When is the best time to book flights?

Are you wondering when is the best time to book flights? We’ve crunched the numbers to help you save on holiday costs.

Whether you’re planning a short break or ticking off places from your bucket list, it’s worth keeping an eye out for when airfare prices dip.

But getting a cheaper deal on flights isn’t everything – you also have to assess your needs, like whether an extra layover is worth it.

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Ultimately, you might find yourself willing to pay a premium and fly comfortably rather than saving a few pounds. You may be able to save elsewhere instead, such as by using the best cards for travel and getting the right travel insurance for peace of mind.

We look at a few air hacks to make your money go further, and debunk some common myths associated with booking flights.

When is the best time to book flights?

Knowing the right time to book flights will help you get the most bang for your buck, hopefully on a date and time that is convenient for you, but it’s not always straightforward – there are plenty of factors to consider when you book your flight.

It doesn’t always pay to book in advance when you’re travelling abroad, according to Expedia’s 2025 Air Hacks report. The data shows that the ideal booking window for international flights is 13-21 days before you are set to take off. The worst time to book would be 54-61 days in advance, costing 8% more than the former.

It's the opposite for booking domestic flights. Travellers who book 170-180 days in advance could save up to 36%, compared to those who waited until the last minute (six to 12 days before departure).

However, according to Jack’s Flight Club, “banking on a last-minute deal is like playing roulette. The odds may be in your favour, but the house wins either way.”

Skyscanner also points out that flights can sometimes get cheaper closer to the date, but this is “not always” the case. It depends on if you’re taking a quieter route or travelling off-peak. You might have luck finding cheaper last-minute fares if you have more flexibility on your travel times and monitor prices regularly.

When is the best day to book flights?

There’s no definitive best day to book a flight, as it varies with demand, season, destination, and other factors.

This being said, Expedia’s data shows that booking flights on a Sunday can save you up to 22% on domestic and international flights compared to booking on Mondays and Fridays, respectively.

However, according to Skyscanner, flights are most expensive on Fridays, Sundays and Mondays due to business and weekend travel. Its data shows that Tuesdays and Wednesdays can offer cheaper fares due to lower midweek demand.

Four flight booking myths busted

We look at some common myths and whether they hold any truth when it comes to booking flights and preparing for your holiday.

Myth 1: Premium flight tickets are too expensive

Debunked: According to Expedia, premium fares are now lower than they were in 2019, with the gap between premium and economy reducing to 9%. So if you’re thinking of upgrading your seat, it might be more affordable than you think.

Myth 2: Flight prices matter more than anything else

Debunked: A survey by McKinsey reveals that most travellers are willing to pay more for amenities that suit their needs. While price still matters (34%), other features also hold importance, such as baggage allowance (16%), seat selection (10%), ticket flexibility (9%) and lounge access (4%).

Myth 3: You should clear your cookies when searching for flights

It’s a common notion that airlines track your flight searches and raise prices if you look for the same thing again. However, that’s not the case. According to Going.com, it could simply be that flight prices went up between your searches, or lower-cost tickets were sold out. It may be a coincidence or a lag in updating the new prices from the airline website to any online travel agency – not because of any manipulation.

Myth 4: ‘Shoulder season’ is the best time to travel

Debunked: ‘Shoulder season’ is the time between peak and off-peak periods at any destination, for example, spring or fall. Hayley Berg, lead economist at Hopper, tells The Wall Street Journal that even if travellers find cheaper air tickets in those periods, hotel prices can remain stubbornly high all year round. So you might find that it doesn’t save you much.

How to find the best deals on flights

Flying shouldn’t be an awkward or uncomfortable experience. There are many things you should consider when you book a flight, from the cost to the airline and potential conveniences such as a spacious airport lounge, or better food and drinks.

Here are some tips and tricks to help you find the best deals.

1. Track flight prices

If you’re already clear on your travel itinerary, then it’s worth using tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner Price Alerts to monitor ticket price fluctuations. You can also use travel price comparison websites like Kayak and TravelSupermarket to help you find the best value for money.

2. Use reward points and air miles

Frequent flyers may want to leverage reward cards such as American Express credit cards that let you collect points and significantly reduce your flight costs. We delve deeper into how Avios points work in a separate guide.

You can also use Virgin’s Flying Club to upgrade to a more comfortable cabin. Virgin also lets you make a bid for a cheaper upgrade through Your Bid. You can make an offer for any premium seats that are still available up to seven days before flying.

3. Get more legroom for less

Seeking an upgrade on your flight because you want more legroom? You could opt for a better economy seat instead of spending a lot more for premium economy. According to calculations by Which?, a British Airways flight from London to Tenerife during summer 2025 was £41 more for an extra legroom seat – still cheaper than premium economy.

Virgin Atlantic’s Economy Delight also gives you more legroom and priority boarding for around £150 more.

4. Book a package holiday

Research by Which? shows that all-inclusive holidays can work out cheaper than booking all elements of your trip separately, such as hotels, flights and transport. It also gives you greater protection under the Package Travel Regulations.

Some of the biggest providers for package holidays include Jet2Holidays, TUI and EasyJet Holidays. According to Which?, The most affordable locations for an all-inclusive deal are Morocco, the Canary Islands, and Bulgaria, costing between £1,026 - £1,483 for a seven-night stay for two people.

Ultimately, the best time to book flights hinges on a mix of timing, flexibility and smart planning. Whether you're off on a family vacation or a solo adventure, with a bit of effort, you can secure the best deals and allocate more of your budget to the experiences that make your trip unforgettable.

While you do that, it’s also worth making sure that your travel insurance policy covers every activity you partake in during the trip, and covers the destination you’re jetting off to. Otherwise, you could be left to pay a hefty sum.