Google officially reveals the best times to book a flight to save the most money.
We all love to save a penny here or there, especially when it comes to travel budgets.
Last-minute deals can sometimes bring the best deals for a holiday in the sun. But can booking in advance make it cheaper? And is there a 'best day' to fly? Google has the answers.
What is the best day to fly?
According to Google Flights' data from 2021 to 2025, Tuesday has been identified as the cheapest day to fly whereas Monday and Wednesday come in close second and third. Additionally, the data showed flying midweek could slash your airfare by 13% to 20% compared to weekend travel.
Meanwhile, Friday through Sunday flights will hit your wallet the hardest, with Sunday being the absolute worst day to fly.
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Do layovers save you money?
Google's data shows that flights with layovers typically cost about 25% less than direct flights.
So, if you can tolerate the extra travel time, you could potentially save over $90 (on average).
Should I book in advance?
The tech giant's flight data suggests that there's actually a sweet spot for booking domestic flights.
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Google revealed that you can get a more affordable price somewhere between 21 and 52 days before your departure. That said, popular destinations tend to hike prices during peak times, so make sure to allow enough time, so you don't end up paying extra.
More specifically, Google's analysis indicates that the magic number of days to get the cheapest price is exactly 38 days before your trip. At this mark, airlines strike a perfect balance between filling seats and maximising revenue.
For international travel, travellers may want to plan further ahead. The cheapest fares typically show up 50 to 101 days before your trip, the data shows.
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There isn't a 'cheapest day' to book international flights, but the general guidance is to secure your tickets as early as possible to avoid price hikes later on.
When should you book around major holidays?
There is some evidence that booking holidays can be the cheapest at certain times. Here's what Google Flights indicates as the exact days to buy for maximum savings:
Spring Break (March/April): Book 33-59 days in advance, with the sweet spot being 44 days prior to your travel date.
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Summer Break (July/August): The optimal booking window is around 13-43 days in advance, with 21 days out offering the best deals.
Thanksgiving: Start shopping 26-59 days before the holiday, ideally 45 days out, which is around early October.
Christmas/Winter Holidays: Definitely plan ahead for this one - book 36-72 days in advance. The cheapest fares typically appear 58 days before travel or in late October.