We’ve all discussed with our friends about the best time to book a flight. Some swear by the ‘book early’ mantra, while others are convinced that last-minute deals are the way to go. Well, it’s time to settle the score once and for all. Spoiler alert: It’s not as simple as you might think, but it’s definitely worth the ride!
The Art and Science of Flight Booking
Booking the best flight deals is a delicate dance between art and science. Flights open for booking about a year in advance, and the airfare will fluctuate between then and takeoff. As a general rule, you’ll want to book plane tickets well in advance, as prices spike sharply in the days preceding the flight. But the variables that impact the dynamic pricing patterns of plane tickets include the destination and time of year.
Following the pandemic, airfare rose to astonishing highs in 2022 and 2023. But 2024 looks to be more promising. Kayak predicts domestic airfare will drop 16 percent in 2024 as compared to 2023.
The Early Bird Gets the Worm
Start tracking flight prices as early as possible so you can keep an eye on cost fluctuations. Use Google Flights or Hopper to receive price change notifications about your tracked flights. According to a 2023 study by CheapAir.com, on average, the best time to purchase plane tickets for a domestic trip is between 164 and 46 days before your departure. But according to Expedia’s 2024 Air Travel Hacks report, the sweet spot is 28 days before your domestic flight.
The International Booking Dance
For international travel, you’re better off booking earlier rather than later — ideally no more than four months before your desired flights, per Expedia, with a sweet spot around 60 days. But there is some regional variance. CheapAir.com determined the prime booking windows for various destinations, showing how difficult it is to predict airfare these days.
The Seasonal Swing
The real trick to finding good deals on international airfare is to avoid peak travel times, which include summer and major holidays. Unfortunately, there aren’t many deals to be found for summer flights as it’s traditionally one of the most popular times of the year to travel. In an ideal scenario, you’re going to want to book flights for summer travel as soon as possible, preferably at least six months in advance.
The Peak Season Paradox
The best time to book for peak season is … the opposite season. The booking window for peak season ranges between three and seven months for domestic flights and four to 10 months for international trips. And if you do book something, keep that flight alert on. If it drops again, you can call to rebook and get a refund or travel credit back with the difference.
The Holiday Hustle
It never hurts to get an early start on monitoring flight prices for holiday travel. Look to book between three to seven months ahead for domestic travel and four to 10 months ahead for international travel. At the very latest, your holiday travel should be booked by mid-October. But the biggest holiday travel savings actually come from choosing the right dates.
The Date Debate
Avoiding the busiest days like the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Friday and Saturday before Christmas will yield major savings. Consider buying your holiday tickets as soon as you find a decent deal — but make sure to book a fare that will give you a credit if you cancel. That way, if prices drop between the time of booking and your travel dates, you can cancel your original ticket and use the credit to book the cheaper fare.
The Final Boarding Call
So, the secret to booking the cheapest flights isn’t so secret after all. It’s all about timing, vigilance, and a little bit of luck. So, the next time you’re planning a trip, remember these tips and you might just find yourself flying high without breaking the bank.
