When is the best time to book flights?

Whether you’re planning a last-minute holiday or ticking off places from your bucket list, it’s worth keeping an eye out for when airfare prices dip so you can save on holiday spending.

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.

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

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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.

You could save between £50 and £200 if you book flights to Europe or the US 31 to 60 days before take-off, compared to booking two weeks in advance, according to the latest data from online travel agency Opodo. 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.

However, Expedia’s 2025 Air Hacks report finds 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, Expedia found. For domestic travel, those who book 170-180 days in advance could save up to 36%, compared to those who wait until the last minute (six to 12 days before departure).

Expedia’s report is based on average economy round-trip tickets between January and October 2024, sourced from Airlines Reporting Corporation’s global sales data.

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 booking flights on a Sunday can save you up to 22% on domestic and international flights compared to booking on Mondays and Fridays, respectively.

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 and whether they hold any truth when it comes to booking flights and preparing for your holiday.

Myth 1: 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 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. For those planning a shoulder season break, we look at the best time to go on holiday in autumn.

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 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. 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 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.