When’s the best time to book a flight?

Tips for scoring cheap air fare.
man holding passport and plane tickets


The Daily Navigator strives to help you make the best personal finance decisions. While we produce content according with strict editorial integrity this post may contain references to partner products. Here’s a full explanation for how our team makes money.

Earlier this year Google debunked the myth that Tuesdays are the cheapest day to fly, but that doesn’t mean that there’s no rhyme or reason to booking a cheap flight.

Neither the day of the week nor the time you book will score you lower airfare. Airfare is dynamic and always fluctuating but the biggest driver of ticket prices is demand, which can be affected by a wide variety of things. Here are some main factors to help you determine the best time to book your next flight.

  • The flight route: If you are flying a popular route or one with limited service, the ticket price will likely be higher. 

  • The time of year: If you’re flying during school breaks, summer, or the holiday season, expect to pay more for tickets. Try building in some flexibility around travel dates or flying in the off-season. 

  • Special events: If you’re flying for a special event, book your trip right away. Airlines know when there is a big event happening and prices will only go up.

How can I score cheap flights?

Airfare has been at an all-time high this year as post-pandemic revenge travel raged on. Luckily, prices are expected to come down in 2023. Here are some more ways to score cheap flights:

  • Don’t wait: Though some people think booking at the last minute is a way to save on flights, in reality, that’s very rare. Waiting until the last minute usually means you’re paying more. 

  • Domestic flights: Generally, the best time to book is 1-2 months out.

  • International trips: For the best deal, book 6 to 8 months out. 

  • Fly mid-week: Though there’s not one day of the week that’s the cheapest to fly, taking off mid-week tends to be cheaper. 

  • Subscribe to Dollar Flight Club: Let us do the work for you and deliver flight deals directly to your inbox. Soon you’ll be flying to Paris for $30 or Hawaii for $179. Subscribe here.

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone. This post contains references to products from one or more of our partners and we may receive compensation when you click on links to those products.

Stay in the know

Get expert insight into credit cards, loyalty programs, financial tips, and more delivered right to your inbox.

Related Stories

Smart Points Logo

Stay in the know with
Smart Points Newsletter

Get expert insight into travel credit cards, loyalty programs, points tips, and more. Recent edition →

Get expert insight into travel credit cards, loyalty programs, points tips, and more. Recent edition →

Advertiser Disclosure

This article contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. The relationship may impact how an offer is being presented. Our site doesn’t include all the offers available. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page.

LAST CALL!

Get up to $1,050 in free travel

with this limited-time offer!

Partner offer. Terms apply.

DFC Partner Perks App Link Image
Special Discounts for Our Members

Save Big with Perks

Get $5,000+ in immediate travel savings with Perks. Unlock next level travel benefits, for life. Get discounts from the world’s best travel brands you won’t find anywhere else. No credit required.

DFC Concierge App Link Image
Special Discount for Our Members

93% off lifetime access

Save $1,200 and 10 hours of your time on every vacation. With Lifetime access to DFC Concierge, get fully customized trip itineraries to make every vacation unforgettable.

Dollar Flight Club App Link Image
Special Discount for Our Members

50% Off PREMIUM

You can save up to $500 on your next adventure without lifting a finger get email alerts when we find flights up to 90% off leaving your home airport. Just let us know your departure airport and we’ll do the rest.

The Daily Navigator Commitment

The Daily Navigator is an integral part of the larger DFC Media family. Through each of our brands, we’re dedicated to helping our readers travel, spend, and live smarter.

With products dedicated to affordable travel, educational content, and personal finance, we deliver the day’s essential content with none of the filler — all in a way that’s fast, easy, and fun to read. Every day million of audience members trust us to deliver educational content so that they can make informed decisions faster. We hope you’ll join them.

We’re happy to have you here!