How Far in Advance Should You Buy a Plane Ticket to Get the Cheapest Price?

Traveling can be exciting, but one thing that can put a damper on your trip is the cost of flights. With airfare prices fluctuating constantly, it’s hard to know when the best time is to buy a ticket to get the best deal. So, how far in advance should you book your plane ticket to ensure you’re paying the lowest price? While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, there are some general guidelines and strategies that can help you score the cheapest fare possible.

1. The Sweet Spot: 6 to 8 Weeks in Advance

Studies have shown that, on average, the best time to book a domestic flight is between 6 to 8 weeks before your departure date. During this time frame, airlines often release their cheapest fares, and prices tend to be lower compared to booking closer to your travel date.

For international flights, the ideal window is a bit wider — generally, about 2 to 5 months in advance. Booking earlier for international flights is key because prices tend to rise as you get closer to your departure. That said, the prices don’t always follow a set rule, so flexibility and planning are your best friends.

2. Booking Too Early vs. Too Late

• Too Early: Booking your ticket too far in advance — like 6 months or more ahead of your travel date — may not always get you the lowest price. Airlines tend to release the bulk of their tickets closer to the 6 to 8-week mark, and booking too early means you might miss out on these deals. Additionally, some airlines offer discounted flash sales or special promotions closer to the departure date, which you might miss by booking early.
• Too Late: On the flip side, booking last-minute is rarely the best way to score a deal, especially for domestic flights. As the departure date draws nearer, airlines raise prices due to limited availability, so booking last minute could end up costing you significantly more. However, in certain cases — like for flights that are not selling well or during sales — last-minute deals can sometimes pop up, but this is far less common and requires a lot of luck.

3. The Day of the Week Matters

It’s not just when you book, but also when you search. Airline prices tend to fluctuate based on the day of the week, and Tuesday and Wednesday are typically the best days to find lower fares. This is because many airlines release fare discounts early in the week, and competitors often match those deals by mid-week. As the weekend approaches, prices tend to go up, so booking your ticket on a Tuesday or Wednesday might give you a better chance at finding a cheaper fare.

4. Time of Year Affects Prices

Another factor that plays into airfare pricing is the time of year you’re traveling. Airfare prices are often dictated by demand, so if you’re traveling during peak seasons (like summer, the holidays, or spring break), you’re more likely to see higher prices regardless of how far in advance you book. However, if you’re flexible with your travel dates and can avoid peak travel times, you can find cheaper flights by booking during the off-season.

5. Set Fare Alerts

If you’re not sure when to buy, a great way to monitor prices is to set up fare alerts. Websites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak allow you to track flights for specific routes, and they’ll notify you when there’s a price drop. This can help you stay on top of fluctuating prices and give you the confidence to book when you spot a great deal.

6. Consider Airline Sales and Promotions

Sometimes airlines offer special sales and promotions that allow you to snag a cheap flight, even if it’s within the 6 to 8-week window. Keep an eye out for these sales, especially around holidays, Black Friday, or major travel events. Signing up for airlines’ email newsletters or following them on social media can also keep you in the loop on the latest deals.

7. Avoid Last-Minute Business Travel Peaks

Airlines know that business travelers often book flights at the last minute, so if your flight happens to coincide with a large business event, conference, or major meetings in your destination city, expect ticket prices to spike. Avoid traveling during these times if possible, or book your flight well in advance to lock in a better price.

8. Book One-Way Tickets for More Flexibility

Sometimes booking two one-way tickets on different airlines can save you money compared to booking a round-trip ticket. While this option may not always be the cheapest, it’s worth checking if flying with different carriers on each leg of your trip can give you more flexibility and a better price.

Conclusion

While there’s no magic formula for securing the absolute cheapest flight, booking 6 to 8 weeks in advance for domestic flights and 2 to 5 months ahead for international travel tends to give you the best chance of finding a great deal. Keep an eye on flight prices, use fare alerts, and be flexible with your travel dates when possible. By doing a little research and planning ahead, you can ensure that your airfare is as budget-friendly as possible, leaving you with more money to spend on enjoying your trip! Happy travels!