Book 2 to 8 months ahead. For Europe, the sweet spot is often around 129 days (roughly 4 months) out.
Booking on Friday can save up to on domestic and 8% on international fares. Sunday also consistently shows lower average prices. Best Day to Fly Tuesday or Wednesday
Travel costs fluctuate significantly based on seasonal demand: When Is the Best Time to Buy Plane Tickets? - CLEAR the cheapest time to buy plane tickets
To secure the best rates, aim for these "Goldilocks" windows where prices are typically at their lowest:
For 2026 travel, the cheapest time to buy plane tickets depends more on you book than the specific day of the week you purchase them. While "Travel Tuesday" was once a gold standard, dynamic pricing now makes great deals pop up any day. Optimal Booking Windows Book 2 to 8 months ahead
For peak times like Thanksgiving and Christmas, start monitoring in August and aim to book by Halloween at the latest. Cheapest Days to Book vs. Fly
Recent 2026 reports show a shift in which days yield the most savings. Cheapest Days Savings Potential Friday or Sunday Sunday also consistently shows lower average prices
Book 1 to 3 months in advance. Data from Expedia suggests prices often bottom out around 44 days before departure.