Finding the best time to book flights in 2025 is a question every traveler asks. Airline ticket prices keep changing daily due to algorithms, demand, and competition, making it confusing to know when to book. The good news? With data from Expedia, Kayak, Hopper, and The Points Guy, we now know the cheapest airfare booking windows for both domestic and international flights.
In this blog, we’ll reveal:
- The exact golden window to book tickets
- When to book flights for the cheapest airfare for domestic vs. international routes
- The best days of the week to book and fly
- Proven tips to hack the system and save money
- Let’s dive into the complete data-backed guide to the cheapest airfare in 2025.
Why Timing Matters When Looking for Cheap Flights
Airlines depend on dynamic pricing models that adjust fares several times throughout the day. Whenever demand increases—such as during holidays or weekends—prices rise, while in off-peak seasons they usually fall. For this reason, being aware of the right flight booking window can help travelers save hundreds of dollars.
As per Expedia’s Air Travel Hacks Report, passengers may save as much as 25% when they make their bookings during the right timeframe.
The Best Time to Book Domestic Flights in 2025
Discover The Golden Window (1–3 Months Before Travel)
According to research, the best time to book domestic flights in 2025 falls between 34 to 86 days before departure. If you book too far in advance or wait until the last minute, it often leads to higher fares.
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- Peak savings are usually found about 2 months before your flight
- Entering the risk zone—which is less than 2 weeks before departure—means ticket prices spike
Example: For a trip from New York to Miami, the ideal booking window is about 60 days in advance, which serves as your sweet spot.
The Best Time to Book International Flights in 2025
For international travel, the booking window is much longer than domestic.
- Optimal window: 3 to 6 months in advance
- Major routes (Europe, Asia): 120–180 days ahead gives the cheapest airfare
- Short-haul regional flights: Can be booked closer to departure (2–3 months ahead)
According to The Points Guy, booking 6 months in advance for Europe or Asia can save you up to 36%.
Secondary Keyword: best time to book international flights 2025.
Best Day of the Week to Book Flights
There’s a long-standing myth that Tuesdays are the cheapest days to book flights. But in 2025, the data shows otherwise.
- Sunday is the cheapest day to book flights (according to Expedia and Hopper).
- Booking on Fridays or Mondays usually costs more.
So if you’re planning to secure the cheapest airfare booking window, aim for Sunday reservations.
Cheapest Days of the Week to Fly
When you fly matters just as much as when you book.
- Cheapest days to fly domestically: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays
- Cheapest days to fly internationally: Wednesday departures and Saturday returns
Kayak confirms that midweek flights are consistently cheaper.
Seasonal Trends: When to Book Flights by Season
- Summer travel (June–August): Book at least 4 months in advance
- Holiday season (December): Book 6 months ahead to avoid spikes
- Off-season travel: You can often book 1–2 months ahead for discounts
Smart Tools to Track Flight Prices
Here are the best tools to help you catch the best time to book flights cheapest airfare:
- Google Flights – Price alerts and trends
- Hopper – Predicts price drops and spikes
- Skyscanner – Best for international flight searches
- Kayak Price Alerts – Notifies you of cheaper fares instantly
Proven Flight Booking Hacks
- Set Price Alerts: Never book instantly—wait for the price drop notification.
- Clear Browser Cookies: Airlines use cookies to track searches and may increase prices.
- Use Flexible Dates: Flying a day earlier or later can save big.
- Book One-Way Tickets: Sometimes two one-way flights are cheaper than a round trip.
- Check Nearby Airports: A short train ride could save you $100+.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the cheapest day to book flights in 2025?
The cheapest day to book flights in 2025 is Sunday, according to Expedia’s latest study.
Q2: How far in advance should I book domestic flights?
The golden window is 1–3 months before departure.
Q3: When should I book international flights for cheapest fares?
Book 3–6 months in advance for the best deals.
Q4: Are last-minute flight deals still worth it?
Sometimes yes, but they are risky and mostly apply to low-demand routes.
External References
Final Thoughts
If you are planning a domestic or international trip in 2025, always see the best time to book flights; it can easily save you hundreds of dollars.
Visit for more airline guides; read this blog. Saudi Airlines Ticket Price & Booking Guide [2025 Update]
