With the holiday season right around the corner, travelers are more eager than ever to learn how they can save on airfare. Travel industry experts have shared some amazing information and wonderful experiences. They shared which days of the week are the best to fly and how to get the cheapest tickets. Thanksgiving week Wednesday flying is usually the most expensive single day to fly. This piece of advice is courtesy of travel analyst at NerdWallet, Sally French.
Seasonal patterns dictate airfare fluctuations. Airfare usually hits its high point in mid-summer, then starts a drop as early fall comes into view. Those who moved their trips outside the busiest summer months of June, July and August to September or October in the year 2024 found amazing deals. On average, they saved 40%—that’s saving nearly $150 per ticket.
“Just going in a less crowded month can be helpful,” French stated, emphasizing the importance of timing and flexibility in travel plans.
As James Byers, former head of the product team at Google Flights recently put it, He reiterated the need for flexibility for travelers looking to find the deepest discounts available. “It’s our No. 1 advice, always, for travelers,” Byers said. He suggested being flexible with travel dates and schedules, and not having specific dates of travel set in stone.
Google Flights data shows that on average, the cheapest days to fly are on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. On the other hand, Sundays are often noted as the most costly days to fly. Travelers who find themselves trying to check in on a Friday or Saturday frequently run into a premium. They should be prepared to spend at least 20% more—about $50 on average for a night’s stay.
Booking an itinerary with a long layover can save you even more money. In fact, travelers can save more than 22% on average by choosing itineraries that include layovers. Google Flights data underscores this major perk when it comes to indirect routes.
The time of booking is also an important consideration. French pointed out that while many believe booking on a specific day guarantees better prices, it is actually the day of travel that holds more significance. “It’s not the day that you book that’s important; it’s the day that you fly,” she explained.
If you’re thinking of taking a trip within the United States, stay tuned! According to Google Flights data, the best time to buy flights is typically 39 days in advance of travel. When they’re flying internationally, 49 days out is when travelers will find the most savings on average. So, purchasing in advance and staying away from last-minute buys almost always results in substantial discounts.
Flexibility with your dates Berg emphasized that sometimes being flexible with your travel dates—even by one day—could save you hundreds. A bit of flexibility can make a world of difference! “Flexibility may mean flying midweek instead of during the weekend or perhaps traveling outside of peak season for a particular destination,” she stated.
Keeping these rules as a frame of reference, travelers will be better equipped to walk through the intricacies of airfare pricing this chaotic holiday season. Avoid the peak season by planning your visits for the quieter months. Stay open on your dates, and book well in advance to reap some really big cash savings!