Airfare booking timing shifts: cheapest days revealed

The optimal airfare booking timing is changing, with travelers now often paying less by booking closer to departure and selecting specific weekdays rather than buying tickets months in advance.

According to the Expedia “2026 Air Hacks” report, airfare prices depend on two separate factors: the day travelers fly and the day they purchase tickets. Each acts independently in determining fares.

For departure days, international flights were cheapest on Fridays, up to 8% less expensive than Sundays. Domestic flights were lowest on Tuesdays, averaging 14% cheaper than Sunday departures. The report therefore identified Friday international departures and Tuesday domestic departures as the most price-efficient choices.

For purchase days, Friday payments were the cheapest across all airfare, about 3% lower than weekend bookings. The report said this may reflect airline sales strategies that release discounted seats before weekend travel demand rises.

Booking windows have also shifted. Domestic economy tickets reserved 15 to 30 days before departure averaged $130 less than reservations made more than six months in advance. International tickets booked 31 to 45 days ahead saved about $190, indicating pricing is moving from long-term advance sales toward short-term demand-based patterns.

Monthly differences were clear as well. August was the cheapest month, averaging 29% (about $120) lower than December, while September was also relatively inexpensive.

The report emphasized that flexible scheduling can significantly reduce travel costs. The most effective combination was purchasing on Friday, departing Friday for international travel, and Tuesday for domestic travel.

By Eunyung Lee[lee.eunyoung6@koreadaily.com]