How Far in Advance Should I Book Flights for the Best Price?

Booking a flight at the right time can save you a significant amount of money. Whether you're planning a vacation or a business trip, knowing when to book can help you get the best deals. Airlines use complex pricing algorithms, and fares fluctuate based on demand, seasonality, and competition. In this guide, we’ll explore how far in advance you should book a flight, whether prices drop closer to departure, and the best days to book for maximum savings.

Do Prices Go Down Closer to the Flight Date?

A common myth is that waiting until the last minute will get you the best deal. While airlines occasionally lower prices just before departure to fill empty seats, this is rare. In most cases, ticket prices increase as the departure date approaches.

Here’s why:

• Increased Demand: As more seats are sold, airlines raise prices for the remaining ones.
• Business Travelers: Airlines target last-minute bookings for business travelers who are willing to pay higher fares.
• Limited Availability: As flights fill up, the cheapest seats disappear first, leaving only premium-priced tickets.

While last-minute deals exist, they are more common for flexible travelers who don’t mind where or when they fly. For popular destinations or peak seasons, waiting too long can result in paying a premium.

How Many Days Before Should You Book a Flight for the Best Price?

The best time to book a flight varies based on the type of travel and destination. Here’s a general guideline:

Domestic Flights

• The best time to book is 1 to 3 months before departure.
• Prices start increasing significantly 2-3 weeks before the flight.
• The cheapest days to book are typically Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

International Flights

• The best time to book is 2 to 6 months before departure.
• Peak seasons (summer, holidays) may require booking 6 to 8 months in advance.
• Midweek flights (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) are often cheaper than weekend flights.

For both domestic and international flights, booking too early (more than a year ahead) can be as expensive as booking too late. Airlines release tickets at standard fares, and discounts usually appear a few months before departure.

Is Booking a Flight 6 Months in Advance Too Early?

Booking 6 months in advance is not necessarily too early, but it depends on the destination and season:

• For international flights, 6 months in advance is often ideal, especially for peak seasons.
• For domestic flights, booking too early may mean missing out on potential fare drops.
• For budget airlines, early booking can secure the lowest fares since these airlines typically offer cheaper seats first.

However, booking too far in advance (more than 8-12 months) may result in paying higher fares since airlines haven’t yet released discounted seats.

What Day is the Cheapest to Book a Flight?

The day you book can impact how much you pay for your flight. Research suggests that:

• Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the cheapest days to book flights.
• Weekends (especially Sundays) tend to have higher prices.
• Midweek flights (Tuesday-Thursday departures) are often cheaper than flying on Fridays or Sundays.

While booking on a Tuesday won’t always guarantee the lowest fare, airlines often release discounts on Monday evenings, making Tuesday morning a great time to check prices.

Additional Tips for Booking Flights at the Best Price

1. Set Price Alerts: Use tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Hopper to track fare changes.
2. Be Flexible with Dates: Flying midweek or during off-peak hours can lead to savings.
3. Use Incognito Mode: Some believe airlines track searches and raise prices, so browsing in incognito mode may help.
4. Consider Nearby Airports: Checking flights from nearby airports can sometimes yield cheaper fares.
5. Book Refundable Tickets When Possible: If prices drop, you can cancel and rebook at a lower rate.

Conclusion

The best time to book a flight depends on your destination, flexibility, and travel dates. Generally, booking domestic flights 1 to 3 months in advance and international flights 2 to 6 months ahead will get you the best prices. While last-minute deals do exist, they are unpredictable. Tuesdays and Wednesdays remain the best days to book flights, but setting price alerts and being flexible with dates will give you the best chance of finding a great deal.