What Are the Cheapest Days of the Week to Book Flights?

Booking a flight can feel like a gamble. One day the price is low, the next it spikes, and it can leave you stressing over your travel budget. Over time, I’ve learned that the day you book your flight matters more than you might think, and knowing the right strategies can save you hundreds of dollars.

I experienced this firsthand on a trip to South Carolina for a wedding. I was looking at flights on a Friday, and the cost was over $500. By simply shifting my search to Thursday, the price dropped by $300. That small change made a huge difference for my weekend trip and perfectly illustrates why timing your booking strategically can save you big money.

Why the Day You Book Matters

Airline pricing is complex. Airlines use dynamic pricing algorithms that adjust constantly based on demand, seasonality, seat availability, and even your browsing history. While it can feel unpredictable, data from multiple travel studies consistently shows that some days of the week are cheaper than others for booking flights.

The Cheapest Days to Book Flights

Tuesday and Wednesday

Historically the most affordable days to book flights.
Airlines often release deals on Monday evenings, and competitors adjust their pricing on Tuesday, creating opportunities to find lower fares.
Wednesday can also offer great deals as midweek demand is generally lower.

Thursday

Slightly more expensive than Tuesday or Wednesday but often cheaper than weekends.
Ideal for last-minute deals if you’re flexible and want to grab a midweek bargain.

Avoid Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays

These are peak browsing and booking days, as most people plan trips over the weekend.
Airlines know demand is higher, so fares are often elevated.

The Best Time to Book

Domestic flights: Booking 1 to 3 months in advance generally yields the lowest fares. Keep in mind that prices can fluctuate week to week, so checking fares regularly can help you spot a good deal.
International flights: Booking 2 to 6 months in advance is ideal for most destinations. Popular holidays and peak travel seasons may require booking even earlier to lock in the best price.
Off-peak hours: Searching for flights early in the morning or late at night often results in slightly lower fares than daytime searches. Airlines sometimes release deals or adjust prices during these times, so it’s worth checking multiple times of day.

Extra Tips to Save on Flights

Tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Hopper can track fares for your route and alert you when prices drop. This allows you to snag deals without constantly checking manually.

Airlines and booking sites may adjust prices based on your browsing history. Searching in a private window helps you see unbiased fares.

Flying into smaller or alternative airports near your destination can save hundreds of dollars and sometimes reduce travel stress.

Bundled deals aren’t always cheaper. Compare booking flights and accommodations independently to find the best overall price.

Budget carriers, legacy airlines, and aggregator apps often have different pricing and promotions. A quick comparison can uncover unexpected savings.

Adding a short layover instead of booking a nonstop flight can significantly reduce the cost. Sometimes a slightly longer travel time is worth a substantial fare drop.

If you want more tips and strategies for booking smarter, check out How to Save Money on Your Next Trip and Flight.

In The End!

The secret to saving money on flights is simple: book midweek, plan ahead, and stay flexible. Shifting your search just a day or two can lead to substantial savings, as I discovered on my South Carolina trip. Combine timing strategies with price alerts, flexible airports, and careful comparison shopping, and you’ll consistently find better deals, leaving you more money to enjoy your destination.

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