Booking a flight at the right time can save you hundreds of dollars and help you avoid last-minute stress. Whether you’re traveling for leisure or business, knowing when and how to book can make all the difference.
By following these tips, you’ll save money, avoid common mistakes, and find the best possible flight deals.
Here’s a complete guide to finding the best deals on flights and avoiding common booking mistakes.
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Best Time to Book a Flight
1. When is the Best Time to Book a Flight?
Domestic Flights
Best time to book: 1 to 3 months before departure
Cheapest days to fly: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays
Avoid: Booking within 21 days of departure (prices tend to rise)
International Flights
Best time to book: 2 to 6 months before departure
Cheapest days to fly: Mid-week (Tuesday to Thursday)
Avoid: Last-minute bookings, as international flights tend to increase sharply in price
Holiday and Peak Travel Seasons
Book at least 3 to 6 months in advance for Christmas, Thanksgiving, summer holidays, and spring break.
Flexibility is key: Flying a day or two before or after peak dates can save you money.
Last-Minute Flights
For domestic: Last-minute deals are rare, but sometimes available 1 to 2 weeks before departure (mainly red-eye or less popular flights).
For international: Last-minute flights tend to be expensive unless using points or miles.
2. What is the Best Day to Book a Flight?
Best day to book: Tuesday or Wednesday (airlines often release deals on these days).
Best time of day to book: Early morning (6 AM to 9 AM) or late at night (after 10 PM).
Avoid: Booking on weekends, especially Friday and Sunday, when prices tend to be higher.
3. How to Find the Cheapest Flights
Use Fare Comparison Websites
Google Flights – Great for flexible date searches
Skyscanner – Best for comparing prices across multiple airlines
Hopper – Predicts price trends and notifies you when fares drop
Kayak – Searches multiple travel sites for the best deal
Be Flexible with Dates and Airports
Use the “flexible dates” option to find the cheapest fares.
Consider alternate airports (e.g., flying into a nearby city and taking a train or bus).
Set Price Alerts
Use tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Hopper to track prices and get alerts when fares drop.
Book One-Way Tickets Instead of Round-Trip
Sometimes booking two one-way tickets on different airlines can be cheaper than a round-trip ticket.
Use Airline Miles and Points
If you have credit card rewards or frequent flyer miles, use them to reduce or eliminate ticket costs.
4. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Booking Flights
Booking Too Early or Too Late
Booking too far in advance (more than 6 months) can sometimes result in higher fares.
Waiting too long (last-minute) can lead to sky-high prices.
Ignoring Budget Airlines
Low-cost carriers like Ryanair, Wizz Air, and Southwest often have much cheaper fares.
Just be aware of extra fees for luggage, seat selection, and boarding passes.
Not Clearing Cookies or Using Incognito Mode
Some travel sites track your searches and increase prices if you check a flight multiple times.
Solution: Use incognito mode or clear your cookies before searching again.
Forgetting About Baggage Fees
Some airlines charge extra for checked bags and even carry-ons.
Check the airline’s baggage policy before booking to avoid surprise fees.
Overlooking Stopovers and Layovers
A long layover can save you money.
Some cities offer free stopover programs (e.g., Icelandair in Reykjavik, Qatar Airways in Doha).
Not Checking Visa and COVID-19 Requirements
Some countries require a visa or COVID-related travel documentation before arrival.
Solution: Check visa policies and travel restrictions well in advance.
5. Pro Tips for Getting the Best Flight Deals
Book at the right time: 1-3 months in advance for domestic, 2-6 months for international.
Fly on cheaper days: Mid-week flights (Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday) are usually less expensive.
Sign up for airline newsletters to get alerts about flash sales and discounts.
Consider booking in a different currency – Sometimes, using a foreign currency can result in a lower fare.
Use a VPN to check prices from different locations – Some airlines adjust prices based on your location.
Look for mistake fares on sites like Secret Flying and Scott’s Cheap Flights.
Final Thoughts: When Should You Book Your Flight?
If you’re planning a trip, the best strategy is to:
Start searching early (at least 2-3 months ahead for domestic, 4-6 months for international).
Use comparison tools like Google Flights and Skyscanner.
Book mid-week (Tuesdays or Wednesdays) for the best deals.
Be flexible with your dates and consider budget airlines.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.