Seven ways to book cheaper airline tickets: Tips on timing, flexibility, and price tracking

Travel demand is rising, and many travellers are looking for ways to secure lower airfares. Common questions include when to book a flight and which days are the cheapest to travel.

To identify trends that can help reduce travel costs, Google Travel analysed five years of historical airfare data. The analysis examined factors that influence ticket prices and highlighted strategies that can help travellers make informed booking decisions.

Midweek travel can reduce costs

Travel dates can have a significant impact on airfare. According to the data, flights departing on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays are generally cheaper than weekend flights. Savings can reach up to 12% on average, excluding international flights.

This difference is largely driven by higher demand during weekends, which often leads airlines to charge higher fares.

Direct flights are often more expensive

While many travellers prefer direct flights, they are not always the most economical option. Flights with a layover are typically less expensive, while direct flights cost about 20% more on average.

Travellers willing to accept a stopover may be able to reduce their airfare significantly.

There is no "magic day" to book

A common belief is that booking on a specific day of the week, such as Tuesday or Wednesday, guarantees lower fares. However, the data does not strongly support this claim.

The average difference between booking midweek and on a weekend is only about 1.9%. As a result, waiting for a particular day to book may not be worthwhile if a reasonable fare is already available.

The best booking window depends on the destination

There is no universal rule for when to book a flight. The ideal booking window varies by destination and season.

Data shows that domestic flights often reach their lowest prices when booked 21 to 60 days before departure, with the average optimal booking window being around 44 days in advance. Christmas travel fares tend to be lowest about 22 days before departure.

Holiday travel requires early planning

During peak travel periods, booking early can help avoid higher fares.

For summer travel, the lowest prices are often available 14 to 44 days before departure. For flights from the United States to Europe, the best fares typically appear when tickets are booked about 129 days in advance.

Use price-tracking tools

Travellers can benefit from flight search tools that compare current fares with historical pricing trends. These tools can indicate whether a fare is relatively high or low compared with typical rates.

Price-tracking features can also send alerts when fares drop. Additional tools, such as fare calendars, date grids, and price comparison features, can help travellers identify the least expensive travel dates.

Flexibility helps lower costs

Finding an affordable flight is less about booking on a specific day and more about being flexible.

Adjusting travel dates, considering alternative destinations, accepting indirect flights, and monitoring fare changes can all help reduce travel costs.

Based on the data, the most effective strategy is not to search for a "magic booking day" but to plan ahead, compare available options, and book when a competitive fare becomes available.