Finding the Cheapest Days to Fly

Use flexible date search tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner to view a calendar-wide price map. Target mid-week departures, specifically Tuesdays and Wednesdays, to consistently lower your base fare.

1. Use a flexible search engine. Navigate to Google Flights. Enter your origin and destination, but leave the date fields empty. Click the calendar icon to open the price grid view to see the cheapest dates across the entire month.
2. Set up price tracking. Once you identify a target route, toggle the 'Track prices' switch. Set this for 'Any dates' if you are flexible, or specific dates if you have a window. You will receive an email alert when the fare drops.
3. Avoid weekend travel. Airlines charge a premium for Friday and Sunday flights because they cater to business travelers and weekend vacationers. Always check the Tuesday and Wednesday dates in the surrounding weeks to see if moving your trip by 48 hours saves you 20% or more.
4. Use the 'Whole Month' search. If using Skyscanner, select 'Whole Month' in the date dropdown. This allows you to visualize the cheapest day of the month as a green-colored bar, making it immediately obvious when the price floor is hit.

Is it actually cheaper to buy tickets on a Tuesday?

The myth that buying on a Tuesday is cheaper is outdated. While flying *on* a Tuesday is cheaper, the day you physically click 'purchase' rarely impacts the price anymore.

How far in advance should I start tracking?

For domestic flights, start tracking 1-3 months out. For international flights, start tracking 3-6 months out.