When Is the Cheapest Time to Buy Flights? Debunking the Myths

Key takeaways

• While reports suggest January, February, and August are the cheapest months to book flights, deals can appear year-round, varying by destination. For example, the best deals to Africa were found in October in 2023, while May and July were great for Asia.
• Contrary to the belief that Tuesdays are the best day to find cheaper flights, prices fluctuate constantly. Any day can yield good deals, making it important to stay vigilant throughout the week. (Or, you can sign up for Going and let our Travel Experts stay vigilant for you!)
• For domestic flights, booking 1–3 months in advance is ideal, while international flights are best booked 2–8 months out. Early booking is crucial for peak travel periods or specific dates.
• Last-minute deals are now rarer than in the past, as airlines know they can hike the prices for business and first-class tickets. Prices typically rise significantly three weeks before departure, making early booking more favorable.
• By signing up for Going, you can always be alerted to the cheapest flight prices as soon as they become available. While most of our deals fall within the Goldilocks Window, we also let you know about amazing last-minute deals that can get you traveling in no time. 

There’s no shortage of opinions on the best time to book a flight, and—not surprisingly—the information varies depending on the source.  While it might sound appealing to know an exact formula, it’s rarely that simple. Luckily, we know a thing or two about finding cheap flights here at Going. 

According to a Skyscanner report, January is the cheapest month to book a flight from the US, followed by February and August. The same report claims that you should book flights at 5am for the most potential savings, avoid booking flights from 8–11pm, and book on Tuesdays for domestic flights and Wednesdays for international flights.

It all seems so convenient, right? How great would it be to know not only the best months and days of the week but even the best hours of the day to click the “buy” button on airfare? Like most things that sound too good to be true, though, this report isn’t as definitive as it sounds.

As Going members know, fantastic airfare deals pop up year-round—and they don’t care much about what day or time it is. We’ve seen some great deals on days or months that some reports would have you believe there’s no point in even looking.

Answering the question of “when is the cheapest time to book flights” is just not that simple. The truth is that it varies a bit depending on where you’re from and where you’re going, and there are a whole lot of other unknowns and unexpected factors that can influence the price of a flight. 

Understanding flight pricing dynamics

How airlines set prices

If you’ve been scouring for cheap flights for a while on your own, you might think that airlines set their fare prices randomly. But they actually use dynamic pricing strategies that factor in multiple variables (like demand, competition, fare classes, and even operational costs) to maximize revenue while filling seats efficiently.

Every flight has multiple fare classes, even within the same cabin. These classes determine ticket flexibility, seat selection, baggage allowances, and other perks. Typically, lower-priced fare classes are limited in number and sell out quickly, pushing travelers into higher-priced options as demand increases. Airlines also segment passengers based on their willingness to pay, adjusting prices accordingly. For instance, booking early may score you cheaper fares, while last-minute travelers pay premium prices.

High-demand routes—like New York City to London—often command higher prices, especially during peak seasons. Conversely, flights to less popular destinations or off-peak travel times are priced lower to attract more travelers. Offer variety also plays an important role in price changes, as routes with several competing carriers see lower fares due to the pressure to remain competitive. 

Seasonal trends in airfare

Seasonal trends are another significant factor influencing airfare prices. Understanding the difference between high, low, and shoulder seasons can help travelers anticipate pricing trends and snag cheaper flights. Remember that these seasons vary depending on the destination, making it essential to plan with your location in mind.

High season is when travel demand peaks. This time usually coincides with holidays, summer vacations, or major festivals. For example, Europe experiences its high season during summer (June–August), when warm weather and extended daylight attract tourists. Similarly, tropical destinations like the Caribbean or Southeast Asia see a surge during the winter months as travelers from colder climates seek warmth. Airfare during high season is often the most expensive due to increased demand. 

Low season occurs when demand is at its lowest, often due to unfavorable weather or fewer tourist activities. For Europe, this is typically winter (November–February), while tropical destinations experience their low season during rainy months, such as June–October in parts of Southeast Asia. While flights and accommodations are significantly cheaper during this time, it’s essential to weigh the potential drawbacks, like limited attractions or unpredictable weather. For budget-conscious travelers who can adapt to these challenges, this season offers incredible savings.

Shoulder season falls between high and low seasons and offers a sweet spot for many travelers. During this time, destinations are less crowded, and airfare and accommodation costs are lower than in peak season. Examples include spring (March–May) or fall (September–November) in Europe, when the weather is pleasant, but tourist numbers have tapered off. Shoulder season is ideal for those looking for a mix of affordability, comfort, and accessibility to attractions.

Why booking during holidays can affect prices

It’s no surprise that holidays are a prime time for travel. And with increased demand comes higher prices. Whether it’s Thanksgiving in the US, Lunar New Year in Asia, or summer holidays in Europe, airlines capitalize on peak travel periods by raising fares. Besides, popular routes are often booked months in advance, leaving fewer options and higher prices for last-minute travelers. 

Booking early vs. booking late

When it comes to airfare, timing is everything. Booking early can often secure the best prices, particularly for popular destinations or peak travel seasons. For domestic flights, we recommend booking 1–3 months in advance, while international trips typically require a window of 2–8 months for optimal fares. Needless to say, early booking is especially crucial during high-demand periods.

However, booking late isn't always a bad idea. Airlines sometimes offer last-minute deals to fill unsold seats, especially for midweek departures or less popular routes. These deals are rare, and relying on them can be risky, particularly if you have specific dates or destinations in mind. Thankfully, tools like Going help bridge the gap, providing alerts for last-minute deals while keeping you informed of the ideal booking windows.

Cheapest times to buy flights: What you need to know

Airfare fluctuates based on several variables. So, how far in advance should you book? Our research shows that domestic flights are best secured 1–3 months prior, while international trips often require 2–8 months to lock in the lowest fares. Additionally, timing your trip during shoulder seasons or snagging deals during major sales events can lead to significant savings. 

General booking window

Booking within the right time frame is key for snagging great deals. For domestic travel, aim to purchase tickets 30–90 days before departure. If you want to book an international flight, you should start looking an average of five months in advance. This is what we call the “Goldilocks Window”: the ideal timeframe for booking flights—neither too early nor too late—to get the best fares. 

If your travel plans coincide with peak times—like major holidays or summer vacations—it’s wise to book even earlier, as prices often rise significantly as the departure date approaches.

What’s the best month to book a cheap flight?

When it comes to booking your flight, the time you buy your ticket is just as important as the time you take off. Booking in January for a trip in June may yield different results than booking the same June trip in April, as booking trends and seasonal travel demand are not the same.

January and February are generally great months for taking trips to Europe or the Caribbean, as airlines slash prices to attract post-holiday travelers. Similarly, shoulder seasons—like late spring and early fall—offer affordable deals for destinations across Asia and the Pacific.

What is the best day of the week to find cheap flights?

The myth that Tuesday is the best day to book flights has been circulating for years, and it did hold some truth in the past. Airlines once released new fares at specific times weekly, often on Tuesdays. However, today’s pricing strategies are far more dynamic.

That said, midweek days like Tuesday and Wednesday can still offer advantages. With fewer travelers searching for flights these days than on weekends, airlines might adjust prices to encourage bookings. Ultimately, great deals can appear any day, so signing up for Going’s fare alerts is essential to catch them as soon as they pop up. Want even more chances to grab amazing discounts on your next airplane ticket? Download the Going app today!

Big sales days

Promotional events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Travel Tuesday generate a lot of buzz. But while they can offer decent discounts, they aren’t always the best time to snag the absolute cheapest flights. Airlines often use these sales primarily for marketing, promoting fares that might not be significantly lower than prices available during other periods.

If you’ve been monitoring fares early on, you can find better deals than these promotional events. However, if you’re booking at the last minute, these sales can still be a good saving opportunity, as airfare tends to climb significantly as the departure date approaches.

How far in advance should I book a flight? 

To keep things simple, the best time to book a flight depends on your destination and travel plans. Booking too early or too late can mean higher prices, so understanding the sweet spot is essential. Knowing how to set airfare price alerts can help you track trends and find the Goldilocks Window for your flight.

Pricing trends based on destination

The best time to book a domestic flight

Domestic flights experience seasonal price fluctuations based on holiday demand and peak tourist seasons. It all depends on where you’re traveling in the continental US. Generally, spring and fall months offer more affordable fares, as many schools are in session and fewer people travel. Still, the best deals we saw in 2023 show a surprising truth: January, February, and August were the months with the most frequent deals. However, great fares also popped up throughout the rest of the year.

Flights to popular beach destinations like Florida and California tend to be more expensive during the summer vacation rush. Similarly, the holiday season (November to December) sees a surge in flight prices, particularly for big cities like New York and Los Angeles. 

The best time to book a cheap flight to Central and South America

Winter and early spring (December to April) align with the dry season in many countries, and beach destinations see increased demand. According to our internal research, the best months for snagging great deals to Central and South America in 2023 were May and December, with a number of deals also found in April and July. 

Cities like Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, also experience an influx of tourists during their world-famous Carnival (February). So, if you plan to visit during this time, book early to avoid high prices.

The best time to book a cheap flight to Africa

Flights to Africa can be highly seasonal, especially if you’re visiting for safaris or cultural events. For example, June to October is peak time for safaris in Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa, and fares to these countries can be expensive. Major festivals like Diwali in Mauritius (October–November) and Carnival in South Africa (February–March) can also increase fare prices. 

If you’re looking for budget-friendly flights, consider traveling just before or after the peak season. Similarly, if you're heading to North African countries (such as Morocco or Egypt), winter offers mild temperatures and fewer tourists, making it more affordable to fly.

In 2023, the best month for snagging great deals to Africa was October, with an average deal price of about $550 roundtrip. There were also consistent deals throughout the year, such as a January mistake fare from NYC to Senegal for $327 roundtrip, for travel in March to May and September to October.

The best time to book a cheap flight to Asia

Asia is the largest continent in the world and the one with the biggest population, so it can be hard to predict the cheapest time to book a flight since there’s a wide variety of peak travel periods based on both climate and cultural events.

For destinations like Thailand, Bali, and Vietnam, late spring and fall (April to June and September to November) are the best times to find affordable flights. During these months, the weather is generally pleasant, and demand is lower compared to the summer and winter peak seasons. 

Flight prices to China and other parts of East Asia can soar during Lunar New Year when many people travel home for family gatherings. Booking at least four months in advance is essential if traveling during this time. For countries like India, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia, the monsoon season sees lower prices, though weather conditions can be unpredictable. 

The best time to book a cheap flight to Oceania

The shoulder seasons in Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands (April to June and September to November) offer more affordable fares as the weather is still pleasant, but tourism demand has dropped. If you're planning a trip to these destinations, these months can provide a good balance of price and weather.

While the winter months in Australia and New Zealand are quieter and offer cheaper flights, colder temperatures may make them unsuitable for beach destinations or outdoor adventures.

The best time to book a cheap flight to Europe

Winter is a great time to visit Europe for cheap flights, particularly to cities like Prague and Budapest, where holiday markets are popular but prices tend to be lower. On the flip side, ski spots in the Alps see an influx of tourists, leading to higher prices for these destinations.

April to May and September to October are ideal for budget-conscious travelers because you can enjoy pleasant weather, avoid the summer crowds, and find lower-priced flights. In 2023, the months we sent the most deals for travel to Europe were September and October. However, deals were frequent throughout the rest of the year as well. 

Best time to book holiday travel

Best month to book flights for Thanksgiving 

Thanksgiving travel in the US is notorious for its high prices. To avoid the holiday rush and find affordable flights, it's best to book in August at the latest. Early booking allows you to lock in lower prices before airlines raise fares for this busy travel period. If you're looking to save money, flying on Thanksgiving Day itself is usually cheaper than one or two days before.

Best month to book flights for Christmas

Visiting family for Christmas can quickly turn sour when you have to put up with expensive fares and crowded airports. To secure the best prices for Christmas flights, aim to book 4–6 months in advance, typically around July. If you’re flexible with your dates, flying a few days before or after Christmas can help reduce costs. For the best deals, avoid flying during the peak holiday week (December 20–26)

Best month to book flights for New Year's Eve

Booking flights for New Year’s Eve requires early planning, as many travelers head out for both domestic and international celebrations. To get the best deal on flights for New Year’s Eve, it's ideal to book around five months in advance, especially if you plan to travel to major cities like New York or international destinations with special events. December fares typically increase closer to these dates, with the week leading up to New Year's Eve being the most expensive time. 

How to find cheap flights for global festivals and special events

Best time to book flights for Lunar New Year in China

The Lunar New Year is among the most important and widely celebrated festivals in Eastern Asia, especially in China. To find the best fares, we suggest booking six months in advance, particularly if traveling to big cities like Beijing or Shanghai. The two weeks before and after the Lunar New Year (usually in January or February) see a spike in demand and higher fares. 

Best time to book flights for Día de Muertos in Mexico

Día de Muertos is a major cultural event in Mexican culture, and tourists flock to Oaxaca and Mexico City in early November to experience it first-hand. To find the best deals for this holiday, it’s advisable to book your flight 2–3 months in advance. Being flexible with your arrival and departure dates can help you find a better deal.

Best time to book flights for Oktoberfest in Munich

Dreaming of tasting some of the best beers in Europe? Oktoberfest in Munich is the largest and most famous beer festival, attracting visitors from all over the world. Since it occurs in late September to early October, we suggest you book your flights as early as 5–6 months in advance to secure reasonable fares. The closer you get to the festival dates, the more expensive flights become, especially into Munich. Consider flying to nearby cities and taking a local flight or a train ride as a cheaper alternative.

Best time to book flights for Mardi Gras in New Orleans

Mardi Gras in New Orleans is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but it’s also the busiest travel time to visit the city. To find affordable flights to New Orleans for Mardi Gras, you should book around four months in advance. Flights tend to increase in price, especially for the final week leading up to Fat Tuesday (the day before Ash Wednesday). To avoid paying premium prices, fly in the days leading up to Mardi Gras and return shortly after, when prices may be lower.

Best time to book flights for Carnival in Rio de Janeiro

The Rio de Janeiro Carnival is one of the most famous festivals in the world, drawing millions of visitors each year. This celebration takes place in late February or early March, and it’s crucial to book flights at least six months in advance to find the cheapest fares. Flying before Carnival kicks off, especially early in the month, will allow you to avoid the price hikes associated with the festival. 

Best time to book flights for the aurora borealis in Nordic countries, Alaska, and Iceland

The northern lights are a stunning natural spectacle visible from regions like Iceland, Norway, and Alaska during the winter months. To find the best deals, aim to book your flights eight months before your trip. Prices peak during the busiest viewing period, from December to February, particularly in highly sought-after destinations like Iceland. For more budget-friendly options, consider planning your visit during the start or end of the season when demand is lower.

Best time to book flights for Cherry Blossom Festival in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Washington DC

The Cherry Blossom Festival is a global favorite, attracting millions of travelers each March to celebrate the stunning bloom of these delicate flowers in Tokyo and Kyoto, Japan. Similarly, Washington DC, is also popular during its annual National Cherry Blossom Festival. For Japan, booking your flights 6–9 months in advance is essential to finding cheap flights. For Washington DC, planning your trip three months ahead helps you take advantage of the best deals.

Tools and techniques for finding deals

Book in advance

Planning your trip well in advance, particularly during peak seasons like summer and the holidays, gives you the best shot at snagging great fares. Airlines often release tickets for popular routes 6–12 months before departure, and prices typically climb as the departure date approaches. While early booking is the best option for peak seasons, deals can still pop up closer to your travel date. So, knowing how to find cheap flights is key.

Flight comparison tools

Flight comparison tools like Google Flights, Momondo, and Skyscanner are invaluable for mapping out the best routes and prices. These platforms allow you to filter by price, flight duration, and layovers, making it easier to tailor your search. Google Flights, for example, is great for exploring broad date ranges and using the "Explore" feature to find cheap destinations worldwide. For more information, check out our guide on how to use Google Flights.

While these tools are great for manual searches, at Going, we do the heavy lifting for you. We monitor thousands of routes 24/7 and send real-time alerts for the best deals, including rare mistake fares for Premium and Elite members.

Alerts and subscriptions

Instead of spending hours refreshing flight comparison sites, set up price alerts to stay in the loop when fares drop. With Going’s Premium and Elite Memberships, you get alerts for both domestic and international flights as soon as an offer is available, giving you the upper hand in booking deals before they disappear. 

Going allows you to specify routes, travel windows, and preferences, ensuring you receive only the deals that matter to you. You also get insights into airfare trends with past deals from your home airport.

Our members save an average of $200 on domestic routes and up to $500 internationally. Elite members also get alerts on first-class and business-class deals. What are you waiting for? Sign up for Going today, and let us help you find cheap flights.

Utilizing social media and travel blogs

Many airlines, travel agencies, and bloggers often post short-term promotions or exclusive deals that aren’t widely advertised. Following airlines’ social media accounts or subscribing to their newsletters can alert you to flash sales or discount codes.

Of course, you should also follow us on Going’s social media channels for updates on the best deals and travel tips. However, remember that most deals posted on social media might go fast (especially if they go viral)—another reason why Going’s real-time alerts are invaluable.

Keeping a flexible schedule

We’ve said it once and we’ll say it again, time and flexibility are your biggest asset when searching for cheap flights. Being open to traveling mid-week, at unconventional times like red-eye flights, or choosing less popular destinations during their off-season can dramatically lower costs. Using Going, you can set alerts for broad searches, such as "anywhere" from your home airport, to find unexpected opportunities.

Start planning your budget-friendly flight with Going!

Booking the cheapest flight requires timing, flexibility, and the right tools. By understanding the best booking window for your destination, you can secure a cheap flight without the hassle. Not to mention that Going makes this process even easier, offering expertly curated flight alerts that keep you ahead of the curve. Start your journey to smarter travel today with Going's Premium or Elite memberships, and make your dream trips a reality at a fraction of the cost!