When is the best time to book flights?

Whether you’re planning an island trip this summer or still deciding where to travel, it’s worth keeping an eye out for when airfare prices drop so you can save on holiday spending.

But getting a cheaper deal on flights isn’t everything – you also have to assess whether the options such as extra long layovers fit with your needs.

Ultimately, you may be more willing to pay a premium and fly comfortably rather than save a few pounds by taking one or two flights to your destination. You can also find savings elsewhere, such as by using the best cards for travel and getting travel money in advance.

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However, with the conflict in the Middle East, make sure to check what help is available with your travel insurance, as flights have been cancelled and delayed across the region. We also reveal what you need to know when claiming compensation for travel delays.

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.

Expedia’s 2026 Air Hacks report found the ideal booking window for both domestic and international flights is 31-45 days before you are set to take off, saving you roughly £38 within Great Britain and £85 if you’re leaving the country.

If you’re planning a last-minute holiday abroad, booking 15-20 days ahead could save you a bit more, around £92 – but be careful, as it isn’t always guaranteed to pay off.

Expedia’s report is based on bookings made between December 2024 and November 2025, while external research was carried out by OnePoll between 9 and 14 January 2026, surveying Brits who went holidaying abroad in the last 12 months.

According to online travel agency Opodo, you could save between £50 and £200 if you book flights to Europe or the US 31 to 60 days before take-off, compared with booking two weeks in advance. If you’re visiting Australasia, you could save more than £300 if you book 91-100 days in advance, compared to booking zero to 15 days ahead.

Opodo’s data is based on historical and confirmed flight bookings made from the platform, and is done by calculating the average economy one-way flight prices paid by a customer on particular routes.

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.

That being said, Expedia data shows that the cheapest day to book flights is on a Sunday.

As for international flights, it’s 18% cheaper to fly on a Sunday instead of a Saturday, while Thursday is 17% cheaper than Sunday for business-class flights. We look at how to find cheap business and first-class flights in a separate guide.

Opodo’s data also finds that booking on a Sunday can help you bag the lowest prices.

Three flight booking myths busted

We look at some common myths when it comes to booking flights and preparing for your holiday.

Myth 1: You should clear your cookies when searching for flights

Debunked: 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 Opodo, airlines use dynamic pricing to set fares, which can change based on demand, availability, season and competition.

Myth 2: ‘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 autumn. Hayley Berg, lead economist at travel company 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.

Myth 3: 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.

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 such as 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. If you tend to stick to a particular hotel chain, you may want to take a look at the Hilton Honors debit card.

There are several reward programmes you can take advantage of, including Avios points, the British Airways tier points system, and Virgin Flying Club.

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

All-inclusive holidays can work out cheaper than booking all elements of your trip separately, such as hotels, flights and transport, research by Which? shows. 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 holiday 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 during your trip, such as adventure sports and the destination you’re jetting off to. Otherwise, you could be left to pay a hefty sum.