When it comes to booking the best flight, there has long been a myth that Tuesdays are the day to book airfare for the lowest price, with prices surging on weekends. However, recent analysis from Google published in 2022 found that the prices are only 1.9% cheaper on average when booking flights on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays rather than Saturdays or Sundays. Despite this, experts from both Hopper and Google Flights suggest that there is no specific day that is best to book a flight since the price difference is only marginal.
Although there have been studies suggesting that Sundays are the cheapest day to book flights, while Fridays are the most expensive, the best day to book remains uncertain. According to Expedia’s 2024 Air Travel Hacks report from September 2023, on average travelers saved up to 13% by booking flights on a Sunday. However, with the cost of flights from major U.S. airports increasing by 29% on average this year compared to 2021, any savings on airfare could make a significant difference in the overall cost.
Various factors influence the price point of flights, making it difficult to pinpoint the best day to book. Hayley Berg, Hopper’s lead economist, mentioned that while Tuesday was the cheapest day to book flights only 1% of the time in their analysis, the best price could be available on any day of the week. Berg advises booking in advance and using tools such as Hopper or Capital One Travel to monitor flight prices effectively. For domestic flights, booking one to three months in advance is recommended, with international flights ideally booked four to five months before departure to secure the best prices.
In addition to the day of the week you book your flight, the day you fly out also plays a significant role in the cost of airfare. Choosing a flight that departs in the middle of the week rather than on weekends can save travelers on average 18% on domestic summer airfare, according to Hopper. For international flights, departing on a Tuesday or Wednesday can save passengers $435 per ticket, further emphasizing the importance of selecting the right departure day. Google Flights also supports this data, showing that flights departing on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday are 12% cheaper on average than flights on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday.
With increasing airfare costs and a myriad of factors influencing pricing, the day and time to book a flight vary depending on the specific circumstances. It is recommended to book flights in advance and avoid last-minute bookings to secure the best prices. Expedia’s report reiterates the importance of booking domestic flights 28 days in advance to save on average 24% compared to last-minute bookings. Ultimately, while there may not be a definitive best day to book flights, opting for a mid-week departure could potentially result in savings for travelers looking to secure cheap airfare.
