When it comes to finding the best deals on flights, timing is everything. The day of the week, time of day, and even the time of year can all have a big impact on the price of your ticket.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at the best day and time to book flights, so you can save money on your next trip. We'll also provide some tips for finding the best deals on flights, even if you're traveling during peak season.
So, when should you book your flight? The answer depends on a number of factors, including your destination, travel dates, and budget. But there are some general guidelines you can follow to increase your chances of finding a good deal.
Best Day and Time to Book Flights
Here are 8 important points to keep in mind:
- Book in advance: The earlier you book, the better your chances of getting a good deal.
- Consider off-peak times: Avoid traveling during peak season if possible.
- Be flexible with your travel dates: If you can, try to fly on a weekday or Saturday instead of a Sunday.
- Fly at odd hours: Flights that depart or arrive early in the morning or late at night are often cheaper.
- Compare prices from different airlines: Use a flight search engine to compare prices from different airlines.
- Sign up for airfare alerts: Many airlines and travel websites offer airfare alerts that will notify you when prices drop.
- Consider budget airlines: Budget airlines often offer lower fares than traditional airlines.
- Book connecting flights: Connecting flights can sometimes be cheaper than non-stop flights.
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of finding the best deals on flights.
Book in advance: The earlier you book, the better your chances of getting a good deal.
When it comes to booking flights, the early bird gets the worm. The earlier you book your flight, the more likely you are to find a good deal. This is because airlines release their cheapest tickets first, and the closer you get to the departure date, the more expensive the tickets become.
- Book at least 21 days in advance: According to a study by CheapAir.com, the best time to book a domestic flight is 21 days in advance. For international flights, the best time to book is 47 days in advance.
- Be flexible with your travel dates: If you can, try to book your flight on a weekday or Saturday instead of a Sunday. Flights on weekdays and Saturdays are often cheaper than flights on Sundays.
- Consider flying at odd hours: Flights that depart or arrive early in the morning or late at night are often cheaper than flights that depart or arrive during peak hours.
- Book your flight during the off-season: If you can, try to travel during the off-season for your destination. The off-season is typically the shoulder season, which is the time between the peak season and the low season.
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of finding the best deals on flights, even if you're traveling during peak season.
Consider off-peak times: Avoid traveling during peak season if possible.
Peak season is the time of year when a destination is most popular with tourists. This is typically during the summer months in the Northern Hemisphere and the winter months in the Southern Hemisphere. During peak season, prices for flights and accommodations are typically higher, and crowds are larger.
- Travel during the shoulder season: The shoulder season is the time between the peak season and the low season. This is typically in the spring and fall in the Northern Hemisphere and the spring and autumn in the Southern Hemisphere. During the shoulder season, prices for flights and accommodations are typically lower, and crowds are smaller.
- Travel during the low season: The low season is the time of year when a destination is least popular with tourists. This is typically during the winter months in the Northern Hemisphere and the summer months in the Southern Hemisphere. During the low season, prices for flights and accommodations are typically the lowest, but some attractions and businesses may be closed.
- Be flexible with your travel dates: If you can, try to avoid traveling on holidays and weekends. Flights and accommodations are typically more expensive on these days.
- Consider traveling to a less popular destination: If you're looking for a good deal on flights and accommodations, consider traveling to a less popular destination. There are many hidden gems out there that are just waiting to be discovered.
By following these tips, you can save money on your next trip and avoid the crowds.
Be flexible with your travel dates: If you can, try to fly on a weekday or Saturday instead of a Sunday.
The day of the week you fly can also have a big impact on the price of your ticket. In general, flights on weekdays and Saturdays are cheaper than flights on Sundays. This is because business travelers are more likely to fly on weekdays, and leisure travelers are more likely to fly on weekends. If you're flexible with your travel dates, try to fly on a weekday or Saturday to save money.
- Flights on Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often the cheapest: According to a study by CheapAir.com, the cheapest days to fly domestically are Tuesdays and Wednesdays. For international flights, the cheapest days to fly are Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.
- Flights on Sundays are often the most expensive: Sundays are the most popular day to fly, so flights on this day are often the most expensive. If you can, avoid flying on a Sunday if you want to save money.
- Be flexible with your departure and arrival times: If you're flexible with your departure and arrival times, you may be able to find a cheaper flight. For example, flights that depart or arrive early in the morning or late at night are often cheaper than flights that depart or arrive during peak hours.
- Consider flying into a smaller airport: If there is a smaller airport near your destination, consider flying into that airport instead of the main airport. Flights into smaller airports are often cheaper, and you may be able to find a better deal on a rental car or other transportation.
By following these tips, you can save money on your next flight and have more flexibility with your travel plans.
Fly at odd hours: Flights that depart or arrive early in the morning or late at night are often cheaper.
If you're flexible with your travel schedule, you can save money on your flights by flying at odd hours. Flights that depart or arrive early in the morning (before 6am) or late at night (after 10pm) are often cheaper than flights that depart or arrive during peak hours (between 7am and 9am, and between 5pm and 7pm). This is because most people prefer to fly during peak hours, so airlines can charge more for these flights.
- Be prepared for less selection: Flights at odd hours may have less selection, so you may not be able to get your ideal seat or flight time. However, if you're willing to be flexible, you can often find a good deal on a flight at an odd hour.
- Consider flying on a red-eye flight: Red-eye flights are flights that depart late at night and arrive early the next morning. These flights are often the cheapest, but they can also be the most tiring. If you're willing to sacrifice some sleep, you can save a lot of money by flying on a red-eye flight.
- Look for flights with long layovers: Flights with long layovers are often cheaper than non-stop flights. If you have the time, you can save money by booking a flight with a long layover. Just be sure to factor in the time you'll spend in the airport when planning your trip.
- Be flexible with your destination airport: If there is a smaller airport near your destination, consider flying into that airport instead of the main airport. Flights into smaller airports are often cheaper, and you may be able to find a better deal on a rental car or other transportation.
By following these tips, you can save money on your next flight, even if you're flying at an odd hour.
Compare prices from different airlines: Use a flight search engine to compare prices from different airlines.
Once you know when you want to fly, you can start comparing prices from different airlines. The best way to do this is to use a flight search engine. Flight search engines allow you to search for flights from multiple airlines at once, so you can easily compare prices and find the best deal.
When using a flight search engine, be sure to enter your travel dates and destination airport. You can also filter your search results by airline, price, departure and arrival times, and other factors. Once you've found a few flights that you're interested in, you can click on the links to visit the airline's website and book your flight.
Here are some of the most popular flight search engines:
- Google Flights
- Kayak
- Skyscanner
- Momondo
- Hipmunk
By using a flight search engine, you can save money on your next flight and find the best flight for your needs.
Here are some additional tips for comparing prices from different airlines:
- Check budget airlines: Budget airlines often offer lower fares than traditional airlines. However, be sure to read the terms and conditions carefully before booking a flight with a budget airline. Some budget airlines charge extra for things like checked bags, seat assignments, and in-flight snacks.
- Consider flying on a codeshare flight: A codeshare flight is a flight that is operated by one airline but marketed and sold by another airline. Codeshare flights can sometimes be cheaper than flights that are operated by the main airline.
- Be flexible with your travel dates and times: If you're flexible with your travel dates and times, you may be able to find a cheaper flight. For example, flights on weekdays and Saturdays are often cheaper than flights on Sundays. And flights that depart or arrive early in the morning or late at night are often cheaper than flights that depart or arrive during peak hours.
Sign up for airfare alerts: Many airlines and travel websites offer airfare alerts that will notify you when prices drop.
If you're flexible with your travel dates and times, you can sign up for airfare alerts to be notified when prices drop. Airfare alerts are offered by many airlines and travel websites. To sign up for an airfare alert, simply enter your email address and the dates and destination you're interested in. You will then receive an email notification when the price of a flight that meets your criteria drops.
- Set up alerts for multiple airlines and routes: You can set up airfare alerts for multiple airlines and routes. This way, you'll be notified of price drops on all of the flights you're interested in.
- Be specific with your search criteria: When you set up an airfare alert, be as specific as possible with your search criteria. This will help you to receive more relevant alerts.
- Check your email regularly: Once you've signed up for airfare alerts, be sure to check your email regularly. You don't want to miss out on a good deal because you didn't see the email notification.
- Be prepared to book quickly: When you receive an email notification about a price drop, be prepared to book your flight quickly. Good deals often sell out fast.
By following these tips, you can use airfare alerts to save money on your next flight.
Consider budget airlines: Budget airlines often offer lower fares than traditional airlines.
Budget airlines, also known as low-cost carriers, are airlines that offer lower fares than traditional airlines. Budget airlines typically have a no-frills approach to flying, which means that they may charge extra for things that are included in the price of a ticket on a traditional airline, such as checked bags, seat assignments, and in-flight snacks. However, budget airlines can still be a good option for travelers who are looking for a cheap flight.
Here are some of the most popular budget airlines:
- Southwest Airlines
- Spirit Airlines
- Frontier Airlines
- Allegiant Air
- easyJet
- Ryanair
- AirAsia
When flying on a budget airline, it's important to be aware of the following:
- Baggage fees: Budget airlines typically charge for checked bags. The fees can vary depending on the airline and the size and weight of the bag. Some budget airlines also charge for carry-on bags.
- Seat assignments: Budget airlines typically do not assign seats. Instead, passengers are assigned seats on a first-come, first-served basis. If you want to choose your seat, you will need to pay an extra fee.
- In-flight snacks and drinks: Budget airlines typically do not offer free in-flight snacks and drinks. You can purchase food and drinks on board, but the prices may be higher than what you would pay at a convenience store.
- Customer service: Budget airlines typically have less customer service than traditional airlines. This means that you may have to wait longer for assistance if you have a problem with your flight.
Despite these drawbacks, budget airlines can still be a good option for travelers who are looking for a cheap flight. If you're willing to sacrifice some amenities, you can save a lot of money by flying on a budget airline.
Here are some tips for flying on a budget airline:
- Pack light: To avoid paying baggage fees, pack light. If you can, try to bring only a carry-on bag.
- Choose your seat carefully: If you want to choose your seat, be sure to check in online or arrive at the airport early.
- Bring your own snacks and drinks: To save money, bring your own snacks and drinks on board. You can also purchase food and drinks at the airport before your flight.
- Be prepared for delays and cancellations: Budget airlines are more likely to experience delays and cancellations than traditional airlines. Be prepared for this and have a backup plan in case your flight is delayed or canceled.
Book connecting flights: Connecting flights can sometimes be cheaper than non-stop flights.
A connecting flight is a flight that has a stopover or layover between the departure airport and the destination airport. Connecting flights can sometimes be cheaper than non-stop flights, especially if you're flying on a budget airline. However, connecting flights can also be more time-consuming and inconvenient.
Here are some things to consider when booking a connecting flight:
- The length of the layover: Make sure you have enough time to stretch your legs, use the restroom, and grab a bite to eat during your layover. If your layover is too short, you may miss your connecting flight.
- The location of the layover: If you have a long layover, you may want to consider choosing a layover in a city that you're interested in exploring. This way, you can make the most of your travel time.
- The airline's policies: Some airlines offer free meals and drinks during long layovers. Others may charge for these amenities. Be sure to check the airline's policies before you book your flight.
- The risk of delays and cancellations: Connecting flights are more likely to be delayed or canceled than non-stop flights. This is because there are more opportunities for something to go wrong. If you're traveling on a tight schedule, you may want to consider booking a non-stop flight.
Overall, connecting flights can be a good option for travelers who are looking for a cheap flight. However, it's important to weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision.
Here are some tips for booking a connecting flight:
- Book your flights early: The earlier you book your flights, the more likely you are to find a good deal on a connecting flight.
- Be flexible with your travel dates and times: If you're flexible with your travel dates and times, you may be able to find a cheaper connecting flight.
- Consider flying on a budget airline: Budget airlines often offer lower fares on connecting flights than traditional airlines.
- Compare prices from different airlines: Use a flight search engine to compare prices from different airlines before you book your flight.
- Read the airline's policies carefully: Make sure you understand the airline's policies on baggage fees, seat assignments, and in-flight amenities before you book your flight.
FAQ
Have more questions about booking flights? Here are some frequently asked questions and answers:
Question 1: How far in advance should I book my flight?
Answer: It's best to book your flight at least 21 days in advance for domestic flights and 47 days in advance for international flights. However, the earlier you book, the better your chances of getting a good deal.
Question 2: What is the best day of the week to fly?
Answer: Tuesdays and Wednesdays are typically the cheapest days to fly. Sundays are typically the most expensive.
Question 3: What is the best time of day to fly?
Answer: Flights that depart or arrive early in the morning or late at night are often cheaper than flights that depart or arrive during peak hours.
Question 4: Should I consider flying on a budget airline?
Answer: Budget airlines often offer lower fares than traditional airlines. However, be aware that budget airlines typically charge extra for things like checked bags, seat assignments, and in-flight snacks.
Question 5: Can I save money by booking a connecting flight?
Answer: Connecting flights can sometimes be cheaper than non-stop flights. However, connecting flights can also be more time-consuming and inconvenient.
Question 6: What are some tips for finding the best deals on flights?
Answer: Here are a few tips for finding the best deals on flights:
- Book your flight early.
- Be flexible with your travel dates and times.
- Consider flying on a budget airline.
- Compare prices from different airlines.
- Sign up for airfare alerts.
We hope this FAQ has answered your questions about booking flights. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact your airline or travel agent.
In addition to the information in the FAQ, here are a few additional tips for booking flights:
Tips
Here are a few additional tips for booking flights:
Tip 1: Use a flight search engine.
Flight search engines allow you to search for flights from multiple airlines at once. This can save you a lot of time and hassle. When using a flight search engine, be sure to enter your travel dates and destination airport. You can also filter your search results by airline, price, departure and arrival times, and other factors.
Tip 2: Sign up for airfare alerts.
Airfare alerts can notify you when prices drop on flights that meet your criteria. This is a great way to save money on your next flight. To sign up for airfare alerts, simply enter your email address and the dates and destination you're interested in. You will then receive an email notification when the price of a flight that meets your criteria drops.
Tip 3: Be flexible with your travel dates and times.
If you're flexible with your travel dates and times, you may be able to find a cheaper flight. For example, flights on weekdays and Saturdays are often cheaper than flights on Sundays. And flights that depart or arrive early in the morning or late at night are often cheaper than flights that depart or arrive during peak hours.
Tip 4: Consider flying on a budget airline.
Budget airlines often offer lower fares than traditional airlines. However, be aware that budget airlines typically charge extra for things like checked bags, seat assignments, and in-flight snacks. If you're willing to sacrifice some amenities, you can save a lot of money by flying on a budget airline.
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of finding the best deals on flights.
Now that you know how to book a flight, it's time to start planning your trip. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Conclusion
Booking a flight can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. By following the tips in this article, you can increase your chances of finding the best deals on flights.
Here are some of the main points to remember:
- Book your flight early.
- Be flexible with your travel dates and times.
- Consider flying on a weekday or Saturday instead of a Sunday.
- Fly at odd hours.
- Compare prices from different airlines.
- Sign up for airfare alerts.
- Consider flying on a budget airline.
- Book connecting flights.
By following these tips, you can save money on your next flight and have a more enjoyable travel experience.
We hope this article has been helpful. Happy travels!