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ZDNET's key takeaways
- The ideal booking window for domestic flights is approximately one to two months prior to takeoff.
- You should plan much earlier for overseas travel to secure the most favorable rates.
- Flying earlier in the week, specifically on Tuesday, can result in consistently lower ticket costs.
The last time I booked a vacation flight, I spent over an hour searching for the cheapest ticket to Hawaii, with two criteria in mind: it had to be a direct flight and have only one layover. At least one layover was to be expected (at LAX) because Kentucky is a long way from the Aloha State. I could've saved some time, though — and money — had I known what Google's latest Flights report revealed.
What is the cheapest day to fly?
Based on Google Flights' aggregate data from 2021 to 2025, travelers looking for the most affordable airfare should consider flying early in the week. Tuesday has consistently been identified as the cheapest day to fly, followed by Monday and Wednesday. Opting for flights on midweek days can save you anywhere from 13% to 20% lower airfares than weekend travel.
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Flying on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday tends to be more expensive, with Sunday pegged as the priciest day of the week to fly. These Google Flights insights reveal a consistent trend in airfare pricing, highlighting that booking a Tuesday departure can lead to cost savings for budget-conscious travelers.
Do layovers save you money?
In short, yes. Flights with layovers typically cost about 25% less than direct flights, according to Google Flight data. Despite the added travel time and inconvenience, you could potentially save over $90 (on average) by tolerating the layover hassle. While savings vary, layover flights consistently offer lower fares, allowing you to reach your destination more affordably — as long as you're flexible with your itinerary.
What is the cheapest day to book a flight?
According to the data, it's not a matter of which day of the week you secure a flight. Instead, it's a matter of how early you do it.
Booking flights early is generally wise, especially during peak travel periods, such as holidays. Year-round, though, prices usually increase closer to departure. So the best time to book depends on the destination, time of year, and pricing trends. Popular destinations during peak times and international flights often require earlier booking if you intend to save on costs.
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Google Flight data suggests that the optimal time to book flights within the US is between 21 and 52 days prior to your departure date. Interestingly, Google's analysis indicates that the 38-day mark before your trip presents the lowest prices. I know — that's very specific. As it turns out, it's a highly concentrated window where airlines strategically adjust their pricing to balance seat occupancy and revenue.
When it comes to international travel, the lowest prices tend to appear much earlier, in the range of 50 to 101 days before your intended travel dates. While there isn't a specific “cheapest” day identified as definitively as for domestic flights, the general guidance is to secure your tickets as early as possible within this timeframe to avoid price hikes closer to the departure date. As a general rule, be aware that prices typically start to rise significantly within the 50-day window.
How far out from the holidays should I book?
Here's what Google Flights indicates about the optimal booking periods for flights during different seasons in the US, with its data pinpointing particular days for buying your ticket.
Spring Break (March/April): Aim to book 33-59 days in advance, with the average cheapest time being 44 days before departure.
Summer Break (July/August): The optimal booking window is typically 13-43 days in advance, with 21 days out offering the lowest prices on average.
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Thanksgiving: For the best deals, book 26-59 days before the holiday, ideally around 45 days out (early October).
Christmas/Winter Holidays: Look for flights 36-72 days in advance, with the cheapest fares usually appearing 58 days before travel (latter half of October).
Thanks to Google Flights' heads-up on price trends, we can find better deals on flights within the United States and overseas. Keep in mind that these are just averages. The real price can change depending on where you're going, who you're flying with, what time of year it is, and how many people are booking flights at the same time as you.
Good luck, and safe travels!
