Planning a trip is exciting, but let’s be honest, booking flights can feel like a game of roulette. One minute, prices are sky-high; the next, they’ve dropped overnight, and you’re left wondering if you should’ve waited just one more day.
So when is the best time to book a flight? You’ve probably heard the generic advice: “Book six weeks in advance” or “Tuesdays are the cheapest days.” But here’s the truth: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best time to book a flight depends on when and where you’re traveling, and yes, even why you’re traveling.
This guide breaks it all down—season by season—giving you expert-backed insights, lesser-known facts, and strategies that can make a difference in your travel budget.
Spring Travel (March – May): The Underrated Shoulder Season
Spring is a sweet spot for travel. You get warmer weather, blooming landscapes, and fewer crowds than in summer. But here’s the kicker—spring flights can be sneaky-expensive, especially around spring break and Easter.
Best Time to Book
6 to 9 weeks in advance
According to travel analysts, spring fares tend to stabilize around the two-month mark. But keep in mind that Easter is a “floating holiday,” and spring break dates vary across schools. That variability drives demand—and prices—way up.
“Spring travel requires flexibility. Booking too early or too late could cost you twice as much for the same seat.”
If you’re aiming for mid-to-late March or early April, start tracking flights 3 months out, and consider booking as soon as prices dip under the seasonal average. For later spring (May), you can often wait a little longer, especially if you're avoiding Memorial Day weekend.
Fresh Tip
Use Google Flights’ price tracking feature to receive notifications when prices change for your target route. It's like having a personal airfare assistant without paying a dime.
Summer Travel (June – August): The Peak (and Pricey) Season
Ah, summer—when everyone from families to solo adventurers takes to the skies. And airlines know it. This is when prices are most inflated, especially around school holidays, the Fourth of July, and international travel hotspots.
Best Time to Book
2 to 6 months in advance
You’ll need to book early for summer, especially if you’re flying internationally. Domestic flights can occasionally offer last-minute deals, but it’s a risky bet. Most travel experts agree: the earlier, the better.
Booking Hacks for Summer
- Fly mid-week (Tuesdays or Wednesdays) for lower fares.
- Red-eye and early morning flights tend to be cheaper.
- Consider alternate airports—especially for big hubs like New York, Chicago, or Los Angeles.
Fresh Tip
Consider booking “open-jaw” flights—fly into one city and out of another. This not only adds variety to your trip but may also save money, especially in Europe or Southeast Asia.
Booking summer flights before Valentine’s Day might sound early, but demand begins to spike in March. If you're flexible on location, you can use tools like Skyscanner’s “Everywhere” search to find destinations with lower fares.
Fall Travel (September – November): The Golden Window for Deals
Fall is the unsung hero of travel seasons. The weather is still pleasant in many regions, kids are back in school, and crowds thin out—so do the airfare prices.
Best Time to Book
4 to 8 weeks in advance
With fewer people flying post-Labor Day, airlines often release competitive prices. The fall shoulder season (mid-September to early November) is often one of the cheapest times of the year to fly.
Strategy for Fall Flights
- Watch out for Labor Day (early September) and Thanksgiving (late November)—two travel hotspots that can spike prices.
- Book weekend trips 6–8 weeks out for optimal pricing.
- Flexibility is key—shifting your flight by even one day can save you hundreds.
“Fall is when savvy travelers strike—fewer crowds, better prices, and the best weather in many destinations.”
If you’re traveling in October or early November, aim to book by mid-September. Prices can jump unexpectedly once holiday travel starts to ramp up.
Winter Travel (December – February): The Trickiest Season
Winter travel is a mixed bag. On one hand, post-holiday January and early February can be some of the cheapest times to fly. On the other, December—particularly the two weeks surrounding Christmas and New Year’s—is one of the most expensive.
Best Time to Book
- Holidays: 3 to 6 months in advance
- Non-holiday winter trips: 3 to 5 weeks in advance
Many people assume New Year’s Eve is expensive to fly—but in reality, flying on December 31st (when most people have already reached their destination) could be a steal.
“Want a holiday travel hack? Depart mid-week and return mid-week. Avoid weekends like the plague.”
The Most Surprising Facts About Flight Booking
Let’s talk real travel truths—the ones not plastered all over Instagram or echoed by every travel influencer.
1. The “Prime Booking Window” Isn’t a Myth—But It’s Not a Guarantee Either
Studies from sites like CheapAir and Hopper confirm that each season has a general “best time” to book—but even they admit it’s a moving target. Your best bet? Track prices, sign up for alerts, and be ready to jump when the price is right.
2. Tuesday Is Not Always the Cheapest Day to Book
It’s a persistent myth. While airlines may release sales on Mondays or Tuesdays, prices change constantly. Some of the best deals pop up on weekends when there’s less competition (and, ironically, fewer people checking).
Fresh Tip
Set aside time to check flight prices both mid-week and on Sunday evenings for the widest range of fare options.
3. Booking Too Early Can Cost You
Many assume that the earlier you book, the cheaper the fare. Not always. If you book 10-12 months in advance, you may actually pay more because airlines haven’t released discounted seats yet.
Bonus Tips for Year-Round Savings
Join Airline Loyalty Programs: Even infrequent travelers can benefit from joining free loyalty programs. Accumulate points with your flights and enjoy free upgrades or discounts on future bookings. Book Flights on the Right Day of the Week: Historically, flight prices tend to drop mid-week, especially on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Be Flexible With Airports: Consider nearby airports to save money. Often, regional hubs or alternative airports offer better deals than major international ones.
Wrapping It Up
Booking flights doesn’t have to be a stressful guessing game. By understanding seasonal trends, leveraging smart tools, and being strategic about timing, you can find affordable airfare any time of year. Remember, the earlier you plan your travels, the less you’ll pay at the gate.
Whether you’re dreaming of a sunny beach in summer, a crisp city escape in fall, or a snowy winter holiday, timing your booking right will keep your wallet happy and your travel stress-free. Reserve with confidence and enjoy exploring the world on a budget that works for you!
