We’ve all heard it: travel rejuvenates the spirit. But it’s rarely kind to your finances.
Nowadays, the typical expense for a one-week trip inside the U.S. for a single traveler is $1,991, according to a 2024 Bankrate vacation survey. For a pair, that figure doubles to $3,982.
Airfare represents a major portion of trip costs, yet timing your flight purchases can shave hundreds off your total. To avoid a sharp decline in your bank balance, you need to be strategic about when you buy tickets.
Make managing money simpler. Subscribe to Savinly’s newsletter today.
When Is the Best Time to Buy Plane Tickets?
The ideal window to find the best airfare is between 21 and 74 days — roughly three weeks to 2½ months — prior to your travel date, according to a recent CheapAir analysis of nearly a billion domestic flights.
That window is narrower than it used to be.
For pinpointing the cheapest booking timing, CheapAir discovered that passengers who purchased tickets about 42 days (roughly 1½ months) ahead of departure paid the lowest fares on average.
Procrastinating on booking your trip will cost you.
Buying tickets one to two weeks before departure can run about 26% more on average. Securing flights during the week of travel might cost around 59% more.
While booking early is wise, purchasing far in advance can also be pricier. For instance, reserving seats 7½ to 10 months beforehand may yield more seat options and better chances of a preferred flight time, but typically costs more than booking 2½ to 7½ months out.
Regardless of season, departing on Tuesdays or Wednesdays usually leads to lower fares. Try to avoid Sundays, which are commonly the priciest day to fly.
More From Savinly:Here’s How to Start Saving Money — Even If You Don’t Have Room in Your Budget
Why Do Airline Ticket Prices Fluctuate Throughout the Year?
Airfare rises and falls over the course of the year depending on seasonal demand.
Ticket prices tend to peak in November and December, mirroring the surge in holiday travel. Flights also climb in price in June, July and August when many people take summer vacations.
Conversely, January and February usually offer the most affordable travel options, thanks to lower demand.
More From Savinly:Get Your Finances Together This Year With One of Our Favorite Budgeting Apps
The Cost of Domestic Flights vs. International Flights
Generally, domestic flights cost less than international trips, though prices depend heavily on your destination and the time of year you travel.
Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often the least expensive days to fly for both domestic and international itineraries.
CheapAir’s 2024 International Flight study identified recommended booking windows for several regions:
Europe: 120–160 days before departure
Asia: 90–120 days before departure
South America: 70–100 days before departure
Australia/New Zealand: 120–180 days before departure
More From Savinly:What is Debt Settlement and How Does it Work?
6 Tips for Finding the Best Airline Prices
1. Use Search Tools
Flight search platforms gather fare information from numerous sources into a single place, letting you compare options and identify the cheapest airlines and itineraries.
Some top flight search engines include:
- Google Flights
- Kayak
- CheapAir
- Momondo
- Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights)
- Expedia
- Travelocity
- Priceline
- Orbitz
2. Set Alerts
Many fare search tools allow you to create alerts so you’re notified when prices drop for routes you’re tracking. Use this feature to monitor fares months before you plan to travel.
3. Book From Discount Airlines
Low-cost carriers — like Spirit, Frontier and Allegiant — frequently offer lower fares than major airlines. Keep in mind the trade-offs: extra fees, fewer route choices and sometimes departures from smaller, out-of-the-way airports.
4. Book Group Travel Separately
Airlines may charge a premium for assigned seating, which can increase the cost of traveling together.
If you don’t mind not sitting beside your companions, booking individual tickets instead of one group reservation can lead to savings.
5. Watch Out for Additional Fees
The fare you first see may not reflect the total you’ll pay. Factor in add-ons like checked baggage, seat selection and travel insurance when estimating trip costs.
6. Fly on Weekdays or on a Holiday
Tuesdays and Wednesdays are typically the cheapest days to fly. While holiday travel often pushes prices up, fares are frequently lowest on the holiday itself — for instance, Christmas Day or Thanksgiving Day.
More From Savinly:
- How To Budget: Create A Household Budget in 4 Simple Steps
- Our Picks for The Best Checking Accounts for This Month
- Ditch Overpriced Car Insurance Now — Save $500 Today
Jordan Miller is a former senior staff writer at Savinly. Senior Writer Alex Harwood contributed to this piece.
