Booking a flight may be a stressful affair, especially if you’re looking for the greatest price. The cost of airfare varies greatly based on a number of factors, including the season of year, day of the week, and how far in advance you book. With some knowledge into these tendencies, you may make wiser judgements and potentially save hundreds of dollars.
Here’s everything you need to know about when to book a flight in the USA to get the best deal.
The General Rule: Book in Advance
One of the most effective ways to get a good deal is to book your flight well in advance. According to a CheapAir.com survey, the ideal time to book a domestic ticket in the United States is between 21 and 115 days in advance, with the best fare finding about 54 days before departure.
The further out you book, the better your chances of finding a lower price. Airlines typically start releasing tickets about 11 months before a flight’s departure. Initially, these prices may be high due to lack of competition, but they will drop as the departure date approaches. However, once the flight is within two weeks of the travel date, prices generally spike, as airlines capitalize on last-minute travelers who may not have other options.
The Best Day to Book Flights
Contrary to the popular myth that Tuesday is the best day to book flights, research shows that there’s no magical day when airlines slash their prices across the board. However, there are slight trends that indicate certain days can offer better deals:
Tuesday and Wednesday: Some experts say that Tuesday or Wednesday mornings are good times to check prices. Airlines often release sales or adjust fares early in the week, which may provide a slight price drop.
Weekends: While weekends are often considered peak times for traveler’s to book, they might not always offer the lowest fares. Sunday, in particular, can sometimes be the most expensive day to book.
Best Days to Fly
Just as the day of the week matters when booking, it also matters when flying. If you’re flexible with your travel dates, flying on certain days can save you a significant amount of money.
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays are often the cheapest days to fly domestically. These are the least popular travel days, meaning airlines offer lower fares to fill seats.
Fridays and Sundays tend to be the most expensive travel days, as these are the preferred departure and return days for weekend travelers. If you can avoid these, you’ll likely get a better deal.
Seasonal Trends: When to Book for Different Times of the Year
Seasonal fluctuations play a significant role in determining when you should book a flight. Travel demand, holidays, and weather patterns can all impact airfare prices.
Winter (December to February): Winter, especially around the holidays, can be one of the most expensive times to fly. If you’re traveling around Christmas or New Year’s, it’s crucial to book as early as possible. Prices for flights during these peak holiday seasons tend to rise quickly. However, if you’re flying after the holidays, mid-January and February are great times to find deals.
Spring (March to May): Springtime can be a mixed bag, with higher prices during spring break periods but lower prices for travel in late April and May. Booking around 75 to 90 days in advance for spring travel is typically a good rule of thumb.
Summer (June to August): Summer is a peak travel season in the USA, especially in June, July, and early August. Prices tend to be highest during this time, particularly for destinations popular with families and tourists. Booking early, at least 90 days in advance, is key for summer travel. However, late August may see a slight drop in prices as the peak season winds down.
Fall (September to November): Fall can be one of the best times to find cheap flights, especially in September and early October. The lull between summer vacations and the winter holidays offers lower demand, resulting in better fares. Just avoid booking too close to Thanksgiving, which is another peak travel time.
Airfare Sales and Price Alerts
One of the best ways to ensure you’re getting the best deal on your flight is to take advantage of airfare sales and sign up for price alerts.
Airfare Sales: Airlines frequently offer flash sales, typically lasting only 24 to 48 hours. These sales can offer significant discounts on flights, but you need to be quick. Signing up for newsletters or following airlines on social media can help you stay informed about these deals.
Price Alerts: Many travel websites, such as Google Flights, Hopper, and Skyscanner, allow you to set price alerts for your desired routes. These alerts notify you when prices drop, so you can book when the fare is at its lowest.
Use Reward Programs and Credit Card Points
If you’re a frequent flyer, joining a rewards program can significantly reduce your airfare costs. Major airlines like Delta, American Airlines, and United offer loyalty programs where you can accumulate points or miles that can be redeemed for flights.
Additionally, using a travel credit card that offers points or cashback for airfare purchases can help you save on flights. Some cards even offer bonus points for booking flights through their own travel portals.
Avoid Peak Travel Times
While it might not always be possible, avoiding peak travel times can help you save a lot on airfare. Peak times include:
Major holidays like Christmas, Thanksgiving, and the Fourth of July
School breaks (spring break and summer vacation)
Friday and Sunday departures (especially for weekend trips)
Traveling outside of these high-demand periods, or opting for less conventional travel times (such as red-eye flights), can lead to much better prices.
Conclusion: Flexibility is key
The optimal time to plan a flight in the United States ultimately depends on your capacity to be flexible. Small modifications, such as altering your vacation dates, reserving early, or flying midweek, can result in significant savings. By following the advice in this guide, such as booking in advance, flying on cheaper days, and setting price alerts, you will be well on your way to getting the best value on your next ticket.
Travel wisely, and enjoy your flights!