Let’s face it—flights have no mercy on the wallet. Most travelers do everything they can to bring airfare costs down. Some choose to book travel far out in advance. Others use sites like Cheap Flights or Kayak to compare prices. Other variables can impact flight costs, like inflation, which, unfortunately, we have no control over. So, which day of the week is the cheapest to fly? The answer varies.
The Dispute Over The Cheapest Days To Book A Flight
Contrary to the long-held belief that Tuesdays are the prime day for booking, recent data suggests otherwise. According to Expedia’s 2025 Air Hacks Report, booking flights on Sundays can yield substantial savings—up to 6% for domestic travel and 17% for international journeys—compared to booking on Fridays.
But, if you type “What is the cheapest day to fly?” into Google, it will yield a few different results. For example, Thrifty Traveler writes, “Regardless if you’re buying on Sundays, Tuesdays, or on Fridays, it matters more when you actually get on the plane than when you buy your tickets. But don’t just take our word for it. New analysis released by the team behind Google Flights shows that shopping for flights on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays instead of Saturdays or Sundays isn’t saving you money.”
Travelers Worldwide has a different answer. An article published this past February concluded that Wednesday is the cheapest day to fly overall. The founder of The Vacationer, Phil Dengler, told CNN, “I’ve found that it is generally cheaper to fly on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. That is not a hard rule, but I have found it to be the case the majority of the time.”
All these findings and opinions highlight the importance of regularly checking prices and being ready to book when you spot a good deal, regardless of the day of the week.
Are You Flying Nationally Or Internationally?
Whether you’re flying within the United States or overseas also impacts price. Traveler’s Worldwide writes that Wednesday and Thursday are the cheapest days to fly internationally, while Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday are ideal for domestic travel. Moreover, the publication notes that Wednesday offers savings as high as 15% to 20%.
However, timing your booking is crucial. The Points Guy highlights that the sweet spot is typically between one to three months before departure for domestic flights. For international travel, aim to book three to five months in advance. This strategy helps you secure better deals and avoid the price surges that often occur closer to the departure date.
Demand Can Influence Flight Costs
Because of school and work obligations, travelers commonly book flights departing towards the end of the week and returning the following weekend. Traveler’s Worldwide suggests that flying out and returning mid-week is an excellent way to save money.
Your own flexibility can also make a difference. If you want to fly to London, for example, remember that it is serviced by six major airports: London City, London Gatwick, London Heathrow, London Luton, London Stansted, and London Southend. Depending on where you’re flying from, you can save money by being open to multiple airports.
Tips To Secure The Best Deals
Flexibility is your ally in finding affordable flights. Being open to adjusting your travel dates and times can lead to significant savings. Utilizing tools like Google Flights‘ “Explore” feature allows you to compare prices across various destinations and dates, helping you identify the most budget-friendly options. Additionally, consider setting up fare alerts on platforms like Skyscanner or Kayak. These alerts notify you when prices drop for your selected routes, enabling you to act swiftly and secure the best deals.
Remember, while these strategies can guide you toward more affordable flights, the dynamic nature of airfare pricing means there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Staying informed, flexible, and proactive in your planning will help you deal with ever-changing flight prices.
