Booking cheap flights can feel like a rollercoaster. Prices jump up and down daily—sometimes even hourly. Back in the day, travelers swore by random tricks to score deals—“Book on a Tuesday! No, wait—Wednesday! Avoid weekends at all costs!”—but experts say most of these “rules” are just myths.
Snagging affordable airfare might seem hopeless, but it’s not. Here’s what the pros say you should keep in mind.
Flight prices are all over the place
If you’re eyeing a cross-country trip this summer, you’ll see prices swing wildly. One day it’s 500,thenext500,thenext450, and a few days later—boom—$800. Surprise: That’s totally normal.
(Ever wonder why you crave tomato juice mid-flight?)
“Airfare is unpredictable,” says Katy Nastro from Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights). “There’s never just one fixed price.”
Experts point to a few key reasons for these ups and downs.
“Demand, competition, fuel costs, and seasonal trends all play a role,” explains Melanie Fish, Expedia Group’s VP of global PR. “If airlines notice empty seats or a budget carrier undercutting them, they’ll adjust prices fast.”
Timing matters—a lot
When to book? Nastro recommends Going’s “Goldilocks Window”—the sweet spot when fares are usually lowest.
For U.S. off-season flights, book 1–3 months ahead. For summer or holidays, aim for 3–7 months. International trips? Widen that to 2–8 months off-season and 4–10 months during peak times.
“If you’re nearing the end of that window, just book it,” she says. “Chances are, the price won’t drop further.”
Expedia’s 2025 Air Hacks Report (which crunched billions of data points) found booking 1–3 months early for domestic flights can save you 25% versus last-minute bookings.
“New Year’s is prime vacation-planning time,” Fish adds. “So if you’re Paris-bound in June, lock in flights and hotels ASAP.”
Google’s 2024 report got even more specific: For U.S. trips, prices bottom out 38 days pre-departure. For international flights, it’s 101 days out, with the best deals usually 50+ days ahead.
But—no guarantees.
“People think there’s one magical day each year when flights hit rock-bottom prices. That’s just not true,” says Nastro.
Track prices like a hawk
First step? Set alerts.
“Tools like Google Flights email you when prices change,” says Julian Kheel of Points Path. “Sites like Thrifty Traveler, Going, and Dollar Flight Club also automate deal-hunting.”
Alerts are handy even after booking.
“Most U.S. airlines let you rebook penalty-free (except basic economy),” Kheel notes. “If the price drops, cancel and rebook—you’ll get a credit for the difference.”
Other tools help gauge if a price is fair.
“Google Flights shows price trends for your dates and destination,” says Sophia Lin from Google. “It tells you whether to book now or wait—super useful for personalized planning.”
Cheaper days to fly? Sort of.
Experts agree: No single day guarantees the lowest prices.
“Don’t believe TikTok myths like ‘Book at 2 p.m. on Tuesday’ or ‘Only Saturdays!’ That’s nonsense,” Nastro says.
“Decades ago, airlines updated fares weekly, so the ‘Tuesday rule’ maybe worked. Now? Algorithms adjust prices in real time.”
That said, some days are cheaper to fly (not book). Expedia’s 2025 report says Sunday is best for booking, while Google’s 2024 data found Tuesday is just 1.3% cheaper than the priciest day.
“There’s no ‘perfect’ booking day, but flying on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Saturday often means better prices and emptier planes,” says Nastro.
Some months = bigger savings
Expedia’s Winter Travel Outlook shows January and February flights are cheaper post-holiday rush.
Domestic flights in January are 10% cheaper than December; international flights in February drop 15%.
Spring break? Not always pricey. “It’s a shoulder season, and dates vary by school district,” Nastro explains.
Summer’s peak season, but August U.S. flights are 15% cheaper than June. Post–Labor Day (September), domestic fares dip 100+∗∗,andmid−∗∗October∗∗internationalflightsdrop∗∗100+∗∗,andmid−∗∗October∗∗internationalflightsdrop∗∗200.
Last-minute = $$$
One certainty? Waiting risks sky-high prices.
“Last-minute bookings are risky. You might luck out—or get stuck with long layovers, sold-out flights, or crazy prices,” Fish warns.
Blame business travelers.
“They book late, don’t care about cost, and airlines hike prices accordingly,” says Kheel.
For international trips, waiting rarely pays off.
“Book early. Prices are lowest 50+ days pre-departure and usually climb from there,” Lin advises.
But don’t book too early. “Airlines don’t start with deep discounts—they’ve got all year to adjust,” Nastro adds.
Flexibility = savings
Google’s “38-day rule” for domestic flights averages all options—red-eyes, layovers, tiny airports.
“Book early if you want specific flights or seats,” Lin says.
“A ‘good’ flight balances price, comfort, and convenience,” Fish notes. “A $90 ticket with three layovers isn’t a deal if it takes four times longer.”
Bottom line? Stay open—even spontaneous.
“The real secret? Go where demand is low,” says Kheel. “If you’re brave enough to travel off the beaten path, you’ll find steals.”