The Best Day to Buy a Plane Ticket: Tips & Advice

What Is the Best Day To Book a Cheap Flight?

If you usually wait until the weekend to book your flights, bad news: that’s often when prices skyrocket, no pun intended. According to several studies, the cheapest days for airfare are generally Tuesday and Wednesday.

Why these days? It’s actually quite logical. Airlines adjust their prices at the beginning of the week after analyzing demand from the previous weekend. As a result, fares tend to drop on Tuesday and remain attractive on Wednesday.

On the other hand, after Thursday, it’s best to avoid booking a trip to Spain or a getaway to New York City, for example. Prices climb rapidly, especially due to business travelers who tend to book at the last minute.

In addition to being cheaper, flights on Tuesdays and Wednesdays are also less crowded, making it possible to find tickets at even better prices!

The Perfect Time to Buy a Cheap Plane Ticket

Finding a cheap flight isn’t just about the day. We also have some tips to help you determine the ideal time of day to buy your plane tickets at the best price.

• While the day plays an important role, the time of booking is just as crucial if you hope to get a plane ticket at the best price.

• Prioritize bookings between midnight and 6 a.m. Less traffic on a site means less competition for tickets. More specifically, buying a plane ticket on Tuesday between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. remains the best option.

• Avoid peak hours. Many travelers book their vacations after work, between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. This high demand significantly increases airline ticket prices.

How Far in Advance Should I Book a Cheap Flight?

Finding the right time to book cheap flights depends largely on your destination.

For flights within the same country as your departure point, for example a flight from Chicago to Miami, book between one and three months before travel to get the best fare.

International flights should be booked three to six months in advance, depending on the destination and time of year. Around peak periods such as holidays, Christmas, and summer, prices skyrocket, so the earlier you book, the better.

The last-minute option is risky but sometimes advantageous, because airlines occasionally offer discounts to fill the final seats.

How to Save Even More on Your Plane Tickets

Choosing the best day and time to buy a plane ticket already allows you to save money. But you can go even further!

Before booking, consider using flight comparison websites to monitor price drops. On airline websites, activate price alerts or any other available tools to be automatically notified of price reductions.

Don’t forget secondary airports, which are often cheaper than major hubs.

Travel light to avoid extra baggage fees, and look into one-way tickets. Sometimes they’re cheaper than round-trip prices! During peak season, avoid last-minute flights whenever possible.

Finally, if you travel frequently, joining an airline loyalty program can be a smart way to save money on future trips.

Opt for a Bank Card With Travel Cashback

Did you know that some bank cards offer cashback or specific benefits for travelers? You could receive money back on your booking or earn points to redeem for discounts on a future flight.

This system is widely used for groceries or online clothing purchases, but fewer people realize it can also help reduce vacation costs. Before you fly, contact your bank or research available travel cards to see if there are offers that could reduce your travel budget.

One more thing: with many of these cards, travel insurance is included at no additional cost.

Now you know when to book your plane tickets at the best price. To help you plan your next vacation without overspending, we’ve selected the best deals for you.

FAQ : The Best Day to Buy an Airline Ticket

Q: What are the best days to buy a cheaper plane ticket?


A: Tuesday and Wednesday are generally the best days, after airlines adjust fares following weekend demand.

Q: What is the best time to buy plane tickets?


A: Late at night, between midnight and 6 a.m., when fewer travelers are booking.

Q: When do flight prices go down?


A: Prices often drop midweek or during flash sales and special promotions, typically outside peak travel periods.

Q: How far in advance should I book my ticket?


A: Depending on your destination and travel dates, book between one and six months before departure to secure the best fares. Early booking can offer advantages.

Q: What is the worst day to book?


A: Friday and Sunday are often considered the worst days to book, as prices tend to be higher and availability more limited.