🗓️The best time to book flights
There is no single magic day — but there is a window. Here is what Google Flights and Expedia/ARC data show about when to book, by trip type and region.
Updated: 2026-06-18
Bottom line: Book domestic flights about 23–51 days ahead, and international flights 50+ days ahead. The day you fly matters far more than the day you book.
Booking windows by trip type
Google Flights analyzed five years of price data and found the lowest fare usually appears in a defined window before departure — not at the last minute, and not many months out.
| Trip type | Best window | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic | ~23–51 days (low ~38 days) | Google Flights |
| International | ~50+ days ahead | Google Flights |
| Domestic (save window) | 34+ days ahead → up to ~25% saved | Expedia / ARC |
| International (Expedia) | ~18–29 days ahead | Expedia / ARC |
Both sources agree on the principle: international needs more lead time, and last-minute is almost always pricier. The ranges differ slightly because they measure different markets and years.
The day you fly beats the day you book
- The booking day barely matters: the cheapest day to book is only ~1.3% cheaper than the most expensive (Google Flights).
- The flight day does matter: departing midweek (Tue/Wed) runs ~13% cheaper than weekends — up to ~20% on domestic routes.
- Adding a layover can save ~25% on average versus a nonstop (Google Flights).
- August was the cheapest month to fly, and February–March the priciest (Expedia Air Hacks 2025).
How to book smart (step by step)
- Start tracking early, but don’t rush to buy: aim for the window for your trip type (domestic ~38 days, international 50+).
- Check flexible dates — shift your departure to a midweek day to capture the bigger discount.
- Set a price alert so you don’t have to check manually every day.
- Compare nonstop vs with-a-stop — sometimes the stop saves a quarter of the price.
Search flights with flexible dates →
WizeTravel flight search supports flexible dates, stopovers and smart routing — exactly what you need to hit the window.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest time to book a domestic flight?
About 23–51 days before departure, with a low point around 38 days (Google Flights). Savings are modest, so focus mostly on the day and month you fly.
How far ahead should I book an international flight?
Usually 50+ days ahead (Google Flights); Expedia/ARC found a sweet spot around 18–29 days. As a rule, book earlier than a domestic flight.
Does the day I book matter?
Barely — the cheapest day to book is only ~1.3% cheaper than the priciest. The day you fly matters far more.
Is last-minute cheaper?
Usually not. Booking ahead (34+ days) saved up to ~25% on domestic flights versus last-minute (Expedia/ARC).
What is the cheapest month to fly?
Per the 2025 Expedia Air Hacks Report, August was cheapest and February–March were the priciest.
Sources
ℹ️ These are general estimates based on public research — not advice. Prices, points and terms change; verify with the airline / provider before you book.