When booking flights, finding the best deal can feel like a game of strategy. It’s not just about booking early or using the right booking site; it’s about understanding timing. Airlines, booking sites, and travel trends are constantly shifting, which means the price of flights can vary based on when you decide to book. If you want to save money on your next trip, knowing the best days and times to book flights can make all the difference.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the best days and times to book flights, helping you find discounted rates and save money on your travels.
Best Days to Book Flights
1. Tuesday and Wednesday Tuesday and Wednesday are widely considered the best days to book flights. According to multiple studies, airlines often release new fares and promotions on Monday evening or Tuesday morning. By Tuesday afternoon, competitors usually match these fares, making it the ideal time to find discounted flights.
Wednesdays are another great day to book because many airlines are trying to fill seats for the upcoming weekend. As a result, you might find lower fares and better availability. So, if you’re looking for deals, consider booking your flights mid-week.
2. Avoid Weekend Bookings If possible, avoid booking flights on weekends, especially Sundays. Many travelers tend to book flights over the weekend, causing prices to rise as airlines know demand will be higher. Airlines often hike prices in response to the increased demand over the weekend, so booking your flights earlier in the week can save you money.
Best Time of Day to Book Flights
1. Early Morning (5 AM to 7 AM) Booking flights early in the morning can be advantageous. Airlines release new fares and discounted prices overnight, and by the time you start browsing at 5 AM or 6 AM, you might find cheaper options available. Additionally, flights during these hours are often less crowded, which means you might score a better seat and have a smoother check-in experience.
2. Late Night (8 PM to 11 PM) Late-night flight searches can also be beneficial. By this time, airlines might adjust their prices based on demand and seat availability. Travelers who missed out on booking earlier in the day may have left unsold seats, which means you could benefit from last-minute deals.
Booking your flight later in the evening also allows you to track any price fluctuations throughout the day, helping you secure the best deal.
Use Booking Sites to Find the Best Deals
Booking sites like Skyscanner, Kayak, and Google Flights are excellent tools for finding discounted rates. These sites let you search for flights across multiple airlines, compare prices, and set up alerts for specific routes. Here’s how they can help:
- Skyscanner: Known for its flexibility, Skyscanner allows you to search for flights by month or entire year, showing you the cheapest days to fly.
- Google Flights: Offers a calendar view, allowing you to easily compare prices across different dates and see trends over time. You can also track prices for specific destinations and receive notifications when the price drops.
- Kayak: Kayak’s “Price Forecast” tool gives you advice on whether to book now or wait, helping you gauge the best times to book based on historical data.
Top Airlines for Discounted Flights
Some airlines are known for consistently offering lower fares, especially during certain booking windows. Consider the following airlines when looking for discounts:
- Southwest Airlines: Known for its budget-friendly fares and no-fee cancellation policy, Southwest frequently offers discounted flights, especially when booked in advance or during sales.
- JetBlue: JetBlue offers competitive pricing, especially on domestic routes, and frequently releases sales on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
- Delta Airlines: While Delta may not always be the cheapest option, it often offers deals during flash sales, particularly when booking mid-week.
- EasyJet: For European travel, EasyJet is a popular low-cost carrier that often has excellent deals, particularly for flights booked several weeks in advance.
Final Tips for Finding the Best Flight Deals
- Book Early: As a general rule, booking flights at least 6-8 weeks in advance can secure better prices, especially for international travel.
- Set Price Alerts: Many booking sites, including Skyscanner and Google Flights, allow you to set price alerts. This feature will notify you when prices drop for your desired destination, helping you book at the most opportune time.
- Flexible Dates: If your travel dates are flexible, use search tools that allow you to view prices across a range of days. Often, traveling a day or two earlier or later can save you hundreds of dollars.
