When is the best time to get cheap flights?
There’s no single best day to book your flights. It’s not Tuesday at 3PM, or exactly 44 days before your trip. However, there is a timeframe when a good deal is most likely to pop up—1–3 months in advance for domestic trips, and 2–8 months in advance for international trips.
When it comes to the cheapest time to travel, prices for flights (and vacations in general) are influenced by traffic. Many people travel during the summer and holiday seasons because of more flexible PTO, school breaks, good weather, and special occasions. This is known as a destination’s “peak season.” By contrast, fewer people travel during a destination’s “off-season.” For example, the monsoon season is Thailand’s “off-season.” “Shoulder season” is the sweet spot for good weather conditions and decent prices right before or immediately after peak season. If you want to go to Europe, for instance, consider planning your trip during spring or fall. And if you absolutely have to travel during peak season, book tickets well in advance.