When to Book Flights for the Best Prices
Book your domestic flights 1 to 3 months in advance and international flights 3 to 6 months out. Prices generally rise significantly once you are within 21 days of departure, so avoid last-minute bookings whenever possible.
- Set up price alerts. Use Google Flights or Skyscanner to track specific routes. Set alerts for your target dates to receive email notifications when prices drop.
- Use the 'Goldilocks' window. For domestic travel, start watching prices 90 days out and pull the trigger when you see a price at or below the historical average for that route. For international trips, start monitoring 6 months in advance.
- Monitor for the 21-day threshold. Most airlines increase fares significantly 21 days before departure. If you haven't booked by this point, expect to pay a premium.
- Book on Tuesday or Wednesday if flexible. While the 'buy on Tuesday' myth is largely dead, flying on Tuesdays and Wednesdays is consistently cheaper than Friday or Sunday departures.
- Is it cheaper to book on a Tuesday?
- No. The day of the week you book doesn't influence price as much as the day you choose to fly.
- Should I wait for a last-minute deal?
- Rarely. Last-minute deals are largely a thing of the past; airlines now use dynamic pricing algorithms that prioritize high-paying business travelers over filling empty seats.
- Does clearing my browser cookies actually lower prices?
- No. Airlines use complex global distribution systems that show the same fare regardless of your search history or cookies.