When Is the Best Time to Book a Flight?

People love the idea of a secret cheapest day to book. In reality, airlines adjust prices constantly based on demand, season and how many seats are left. What matters is the booking window and the kind of trip you are taking.

Typical booking windows

• Domestic trips: roughly one to three months ahead is a sensible range
• International trips: roughly two to six months ahead, and earlier for peak season
• Holidays and big events: book as early as you reasonably can

Why last-minute fares are usually higher

Close to departure, the cheapest fare classes are often sold out and remaining seats are priced for travelers who must fly. Last-minute deals exist, but they are the exception, not a strategy.

What to do instead of guessing

1. Decide your realistic date range
2. Compare several date combinations in one search
3. Note what a normal price looks like for your route
4. Book when you see a fare in that range with rules you can live with

Keep flexibility where it counts

If your plans could change, compare the total cost of a slightly higher fare with friendlier change rules. Paying a little more for flexibility can be cheaper than a change fee later.

Need last-minute options? Read tips for booking last-minute flights.