This Is The Best Time Of Day To Book A Flight

Trying to catch a good deal on a flight can feel like gambling. You’re betting that you’ve found the best price you can, but there’s no way to know what the stakes really are. If you wait, a flight you really want could sell out or the price could go up. If you book now, you could miss out on a better deal later on.

If you want to maximize your chances of getting the best price for airfare, we recommend setting your alarm early. Read on for more about the best time of day to book a flight, as well as other timing-related tricks for getting a good deal on tickets.

The Best Time Of Day To Book Flights

Check prices first thing in the mornings for the best deals on flights. This is when airlines often release new flights with lower prices. Fare changes can also happen overnight and still be around early in the morning. Be aware that these lower prices may not last for long, as airlines will start to increase the price of airfare based on demand.

Don’t expect good deals to appear as if by magic, either. Setting price alerts with services like Kayak, Expedia, Google Flights, and Price Line may help you snag a better deal, which may appear at any time of day. Flexibility also helps if you can’t find a good price—for instance, it’s usually cheapest to fly on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday rather than the weekend.

We’ve got more tips for getting good prices on airfare below.

How Far In Advance To Book

While deals can drop any time, flight trackers do provide insights on how far in advance to book a flight for the best price. According to 2024 data from Google Flights, domestic flights are the least expensive 38 days before departure on average, though the best price can appear from three weeks to two months before a given flight. International flights should be booked further in advance. They are cheapest 101 days in advance on average, then start to go up in price once your trip is within 50 days.

This can all vary based on your destination, however. It’s a good idea to sign up for a travel alert with price forecasting data for your particular flight.

Best Day Of The Week To Book

While Tuesdays used to be the best day of the week to book a flight, that isn’t exactly the case anymore. You should buy your tickets as soon as you find a reasonable price, especially if a flight is filling up. According to Google Flights, there isn’t enough difference in price to make it worth holding out: “While Tuesday has historically been the cheapest day to book, it’s only 1.3% cheaper than the most expensive day, Sunday.”

Be Ready To Change Your Travel Plans

As we’ve already mentioned, flexibility really pays off if you’re serious about getting an incredible deal on airfare. Airlines often send out last-minute deals for tickets if you can travel at a moment’s notice. If not, consider flying on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday or during less popular times like early in the morning or late at night. Visit family before or after a holiday week instead of during peak travel days. Be open to switching to an airport that’s just a little farther away, or consider a similar destination that has better deals on offer. All of these tips are going to make the biggest impact on the cost of your trip.