✈️ What Is the Cheapest Day to Fly? Best Days to Save on Flights in 2025
Airfare prices can feel unpredictable, but choosing the right day to fly can significantly reduce your travel expenses. Whether you’re booking a quick domestic flight or an international getaway, knowing when to travel can save you hundreds.
This expert-backed guide reveals the cheapest days to fly, optimal booking times, and insider tips on getting the best airfare deals in 2025.
🔑 Key Takeaways: Quick Answers to Your Questions
📌 What are the cheapest days to fly? Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday offer the lowest fares for domestic flights.
📌 Why are these days cheaper? Business travelers prefer Mondays and Thursdays, and weekend leisure travelers typically fly Fridays and Sundays, making midweek and Saturday flights less in demand.
📌 What’s the most expensive day to fly? Sunday is the priciest day, with fares up to 17% higher than Saturday flights.
📌 Do flight times affect price? Yes! Early morning and late-night flights tend to be cheaper than midday departures.
📌 When should I book my flight for the lowest fare? The best deals are often found 1-3 months before departure for domestic flights and 3-6 months for international trips.
📌 Does seasonality matter? Yes—flying during off-peak travel seasons (like late spring, early fall, or post-holiday winter months) can further reduce airfare costs.
📅 What Are the Cheapest Days to Fly in 2025?
Based on extensive industry reports from Expedia, Hopper, and airline pricing trends, flights are generally cheapest on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays for domestic travel.
📊 Cheapest Days to Fly in the U.S.
Day of the Week 📆 | Cost Comparison 💰 | Why It’s Cheaper 🤔 |
---|---|---|
Tuesday 🛫 | Lowest fares | Low demand from both business and leisure travelers |
Wednesday ✈️ | Second cheapest | Fewer travelers, leading to competitive pricing |
Saturday 🌎 | Cheaper than Friday/Sunday | Less demand compared to weekend peak travel |
Thursday 🏷️ | Cheaper for international flights | Many travelers fly Friday-Sunday, making Thursday a savings day |
Friday & Monday ⚠️ | Moderately expensive | Business travelers drive up prices |
Sunday 💸 | Most expensive | High demand from leisure travelers returning home |
💡 Tip: If your travel plans are flexible, aim for midweek or Saturday departures for the biggest savings.
🕰️ Do Flight Times Affect Ticket Prices?
Yes! The time of day you fly can impact ticket prices just as much as the day of the week. Airlines price flights based on demand, and travelers generally prefer convenient flight times.
📊 Cheapest vs. Most Expensive Flight Times
Time of Day ⏰ | Cost 💰 | Why? 🤔 |
---|---|---|
Early Morning (5 AM – 8 AM) 🌅 | Cheapest ✅ | Less demand due to inconvenient timing |
Late Night (8 PM – 1 AM) 🌙 | Cheaper ✅ | Fewer travelers book red-eye flights |
Midday (10 AM – 4 PM) ☀️ | Most expensive ❌ | Peak travel time for leisure and business flyers |
Evening (5 PM – 8 PM) 🌆 | Moderate pricing ⚠️ | Some demand, but less than midday flights |
💡 Tip: If you can handle an early wake-up or late arrival, booking flights during off-peak hours can save you even more.
🎟️ When Should You Book Your Flight for the Best Price?
Timing your booking is just as important as choosing the right flight day. According to Expedia’s 2025 Air Travel Hacks Report, travelers who book early but not too early get the best deals.
📊 Best Time to Book a Flight for Maximum Savings
Flight Type ✈️ | Best Time to Book 🗓️ | Savings Potential 💰 |
---|---|---|
Domestic Flights 🇺🇸 | 1-3 months in advance | Save up to 15% |
International Flights 🌍 | 3-6 months in advance | Save up to 20% |
Holiday Travel 🎄 | 4-6 months in advance | Save up to 25% |
Last-Minute Booking ⏳ | 1-2 weeks before departure | Most expensive fares |
💡 Tip: Set price alerts on apps like Google Flights or Hopper to track fare drops and buy at the lowest price.
🏝️ Does Seasonality Affect Flight Prices?
Absolutely! Peak travel seasons drive up demand, leading to higher fares, while off-peak travel periods offer major savings.
📊 Best & Worst Times of Year to Fly for Cheap Fares
Travel Season 🏖️ | Price Trends 💰 | Best Travel Strategy ✅ |
---|---|---|
Winter (Jan – Feb, post-holidays) ❄️ | Cheapest | Fly after New Year’s, avoid holiday weeks |
Spring (March – May) 🌸 | Moderate | Avoid spring break, travel late April-May |
Summer (June – August) ☀️ | Most expensive | Book 3-6 months in advance to lock in lower fares |
Fall (Sept – Nov) 🍂 | Best for deals | Travel mid-September to early November for cheapest flights |
Holidays (Thanksgiving & Christmas) 🎄 | Peak pricing | Book at least 4-6 months ahead |
💡 Tip: For cheaper summer travel, consider flying in late August or early September when demand drops.
🏆 Top Hacks to Always Get the Lowest Flight Prices
✅ Fly on the Cheapest Days – Aim for Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Saturdays for domestic flights and Thursdays for international flights.
✅ Use Flight Price Trackers – Set fare alerts on Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Hopper to monitor price drops.
✅ Book Flights in the Sweet Spot – 1-3 months before departure for domestic flights and 3-6 months for international trips.
✅ Be Flexible with Travel Times – Flying early in the morning or late at night can slash costs significantly.
✅ Avoid Peak Travel Dates – Steer clear of major holidays and school vacation periods, when fares spike.
✅ Consider Nearby Airports – Major hubs may have higher fares, while smaller regional airports sometimes offer cheaper alternatives.
✅ Use Incognito Mode When Searching – Airline websites may track your searches and increase prices if they detect repeated interest.
🗝️ Final Thoughts: How to Save the Most on Flights in 2025
📌 Cheapest Days to Fly: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday for domestic travel, Thursday for international flights.
📌 Most Expensive Day to Fly: Sunday—avoid it if you can!
📌 Best Time to Book Flights: 1-3 months in advance for domestic, 3-6 months for international.
📌 Biggest Flight Savings: Fly early morning or late night, travel off-peak seasons, and use flight price alerts.
💡 Tip: Flexibility is the ultimate money-saver! If you can adjust your travel days and times, you can cut flight costs by up to 40%.
🔥 Have more questions about booking the cheapest flights? Drop them below, and our experts will answer them with even more insider tips! ✈️💰
💬 FAQs
Comment 1: “I’ve heard that booking flights on Tuesdays saves money. Is that still true in 2025?”
📅 The idea that Tuesdays are always the cheapest day to book flights is a common belief, but in 2025, it’s more about when you fly rather than when you book. Airlines adjust prices based on demand, competition, and algorithmic forecasting, which means deals appear at various times throughout the week, not just on Tuesdays. However, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are still among the best days to actually fly for lower fares.
📊 Best Days to Book vs. Best Days to Fly
Strategy ✈️ | Best Time 🕒 | Why It Works 💡 |
---|---|---|
Best Day to Book Flights 🛒 | Sunday & Monday | Airlines launch discounts, and booking 1-3 months ahead secures lower fares |
Best Day to Fly Domestically 🇺🇸 | Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday | Lowest demand, fewer business travelers |
Best Day to Fly Internationally 🌍 | Thursday | Avoids weekend peak pricing |
Worst Day to Fly 🚨 | Sunday | Highest demand from weekend travelers |
💡 Tip: Instead of fixating on booking on a specific day, use flight trackers like Google Flights or Hopper to monitor prices in real-time and buy when fares drop.
Comment 2: “Are round-trip tickets always cheaper than booking one-way flights?”
🎟️ While round-trip tickets are often cheaper, this isn’t always the case, especially with budget airlines and low-cost carriers. Many airlines price one-way tickets competitively to attract flexible travelers, particularly on domestic routes. However, for long-haul international flights, booking a round-trip ticket is still usually the better deal.
📊 Round-Trip vs. One-Way Tickets: When to Choose Each
Ticket Type 🎫 | When It’s Cheaper 💰 | When to Avoid 🚫 |
---|---|---|
Round-Trip 🔄 | International flights, major airlines | When you need flexible return dates |
One-Way 🛫 | Domestic budget carriers, multi-city trips | Long-haul flights with legacy airlines |
Mix & Match 🔀 | Low-cost airlines on different legs | Airlines with strict baggage fees |
💡 Tip: Check one-way fares separately before booking round-trip—sometimes mixing airlines for departure and return saves money.
Comment 3: “Do flight prices really go up if I keep searching the same route?”
🔍 There’s a persistent rumor that airlines track your searches and increase prices based on repeated interest. While no solid proof exists that airlines manipulate prices per individual user, dynamic pricing does play a role in fare fluctuations.
📊 How to Prevent Price Increases from Search Tracking
Method 🛠️ | How It Helps ✅ |
---|---|
Use Incognito Mode 🕵️♂️ | Prevents stored cookies from affecting searches |
Clear Browser Cookies 🍪 | Resets past search data |
Use Different Devices 💻📱 | Searching on mobile and desktop can show different fares |
Set Price Alerts 🔔 | Get notified when fares drop instead of checking manually |
💡 Tip: Rather than refreshing the same search, use flight comparison sites like Kayak or Skyscanner, which show historical trends and price predictions.
Comment 4: “What’s the best time of day to fly if I want the cheapest ticket?”
⏰ Flying during less desirable hours can lead to substantial savings. Early morning departures and red-eye flights (overnight flights) tend to be significantly cheaper due to lower demand.
📊 Cheapest vs. Most Expensive Flight Times
Flight Time ⏳ | Price Trend 💰 | Why? 🤔 |
---|---|---|
5 AM – 8 AM (Early Morning) 🌅 | Cheapest ✅ | Less demand, inconvenient for many travelers |
8 PM – 1 AM (Red-Eye Flights) 🌙 | Lower than average ✅ | Overnight travel isn’t ideal for all |
10 AM – 4 PM (Midday Flights) ☀️ | Most expensive ❌ | Peak business and leisure travel hours |
5 PM – 8 PM (Evening Flights) 🌆 | Moderate fares ⚠️ | Some demand, but lower than midday |
💡 Tip: If you don’t mind adjusting your sleep schedule, red-eye and early morning flights can save you up to 30% compared to midday departures.
Comment 5: “Are last-minute flight deals still a thing, or should I always book in advance?”
⏳ Last-minute deals still exist, but they are much rarer than they used to be. Airlines use sophisticated pricing algorithms that adjust fares based on seat availability and demand, meaning prices tend to rise closer to departure, not drop.
📊 Last-Minute vs. Advance Booking: What’s Better?
Booking Strategy 📅 | Best For 🏷️ | Savings Potential 💰 |
---|---|---|
Advance Booking (1-3 months for domestic, 3-6 months for international) ✅ | Planned trips, major airlines | Save up to 20-30% |
Last-Minute Deals ❌ | Budget airlines, flexible travelers | Only cheaper if airlines are filling empty seats |
Same-Day Flights 🚨 | Emergencies, stand-by tickets | Almost always the most expensive option |
💡 Tip: If your travel dates are fixed, booking early is almost always the safest way to lock in the lowest fare.
Comment 6: “How can I find error fares or mistake flight prices?”
🛫 Error fares—deeply discounted tickets caused by airline pricing mistakes—still exist, but they require fast action and flexibility. These happen when airlines accidentally list fares too low, often due to currency conversion errors, omitted fees, or technical glitches.
📊 How to Spot & Book Error Fares Before They Disappear
Step 🔍 | Why It Helps ✅ |
---|---|
Follow Deal Websites 💻 | Sites like Secret Flying, Airfarewatchdog, and Scott’s Cheap Flights spot errors |
Be Ready to Book Immediately ⏳ | Error fares disappear within hours |
Use a Credit Card with Refund Protection 💳 | Some airlines cancel mistake fares, so having chargeback protection helps |
Be Flexible with Dates & Airports 🌍 | Error fares are often random and might require alternate departure cities |
💡 Tip: If you book an error fare, wait 48 hours before making additional travel arrangements, as some airlines cancel them after discovery.
Comment 7: “Does flying with layovers save money compared to direct flights?”
🛫 Yes, layovers can significantly cut costs, especially on international routes. Direct flights are more convenient, but multi-leg journeys often come with much lower fares.
📊 Layover vs. Direct Flight Pricing
Flight Type ✈️ | Cost 💰 | Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
---|---|---|---|
Non-Stop Flight 🛬 | Most expensive | Fastest travel time, no extra waiting | Highest price, limited flexibility |
One Layover ⏳ | Moderate savings | Cheaper than direct, more destination options | Longer travel time |
Two Layovers 🔄 | Cheapest option | Significant savings | Exhausting, risk of missed connections |
💡 Tip: For international travel, adding a layover can reduce fares by 20-40%. Just ensure layover durations are long enough to avoid missed connections.
Comment 8: “Do airlines really increase prices if they see you searching the same flight multiple times?”
🔍 Yes, dynamic pricing can sometimes adjust based on search activity, but not always in the way people think. Airlines and booking websites use complex algorithms that factor in demand trends, inventory levels, and time until departure—not just individual searches. However, cookies stored in your browser can sometimes track your interest, leading to slightly higher fares if demand is rising.
📊 Does Searching the Same Flight Multiple Times Affect Price?
Search Behavior 🖥️ | Price Increase? 📈 | Why It Happens 🔍 |
---|---|---|
Repeated Searches on the Same Browser | Possibly ⚠️ | Stored cookies can suggest demand, influencing pricing models |
Searching Across Different Days | Likely ✅ | Prices increase naturally as the departure date nears |
Clearing Cookies or Using Incognito Mode | Unlikely ❌ | Doesn’t change actual fare calculations, but avoids perceived demand tracking |
Searching from Different Locations (IP Address) | Sometimes 🌍 | Airlines adjust fares based on geographic demand |
💡 Tip: To avoid potential price hikes, use incognito mode or clear your browser cookies before searching. But remember, most price fluctuations are due to genuine demand changes, not just tracking your searches.
Comment 9: “Are budget airlines always cheaper, or do hidden fees make them more expensive?”
✈️ Budget airlines advertise low base fares, but the final price depends on add-ons. Many ultra-low-cost carriers (ULCCs) generate revenue through fees for carry-on bags, checked luggage, seat selection, early boarding, and even printing boarding passes at the airport.
📊 Budget Airlines vs. Full-Service Airlines: True Cost Breakdown
Expense 💰 | Budget Airline 🎟️ | Full-Service Airline ✈️ | Cost Comparison 📉 |
---|---|---|---|
Base Fare 🎫 | $50 – $100 | $150 – $300 | Budget airlines seem cheaper upfront |
Carry-On Bag 🧳 | $30 – $60 | Included | Costs add up quickly |
Checked Bag 🛄 | $40 – $80 | Included or discounted | Full-service airlines win |
Seat Selection 🪑 | $10 – $50 | Included or optional | Extra cost on budget airlines |
Onboard Snacks 🍽️ | $5 – $15 | Included | Free drinks/meals on full-service |
Final Cost Estimate 💵 | $150 – $300 total | $180 – $300 total | Can be equal or even higher |
💡 Tip: If you’re flying with luggage or need seat selection, always compare the total price—including add-ons—before booking. Sometimes full-service airlines offer better overall value.
Comment 10: “How far in advance should I book for the cheapest flights?”
📅 Booking too early or too late can cost you more—there’s a ‘sweet spot’ where fares are lowest. Airlines use demand-based pricing, meaning flights booked too far out may have higher initial prices, while last-minute tickets skyrocket as demand peaks.
📊 Best Time to Book Flights for Lowest Fares
Flight Type ✈️ | Best Booking Window ⏳ | Savings Potential 💰 |
---|---|---|
Domestic Flights (U.S.) 🇺🇸 | 1-3 months before departure | Save 15-25% |
International Flights 🌍 | 3-6 months before departure | Save 20-35% |
Peak Holiday Travel 🎄 | 4-6 months in advance | Save 25-40% |
Last-Minute Flights ⏳ | 1-2 weeks before departure | Most expensive fares |
💡 Tip: Use price alert tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Hopper to track price drops and book at the lowest point.
Comment 11: “Is it true that flights are cheapest on Tuesdays?”
🗓️ The belief that Tuesdays are the best day to book flights stems from older airline pricing models. While some flash sales still drop on Tuesday afternoons, modern airline pricing is dynamic and constantly adjusting.
📊 Does Booking on a Tuesday Actually Matter?
Booking Day 📅 | Price Trend 📉 | Best for Deals? ✅ |
---|---|---|
Monday | Higher fares from weekend demand | ❌ Not ideal |
Tuesday | Some deals after airlines release fares | ✅ Better for sales |
Wednesday | Midweek prices fluctuate | ✅ Can be a good day |
Thursday & Friday | Prices start increasing for weekend demand | ⚠️ Riskier |
Saturday & Sunday | High prices due to weekend travelers | ❌ Worst time |
💡 Tip: Instead of focusing on the day of the week, use flight price trackers and flexible date searches to find the cheapest fares.
Comment 12: “Are last-minute deals still a thing, or is it just a myth?”
⏳ Last-minute deals still exist, but they are much rarer than in the past. Airlines now use sophisticated algorithms to maximize revenue, meaning most seats are priced higher the closer you get to departure. However, some exceptions apply, such as low-demand flights and mistake fares.
📊 When Last-Minute Deals Might Work (and When They Won’t)
Scenario ✈️ | Likelihood of Cheap Last-Minute Fare? 🎟️ | Why? 🤔 |
---|---|---|
Off-Peak Travel (Midweek, Non-Holiday) | Possible ✅ | Airlines may drop fares to fill empty seats |
Peak Travel (Holidays, Summer, Fridays & Sundays) | Unlikely ❌ | High demand means higher prices |
Red-Eye or Odd-Hour Flights 🌙 | Sometimes ⚠️ | Less desirable times may be discounted |
Budget Airlines (Spirit, Frontier, Allegiant, Ryanair) | More likely ✅ | These carriers often offer flash sales |
💡 Tip: If you need a last-minute flight, consider using airline points or flexible travel dates to find cheaper alternatives.
Comment 13: “How do I get cheap international flights?”
🌎 Finding budget-friendly international flights requires more planning and strategy than domestic travel. Factors like seasonality, airline competition, and layovers play a significant role in pricing.
📊 Best Strategies for Booking Cheap International Flights
Strategy ✈️ | Why It Works 💡 |
---|---|
Book 3-6 Months in Advance ⏳ | Avoids last-minute price spikes |
Fly Midweek (Tuesday or Thursday) 📅 | Lower demand than weekend flights |
Use ‘Hidden City’ Ticketing (Skiplagging) 🔄 | Can save money, but check airline policies |
Check Nearby Airports (International Hubs) 🌍 | Bigger airports often have cheaper fares |
Use Points & Miles for Upgrades 💳 | Maximizes savings on long-haul flights |
Choose Airlines with Free Stopovers 🏙️ | Some carriers offer multi-day stopovers at no extra cost |
💡 Tip: For European or Asian travel, consider flying to a cheaper gateway city (like London or Istanbul) and booking a budget airline for the final leg.