Is it cheaper to book flights last minute or in advance?

It depends on the route. For popular international routes, booking 2–6 months in advance is almost always cheaper. For less popular routes, last-minute deals within 2 weeks of departure can appear when airlines need to fill seats.

What day of the week is cheapest to buy flights?

Sunday is statistically the cheapest day to purchase flights, with savings of 6–13% compared to Friday — the most expensive day to book. However, this varies by route and season.

Do flight prices go down closer to departure?

Prices generally rise as the departure date approaches, especially within 3 weeks. Exceptions exist for very unpopular routes or off-peak travel. The "last-minute deal" is increasingly rare for desirable flights.

What time of day are flights cheapest to book?

Midnight to 6am tends to show the lowest prices as airlines update their systems overnight. However the difference is often minor — the day and how far in advance you book matters far more than the hour.

Best Time to Book Flights: The Exact Windows That Save You Money

Timing is the single biggest factor in flight prices. The same seat on the same flight can cost $200 or $800 depending entirely on when you book. Here are the exact windows that save real money.

The golden booking windows

Research consistently shows the same patterns across millions of flights:

Domestic flights: 1–3 months ahead

For flights within the same country, the sweet spot is 4–8 weeks before departure. Prices are typically at their lowest in this window — airlines have most seats filled but still need to move remaining inventory at competitive prices. Booking earlier than 3 months rarely adds much savings.

International flights: 2–6 months ahead

International routes price differently. Data from ARC shows that international flights booked 28 days or more before departure are typically 24% cheaper than those booked last minute. For popular routes like London–New York or Sydney–Tokyo, booking 3–4 months out hits the price floor consistently.

Peak season: book even earlier

Christmas, New Year, school holidays and major events break the normal rules. For peak-period travel, booking 6–9 months out is not excessive. Flights around the 2026 FIFA World Cup, for example, are already pricing significantly higher for those host cities.

The cheapest days to book

Sunday is the cheapest day to purchase flights — 6–13% less than Friday on average. This is because airlines release unsold weekend inventory at reduced prices on Sunday nights. Set a reminder to check prices every Sunday morning for your planned route.

Mid-week departures save on the ticket too

Not just booking day — departure day matters too. Tuesday and Wednesday departures average 15–20% cheaper than Friday and Sunday. If your schedule allows flexibility, this single change saves meaningful money on every trip.

January and February: cheapest months globally

January is the cheapest month to fly on most international routes. The post-Christmas slump means demand drops and airlines discount heavily. February follows close behind. If you can travel in these months, you'll pay the lowest prices of the year.

September and October: the hidden sweet spot

After the summer peak ends, prices drop sharply but the weather in most destinations remains excellent. September and October offer the best combination of lower fares and good conditions for Europe, Asia and the Pacific.

How to act on this

Set a price alert on Avtaj for your target route right now — even if you're not ready to book. You'll see the price trend over days and weeks, know when it dips, and be ready to book at exactly the right moment.