Booking a flight at the right time can save you hundreds of dollars, but with so many options, how do you know when to pull the trigger? 

The key to scoring the best deals lies in booking at the right time. Whether you’re flying domestically, internationally, or planning your trip around peak holiday seasons, understanding when to book your flights can make all the difference.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best time to book flights for different types of travel, from domestic trips to international vacations, and even holiday travel. We’ll also share expert tips on how to maximize your savings and what tools you can use to track prices.

When to Book Flights for Domestic Travel

Booking domestic flights requires a delicate balance of timing and flexibility. Here’s what you need to know:

Best Booking Window: 1 to 3 Months in Advance

For domestic flights, you should aim to book your tickets 1 to 3 months before your departure date. This gives you a good window for finding affordable fares while avoiding the premium prices that often come with last-minute bookings.

Booking too early can result in inflated prices, as airlines tend to raise fares far in advance. On the other hand, waiting until the last minute can result in expensive ticket prices, especially if you’re flying to a popular destination. 

Aim for 38 to 44 days before your departure to find the best rates.

Flexibility Can Save You Money

One of the best ways to secure a great deal on domestic flights is to stay flexible with your travel dates. Consider flying on weekdays, like Tuesday, Wednesday, or Saturday, as these days typically have lower fares than weekend flights. 

Traveling midweek can save you an average of $56 to $100 on your ticket.

When to Book Flights for International Travel

Booking international flights takes a little more planning, as the best booking window varies based on the route and destination. Here’s what to keep in mind:

Best Booking Window: 2 to 8 Months in Advance

For international flights, booking your ticket between 2 to 8 months before departure is ideal. However, the optimal booking window can vary depending on the region you’re traveling to:

• Europe: Book 3 to 7 months in advance.
• Mexico and the Caribbean: Plan to book 1 to 3 months out.
• Asia and Oceania: Ideally, book 4 to 10 months before your trip.
  

Route-Specific Considerations

Unlike domestic flights, the best time to book international flights can differ depending on your departure and destination. For instance, booking a flight from New York to London may have different optimal timing than booking from Los Angeles to Tokyo. Always research the specific routes you plan to take to find the most cost-effective booking window.

Booking Flights for Summer Travel

Summer is one of the busiest travel periods, and securing a good deal requires some strategic planning. Here’s what you need to know:

Best Booking Window: 90 Days in Advance

For summer travel, the ideal booking window is typically 90 days before departure, whether you’re flying domestically or internationally. If you’re flexible with your travel dates, you can often find lower fares by adjusting your trip by just a few days.

Flexibility Is Crucial During Peak Travel Periods

During the summer, the busiest times tend to be early July and the weeks leading up to major holidays like Independence Day. 

If you’re willing to fly later in the summer, you can save up to 30% by booking for late August instead of early July. Midweek flights are often the most affordable, so avoid the rush of weekend departures to lower your overall fare.

Best Time to Book Flights for Holiday Travel

Holiday travel is notorious for high demand and inflated prices, so booking early is essential. Here’s how to approach it:

Thanksgiving Travel: Book 26 to 59 Days in Advance

For Thanksgiving travel, you should aim to book your flight early to mid-October, ideally 26 to 59 days before your planned departure. Thanksgiving is a popular travel period, so prices can spike as the holiday approaches. By booking early, you’ll avoid paying a premium.

Christmas and New Year Travel: Book by Halloween

For the winter holidays, including Christmas and New Year’s, the best time to book is by Halloween (October 31). 

This gives you the best chance of finding affordable options before the prices skyrocket. Try to avoid the days right before and after the holiday itself, as these are typically the most expensive.

Flexible Travel Dates Can Help Save

If you can be flexible with your travel dates, you may find it easier to score a deal. Traveling a few days earlier or later than the peak days can often result in significant savings. 

For instance, flying on the holiday itself can sometimes be more affordable than flying the days before or after.

Tools to Help You Track and Secure the Best Flight Prices

Thanks to modern technology, tracking flight prices and finding great deals has never been easier. Here are some tools and strategies to maximize savings:

Set Price Alerts

Many flight search engines, like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak, offer price alert features. By setting alerts for your preferred routes, you’ll be notified when fares drop, allowing you to book at the optimal price.

Use Flexible Date and Route Search Features

Platforms like Skyscanner and Google Flights have features that let you search for flights on flexible dates or routes. Use these tools to see how much you could save by adjusting your travel dates or choosing an alternative destination.

Book Award Flights Early

If you’re using points or miles for your trip, it’s best to book your flight as soon as the window opens. Award flights can sell out quickly, especially for popular routes. 11 to 12 months in advance is typically the best time to secure the best award seats.

Consider Multi-City Flights

If you’re traveling to multiple destinations, consider booking a multi-city flight instead of several one-way tickets. Multi-city flights are often more affordable and convenient, as they eliminate the need to book and manage separate tickets for each leg of your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When is the best time to book domestic flights?

The best time to book domestic flights is typically 1 to 3 months before departure. Aim for 38 to 44 days before your flight for the most affordable fares.

2. What is the best time to book international flights?

For international travel, booking 2 to 8 months in advance is ideal. Depending on your destination, aim for 3 to 7 months for Europe and 4 to 10 months for Asia and Oceania.

3. How early should I book summer travel?

For summer trips, aim to book your flights at least 90 days in advance. If you’re flexible with your dates, you can often save up to 30% by traveling later in the summer.

4. When should I book flights for the holidays?

For Thanksgiving, book 26 to 59 days before departure, and for Christmas/New Year, aim to book by Halloween (October 31) for the best deals.

Conclusion

Booking flights at the right time is one of the most effective ways to save money on your travels. Whether you’re planning a domestic getaway or a grand international vacation, understanding the best time to book based on your destination and travel dates is key. 

Use the strategies, tools, and tips provided here to maximize your savings and ensure you get the best possible deal on your next flight.