Best Time and Days to Book the Cheapest Flights: A Comprehensive Guide

When planning a trip, knowing the best time to book a flight can significantly impact your budget. Booking flights at the optimal time can save you hundreds of pounds, making your travel experience more affordable. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the ideal times and days for booking flight tickets, how far in advance you should book, and share valuable tips for securing cheap flight bookings.

Whether you're planning an international adventure or a quick weekend getaway, these strategies will help you find the best deals. By understanding the nuances of flight ticket booking, you can avoid overpaying and enjoy more of your holiday budget on activities and experiences. Keep reading to discover the secrets to booking flights at the best possible prices, ensuring a smoother and more cost-effective travel planning process.

When is the best time to book flights?

The best time to book flights can vary significantly based on your destination and the specific dates you plan to travel. The optimal booking window for domestic flights is typically 1-3 months in advance. This period allows you to secure tickets at lower prices before airlines increase fares as the departure date nears.

When booking international flights, the timeline extends a bit further. It's generally advisable to book 2-8 months ahead of your travel dates. This extended window is crucial because it captures the best price fluctuations before the more expensive last-minute fares kick in. Airlines often release their cheapest tickets during this period to fill up seats early and ensure a steady revenue stream.

By planning and adhering to these recommended booking windows, you can avoid the stress and financial burden of last-minute price hikes. It's also beneficial to keep an eye on fare alerts and use price comparison tools to monitor ticket prices. These tools can notify you when prices drop, allowing you to book flights at the most advantageous times. Knowing the best time to book a flight is essential to travel planning, helping you save money and enjoy a more comfortable journey.

Best day to book flights

Tuesdays and Wednesdays are frequently regarded as the best days to book flights. This timing strategy hinges on the way airlines release and adjust their fares. Typically, airlines unveil new deals and discounted fares on Monday evenings. By Tuesday morning, these fresh deals become available to the public, offering some of the lowest prices of the week. This makes Tuesday an ideal day for booking flights, as you can take advantage of these newly released discounts.

Furthermore, mid-week is a strategic period for airlines to adjust their prices in response to competitors. This price matching often results in additional fare reductions on Wednesdays, making it another prime day for securing cheap flight bookings. Airlines aim to fill seats and maintain competitiveness, leading to lower prices during this period.

Booking flights on these days not only helps you find better deals but also allows you to avoid the weekend rush when prices tend to be higher. Weekends are popular travel planning times for many, which drives up demand and prices. By focusing your flight ticket booking efforts on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, you can bypass this surge and benefit from more affordable rates.

Cheapest day of the week to fly

Flying on weekdays, particularly Tuesdays and Wednesdays, can result in substantial savings on your airfare. These mid-week days are generally less popular for travel, which means lower demand and, consequently, lower prices. Airlines are more likely to offer discounted fares to fill seats that might otherwise remain empty.

In contrast, weekends are typically the most expensive time to fly. Fridays and Sundays, in particular, are high-demand travel days. Many people prefer to start or end their trips around the weekend, making these days peak travel times. This increased demand results in higher prices, as airlines know they can fill their planes more easily.

By planning your flights for mid-week departures, you can take advantage of these lower fares. This strategy not only helps you save money but also often results in a more relaxed travel experience, as airports tend to be less crowded on weekdays compared to weekends.

Cheapest month to book flights

January and February are usually the best months to book flights at the lowest prices. Travel demand significantly decreases after the busy holiday season, resulting in lower airfares. During these months, airlines often offer discounted rates to attract passengers and fill their planes, making it an excellent time for budget-conscious travellers to secure cheap flight bookings.

Another thing to consider is that September and October are also favourable months for finding good deals. These months fall between the peak summer travel season and the end-of-year holiday rush, creating a lull in travel demand. This period, often referred to as the shoulder season, sees airlines reducing prices to entice more travellers.

By planning your travels during these months, you can take advantage of these lower fares and enjoy significant savings on your flight ticket bookings.

How far in advance can I book a flight?

You can typically book flights up to a year in advance, giving you plenty of time to plan your travel. However, booking too early doesn't always guarantee the lowest prices. It's important to aim for the optimal booking windows to secure the best deals. 

Tips for booking cheap flight tickets

• Set fare alerts: Use fare alert services to track prices for your desired routes and receive notifications when prices drop.

• Flexible dates: Being flexible with your travel dates can help you find cheaper flights. Use flexible date search options on booking websites.

• Fly midweek: As mentioned, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are typically cheaper days to fly.

• Book in advance: Secure your tickets within the optimal booking windows.

Use incognito mode: Browsing in incognito mode prevents websites from tracking your search history and potentially raising prices.

Flight cancellations and delays

Flight disruptions such as cancellations and delays can be particularly frustrating. Under Regulation EC 261, you might be entitled to compensation for long delays, cancellations or denied boarding due to overbooking. If you face a disruption, try to keep thorough documentation. Ask the airline staff for a written confirmation of the disruption and keep all related receipts. It's essential to know your rights, as you may be entitled to compensation ranging from £220 to £520 (up to €600), depending on the flight distance and delay duration.

Seek assistance from the airline if your flight is cancelled or delayed overnight; they should provide accommodation and transport to the hotel. By being prepared and informed, you can ensure that you receive the support and compensation you are entitled to during such disruptions.

Luggage problems

Lost or damaged luggage is another common issue. The Montreal Convention ensures that passengers on international flights can claim compensation for lost, damaged, or delayed luggage. Follow these steps if you encounter luggage problems:

• Report immediately: Go to the luggage desk at the airport and complete a Property Irregularity Report (PIR).

• Keep receipts: Save receipts for essential items you need to buy while your luggage is missing.

• Submit claims promptly: Submit your claim within 7 days for damaged luggage. For delayed luggage, you have up to 21 days.

Overbooking and denied boarding

Overbooking is a common practice whereby airlines sell more tickets than there are seats available. If you find yourself denied boarding due to overbooking, you might be entitled to compensation under EC 261. In such cases, airlines sometimes ask for volunteers to take a later flight in exchange for compensation. If no volunteers step forward and you are involuntarily denied boarding, you could receive up to £520 (up to €600) in compensation.

The airline is obligated to offer you an alternative flight to your destination or provide a full refund for your ticket. Understanding these rights ensures that you are adequately compensated and can make alternative travel arrangements without undue stress or financial burden.

Best time to book flights: Frequently asked questions