The Best Times and Days to Book the Cheapest Flights

03 Jan 2025

Many travelers have faced this scenario: you find a flight at a great price today, but when you check again tomorrow, the fare has doubled—frustrating, right? This isn’t random; flight prices fluctuate based on timing and demand. So, when is the best time to book flights to get the lowest fares? Let’s uncover the secrets, from the best days to book flights to the cheapest days to fly, so you can save big on your next trip!

The Best Days to Book Flights

Choosing the right day to book flights can save you up to 20-30%! Here's a breakdown of the best time to book flights and the days that offer the best value.

Tuesday: The Best Day to Book Flights

Wondering which day offers the lowest fares? Statistics show that Tuesday is often the best day to book flights. Airlines typically release promotions and adjust prices at the start of the week. Plus, fewer people book tickets on Tuesdays as they’re busy with work, prompting airlines to offer special deals to boost sales.

Wednesday-Thursday: Strong Alternatives

If you miss out on Tuesday, don’t worry! Wednesday and Thursday are great alternatives. After launching Tuesday promotions, airlines may extend lower fares into midweek if bookings fall short of targets. Additionally, fewer people fly midweek compared to weekends, keeping demand—and prices—lower. Expect savings of around 15-20% compared to peak days. By targeting these days, you can unlock significant savings and make the most of the cheapest days to fly!

The Best Times to Book Flights

To find the best time to book flights, it’s crucial to understand how airlines manage ticket pricing. Flight systems update multiple times daily, adjusting prices based on seat availability, demand, and market trends.

Early Morning (12:01 AM - 3:00 AM): The Golden Hour for Cheap Prices

The best time to book flights often falls just after midnight. Between 12:01 AM and 3:00 AM, airlines reset their systems, releasing unclaimed discounted seats and updating special fares. Since fewer people book flights at this hour, competition is minimal, giving you a higher chance of scoring cheaper tickets. Night owls browsing late often find the best deals during this golden window.

Late Morning (10:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Second Best Opportunity

Another prime time to book is mid-morning, around 10 to 11 AM. By this time, airlines assess early booking trends and may release new promotions to boost sales if demand is low. Marketing teams often update fares during this period, making it a second chance to grab discounted tickets.

Times and Days to Avoid When Booking Flights

Knowing when not to book can be just as important as knowing the best time to book flights. Avoid these peak times to save money.

Days to Avoid

• Friday to Sunday: Prices can soar by 20-30% due to high travel demand.
• Days before public holidays: Ticket prices spike as travelers prepare for long weekends.
• Major festivals: Events like New Year, Songkran, or Lunar New Year drive prices even higher.

Times to Avoid

• Evenings (5:00 PM - 7:00 PM): After work hours, flight searches peak, driving up demand and prices.
• Late Nights (10:00 PM - 11:59 PM): Prices tend to peak just before systems reset for the next day. By avoiding these high-demand periods and targeting off-peak booking times, you can maximize your chances of securing flights on the cheapest days to fly!

Tips to Find the Cheapest Flights

Booking flights at the right time can lead to significant savings. Here are actionable tactics to secure the best time to book flights, identify the cheapest days to fly, and maximize value.

• Book in Advance
Domestic Flights: Book 30-45 days ahead.
International Flights: Reserve 60-90 days in advance.
During Holidays: Plan early and book 90-120 days ahead to avoid peak prices.

• Be Flexible with Travel Dates: If your travel dates are flexible, compare prices for 2-3 days before and after your intended departure. Small date adjustments can unlock much lower fares. For weekend trips, consider returning late on Saturday instead of Sunday to save up to 30-40%.
• Explore Alternative Airlines: Don’t limit yourself to one airline. Compare fares from budget airlines or alternative carriers, as they often offer better deals.
• Choose Secondary Airports: Flying into smaller airports can cut costs. For example, instead of landing at London Heathrow, fly to Manchester and take a train into the city, which could be more budget-friendly overall.
• Use Frequent Flyer Programs: Join airline loyalty programs to accumulate miles. Over time, you can redeem these for discounted or free flights.
• Browse in Incognito Mode: When searching for flights, use incognito mode or clear cookies to prevent price hikes. Airlines track search history, and frequent searches can trigger higher fares.
• Follow Airlines on Social Media: Stay updated on promotions by following airlines’ social media pages. Flash deals are often announced there first.
• Use All-in-One Platforms: Leverage travel platforms like Gother for flight bookings and other travel services. We bring together promotions from all airlines and credit cards to ensure you get the best deals.

Key Factors That Can Increase Prices

Even when you book at the best time to book flights, external factors can impact prices, such as:
• Special Festivals or Events: Prices spike during popular local events, concerts, or holidays.
• High Season: Peak tourist seasons with great weather often mean higher demand and prices.

By planning ahead, staying flexible, and using the right tools, you can find the best days to book flights and fly smart without breaking the bank.

Factors That Cause Flight Prices to Fluctuate

Have you ever wondered why flight prices can be so unpredictable—cheap one moment and sky-high the next? Several factors impact ticket prices. Let’s break down the key reasons and how they tie into the best time to book flights.

Route Distance and Popularity

While it may seem obvious that longer flights cost more, route popularity also plays a major role. For example, a Bangkok-Phuket flight during peak season can cost more than a longer international route because of high demand. Popular destinations tend to have higher prices, especially during peak travel periods.

Timing is Everything

Flight timing affects prices significantly. For instance, flights that arrive in Europe early in the morning often cost more than late-night options because travelers prefer starting their day right away. The more convenient the schedule, the higher the price. This highlights why understanding the best time to book flights can lead to better savings.

Airline Competition

Ever noticed some routes are surprisingly affordable? That’s because competition drives prices down. Routes with multiple airlines competing for customers often offer cheaper fares. On the other hand, routes dominated by only one or two airlines tend to be more expensive due to limited options.

Booking Timeframe

Airlines divide seats into pricing tiers, starting from the lowest fares and increasing as tickets sell out. The earlier you book, the better your chances of grabbing cheaper seats. This is why booking in advance aligns with finding the cheapest days to fly and ensures better savings. Booking cheap flights isn’t as difficult as it seems. With the right timing, planning, and a few smart strategies, you can save more than you expect. Flight prices fluctuate constantly, so tracking fares regularly and acting fast when you spot a good deal is key to securing the best time to book flights. Remember, saving on flights means more money for shopping, enjoying local cuisine, or even funding your next adventure. Knowing the best day to book flights and the cheapest days to fly can make all the difference in maximizing your travel budget!