordable prices on flights and accommodations. In fact, you could save as much as 30% compared to peak travel periods.
Choosing to travel during shoulder seasons isn’t just about saving money. It’s also a chance to experience popular destinations in a more relaxed setting, free from the overwhelming crowds of peak tourist months. If you’re aiming to strike the perfect balance between cost, comfort, and a memorable experience, this is the way to go.
Why does being flexible with your travel dates and airports help you save money on flights?
Being open to adjusting your travel dates and choosing alternative airports can make a big difference in how much you spend on airfare. Airlines often tweak their prices based on demand, which means flying on less popular days – like Tuesdays or Wednesdays – or during off-peak seasons can lead to noticeably lower ticket prices compared to weekends or holiday periods.
Likewise, checking flights from nearby airports can help you save even more. Smaller or less busy airports often offer cheaper fares due to lower demand or competition among airlines. Expanding your search to include these options increases your chances of snagging a great deal and keeping your travel expenses in check.
