Throughout the years, Tuesday has been the best day of the week to book flights if you are seeking the cheapest fares. Do you believe that principle is still a valid assumption? Well according to a study by Expedia, in 2025, it was announced that Sunday is the cheapest day to book a flight. The reality is that flight fares keep rising and falling constantly. It might be so confusing by now, but let’s unfold it one by one in more detail about what is the best day to buy airline tickets.
Best Day to Book a Flight
Timing plays a crucial role while booking a flight. Whether you are travelling via domestic flights or internationally. Little knowledge about the best day to buy an airline ticket can help you save money. If you book your flight on Sunday, for a domestic flight, you can enjoy 6% savings, while 17% savings on international flight bookings. According to a Google study, in 2024, Friday and Saturday were declared the most expensive days for bookings. They claimed Monday or Tuesday to be the cheapest day to purchase airline tickets. Airlines are unpredictable; sometimes, they might offer discounts to match a rival. That’s why there is no specific best day to buy airline tickets.
Booking in Advance: The Best Time to Book a Flight
It is crystal clear that days of the week don’t make sense when buying airline tickets. If you book your flight ahead of time, you can get several benefits. Some airlines permit travelers to book 11 months before, but it doesn’t come with perks. Here are some tips and guidance for the best time to book your domestic and international flights.
Best Time to Book Domestic Flight Tickets
Travelers with domestic flights within the US should book their flights at least 34 to 86 days before departure. This can lead to an average discount of 25% on the ticket.
Tips for Domestic Flights
- You can set a price alert to track the alteration in airline ticket prices. You can use Google Flights or Hopper for that.
- Try booking your flights on Off-peak days.
- Try to be more adaptable with airports, for example, visit Oakland, not the SFO, for lower fares.
- Avoid last-minute bookings as these are always expensive.
Best Time to Book International Flight Tickets
Booking an international flight 37 to 87 days before departure comes with savings perks. No result declares any advantages of booking before 1 year of departure; therefore, never follow a 1-year strategy.
Tips for International Flights
- Be adaptable with departure cities and fly with major hubs like JFK, LAX, or ORD, as these are way cheaper than the regional airports.
- Try to book on Tuesday and Wednesday as a midweek departure saves money.
- Try to book two one-way flights.
- Avoid last-minute bookings
- Look for stopovers
Check out this table to understand what is the best day to buy airline ticket
| Destination | When to Book a Flight |
|---|---|
| U.S. Domestic Trips | 1-3 months in advance |
| U.S. to Mexico or the Caribbean | 1-3 months in advance |
| U.S. to Europe | 2-6 months in advance |
| General International Travel | 1 month in advance |
Cheapest Day of the Week to Fly
We have discussed above that the days of the week don’t matter as ticket prices are unpredictable and depend on many other factors. Expedia’s data shows Saturday is best for domestic flights within the U.S., while Thursday is best day for international flights. Meanwhile, hoppers study claims midweek departures are good to enjoy savings. In my opinion, an advance booking is a better option to get discounts and other benefits.
Essential Travel Hacks for Saving
Here are some hacks you can follow to save money on your airline tickets-
- Always fly before 3 am as it minimizes the chances of delays and cancellations.
- Sign up for Jack’s Flight Club.
- Join frequent flyer programs.
- Get the travel credit card.
- Track prices with Google Flights trackers.
- Travel in the Off-seasons.
- Get a guided tour package.
- Look for last-minute sales.
- Carry only necessary items.
Some frequently asked questions regarding the best day to buy airline tickets (FAQ)
Yes, these deals are still in existence, but occasionally. These deals are common for low-cost carriers.
Yes, January, February, and August are considered to be the cheapest months for ticket booking. These are the months that come after holidays and summer vacations, making them the cheapest.
No, fares are always based on supplies and demand, not on the day you are departing. Though midweek departures tend to be cheaper.
Yes, tools such as Google Flights, Hopper, Kayak, or Skyscanner are available to track flights.
Final Thought
There is no single day that guarantees you the cheapest airline fares every time. Research gives different results every year, but Tuesday and Wednesday are considered to be the best day to book your ticket. Whether travelling with domestic flights or internationally, a booking is the best way of big savings. Mentioned some tips and tools you can use to monitor fares regularly. You can travel during off-peak seasons to enjoy sales and discounts on ticket booking. Forget what is the best day to buy airline tickets, just enjoy the perks of the advance ticket bookings.
