Flag Position

Back

Image credits - Finding the perfect flight deal

When it comes to booking flights, there's an abundance of advice floating around about the best day and time to secure the ultimate deal. You may have heard that Tuesdays are the golden ticket, or perhaps it's Sundays. In reality, these recommendations are often based on outdated information and myths that have perpetuated over time. So, let's set aside these assumptions and dive into the data from two recent studies to reveal the truth about the best day and timing for booking flights. ![finding-the-perfect-flight-deal-1.png](https://cdn.travelisimo.com/finding_the_perfect_flight_deal_1_b4dfe8be6c) ##### Credits: Finding the perfect flight deal - - - ## The Myth of the Ideal booking day Historically, travelers were told to book flights on Tuesdays for the best bargains. A decade ago, this advice held some weight as airlines frequently launched new sales on Tuesdays, prompting competitors to match prices. However, this landscape has shifted significantly. Airlines no longer limit their sales to Tuesdays, and they don't always follow each other's pricing strategies. Today, the best day to book flights depends on which study you consult. According to Expedia, Sunday reigns as the cheapest day to book flights. When comparing Sunday prices to Friday, they discovered travelers save 5% on domestic flights and a whopping 15% on international flights. In fact, for the past four years, Sunday has consistently been the top day to snag flight deals. On the flip side, Google's study suggests that flights on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are, on average, 1.9% cheaper than those on Saturdays and Sundays. However, their conclusion states that there isn't a significant advantage in purchasing tickets on any specific day of the week. We concur with this perspective; the best day to book flights is the day when a great deal appears, and that can happen any day of the week. ## The optimal booking timing When it comes to booking international flights, Expedia's research recommends securing your tickets at least six months in advance. Booking this far ahead can lead to an average savings of 10% compared to booking two months or less before your departure date. For flights to Europe, Google suggests the sweet spot is around 129 days before departure, but this range can extend from 50 to 179 days out. For trips to Mexico and the Caribbean, the optimal booking window is approximately 59 days ahead, with prices varying between 37 and 87 days before departure. Booking international flights well in advance has additional benefits. You can take advantage of potential price drops. While basic economy fares are typically non-changeable, many U.S. airlines now offer flexibility with standard economy fares. This means you can lock in a reasonable deal ahead of time and keep an eye out for fare reductions. If the price does drop, you can change your flight and receive a voucher for the price difference. While it's not cash, this voucher can be used to offset future travel costs. For domestic flights, you don't need to plan as far ahead. Expedia suggests that the optimal booking window is 28 to 35 days before departure, while Google found that prices tend to hit rock bottom at around 44 days out. However, both studies emphasize that waiting until the last minute is not advisable; aim to book at least 21 days in advance. ## The elusive "best day" dilemma Let's be clear: the best day to buy airline tickets is when the price is right. Imagine if airlines consistently offered their best deals on the same day of the week – it's highly unlikely. Airlines adjust their fares based on demand, route popularity, and seat availability. Sometimes, airlines launch sales to fill newly launched routes or flights with empty seats, resulting in incredible discounts. We've witnessed this when Norse Atlantic Airways introduced flights to Europe for as little as $120 each way. So, instead of obsessing over finding the perfect day, focus on using tools and tracking services to unearth the best flight prices. The key is flexibility and vigilance. Once you've booked a flight, keep monitoring prices for drops, especially if you've selected a fare with no change fees. This strategy can lead to substantial savings on your future flights. ![finding-the-perfect-flight-deal-2.png](https://cdn.travelisimo.com/finding_the_perfect_flight_deal_2_14ae87f3c5) ##### Credits: Finding the perfect flight deal - - - ## Cracking the code for cheap flights Now that we've dispelled the myth of the "best day to book flights," let's delve into practical ways you can score affordable airfare: - Book changeable flights and rebook: Many U.S. airlines have eliminated change fees on standard economy tickets and higher fare classes. This means you can book early and take advantage of price drops by rebooking at a lower rate. - Capital one travel price drop protection: If you're a qualifying Capital One credit cardholder, you have a powerful tool at your disposal. Capital One Travel partners with Hopper to analyze flight prices daily, predicting the best times to book. If their tool recommends booking, you're eligible for free price drop protection, which could earn you up to a $50 credit if prices decrease within a specified time frame. - Google price guarantee: Google has introduced a Price Guarantee pilot program for selected Book on Google itineraries. If you book a Price Guarantee itinerary through Book on Google and the price drops, Google will refund the difference in Google Pay. - Track flight prices: You can track flight prices for potential drops using tools like Google Flights' price tracking or Capital One Travel's price watch. - Subscribe to flight deal services: If you're flexible about your destination and travel dates, consider subscribing to flight deal services like Going (formerly Scott's Cheap Flights), FareDrop, Thrifty Traveler Premium, or Dollar Flight Club. They'll notify you when there are cheap flights departing from your preferred airports. - Scoring last-minute deals: While last-minute flight deals aren't common due to rising fares as the departure date approaches, you can still explore some strategies. These include considering alternate airports, embracing less popular flight times, being open to connecting flights, and using Google Flights' Explore tool for spontaneous trips. ![finding-the-perfect-flight-deal-3.png](https://cdn.travelisimo.com/finding_the_perfect_flight_deal_3_64333eb127) ##### Credits: Finding the perfect flight deal - - - The quest for cheap flights has evolved beyond finding the "perfect day" to book. Instead, it's about using the right tools, staying flexible, and being vigilant to seize the best deals when they appear. So, don't get bogged down by myths and outdated advice. Embrace these strategies, and you'll be well on your way to scoring fantastic flight bargains. After purchasing your flight tickets, book your hotels and activities on [Travelisimo](https://travelisimo.com/), we have everything you need in one place!

5 min reading time

Editorial Travelisimo

Sun May 05 2024

5 min reading time

Sun May 05 2024

Unlocking the secrets to find the perfect flight deal

Guide
Info
Travel

Share:

When it comes to booking flights, there's an abundance of advice floating around about the best day and time to secure the ultimate deal. You may have heard that Tuesdays are the golden ticket, or perhaps it's Sundays. In reality, these recommendations are often based on outdated information and myths that have perpetuated over time. So, let's set aside these assumptions and dive into the data from two recent studies to reveal the truth about the best day and timing for booking flights.

finding-the-perfect-flight-deal-1.png

Credits: Finding the perfect flight deal

The Myth of the Ideal booking day

Historically, travelers were told to book flights on Tuesdays for the best bargains. A decade ago, this advice held some weight as airlines frequently launched new sales on Tuesdays, prompting competitors to match prices. However, this landscape has shifted significantly. Airlines no longer limit their sales to Tuesdays, and they don't always follow each other's pricing strategies.

Today, the best day to book flights depends on which study you consult. According to Expedia, Sunday reigns as the cheapest day to book flights. When comparing Sunday prices to Friday, they discovered travelers save 5% on domestic flights and a whopping 15% on international flights. In fact, for the past four years, Sunday has consistently been the top day to snag flight deals.

On the flip side, Google's study suggests that flights on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are, on average, 1.9% cheaper than those on Saturdays and Sundays. However, their conclusion states that there isn't a significant advantage in purchasing tickets on any specific day of the week. We concur with this perspective; the best day to book flights is the day when a great deal appears, and that can happen any day of the week.

The optimal booking timing

When it comes to booking international flights, Expedia's research recommends securing your tickets at least six months in advance. Booking this far ahead can lead to an average savings of 10% compared to booking two months or less before your departure date. For flights to Europe, Google suggests the sweet spot is around 129 days before departure, but this range can extend from 50 to 179 days out. For trips to Mexico and the Caribbean, the optimal booking window is approximately 59 days ahead, with prices varying between 37 and 87 days before departure.

Booking international flights well in advance has additional benefits. You can take advantage of potential price drops. While basic economy fares are typically non-changeable, many U.S. airlines now offer flexibility with standard economy fares. This means you can lock in a reasonable deal ahead of time and keep an eye out for fare reductions. If the price does drop, you can change your flight and receive a voucher for the price difference. While it's not cash, this voucher can be used to offset future travel costs.

For domestic flights, you don't need to plan as far ahead. Expedia suggests that the optimal booking window is 28 to 35 days before departure, while Google found that prices tend to hit rock bottom at around 44 days out. However, both studies emphasize that waiting until the last minute is not advisable; aim to book at least 21 days in advance.

The elusive "best day" dilemma

Let's be clear: the best day to buy airline tickets is when the price is right. Imagine if airlines consistently offered their best deals on the same day of the week – it's highly unlikely. Airlines adjust their fares based on demand, route popularity, and seat availability.

Sometimes, airlines launch sales to fill newly launched routes or flights with empty seats, resulting in incredible discounts. We've witnessed this when Norse Atlantic Airways introduced flights to Europe for as little as $120 each way.

So, instead of obsessing over finding the perfect day, focus on using tools and tracking services to unearth the best flight prices. The key is flexibility and vigilance. Once you've booked a flight, keep monitoring prices for drops, especially if you've selected a fare with no change fees. This strategy can lead to substantial savings on your future flights.

finding-the-perfect-flight-deal-2.png

Credits: Finding the perfect flight deal

Cracking the code for cheap flights

Now that we've dispelled the myth of the "best day to book flights," let's delve into practical ways you can score affordable airfare:

  • Book changeable flights and rebook: Many U.S. airlines have eliminated change fees on standard economy tickets and higher fare classes. This means you can book early and take advantage of price drops by rebooking at a lower rate.

  • Capital one travel price drop protection: If you're a qualifying Capital One credit cardholder, you have a powerful tool at your disposal. Capital One Travel partners with Hopper to analyze flight prices daily, predicting the best times to book. If their tool recommends booking, you're eligible for free price drop protection, which could earn you up to a $50 credit if prices decrease within a specified time frame.

  • Google price guarantee: Google has introduced a Price Guarantee pilot program for selected Book on Google itineraries. If you book a Price Guarantee itinerary through Book on Google and the price drops, Google will refund the difference in Google Pay.

  • Track flight prices: You can track flight prices for potential drops using tools like Google Flights' price tracking or Capital One Travel's price watch.

  • Subscribe to flight deal services: If you're flexible about your destination and travel dates, consider subscribing to flight deal services like Going (formerly Scott's Cheap Flights), FareDrop, Thrifty Traveler Premium, or Dollar Flight Club. They'll notify you when there are cheap flights departing from your preferred airports.

  • Scoring last-minute deals: While last-minute flight deals aren't common due to rising fares as the departure date approaches, you can still explore some strategies. These include considering alternate airports, embracing less popular flight times, being open to connecting flights, and using Google Flights' Explore tool for spontaneous trips.

finding-the-perfect-flight-deal-3.png

Credits: Finding the perfect flight deal

The quest for cheap flights has evolved beyond finding the "perfect day" to book. Instead, it's about using the right tools, staying flexible, and being vigilant to seize the best deals when they appear. So, don't get bogged down by myths and outdated advice. Embrace these strategies, and you'll be well on your way to scoring fantastic flight bargains. After purchasing your flight tickets, book your hotels and activities on Travelisimo, we have everything you need in one place!

Home

Menu

Contact