Best Time to Book Flights

When you book can have a big impact on what you pay for airfare. This guide covers the best time to book flights for domestic and international travel, seasonal patterns, and how to use alerts so you don’t overpay.

Domestic US flights

For flights within the USA, booking one to three months ahead often yields better prices than either last-minute or very early booking. Airlines tend to release schedules about 11 months out; prices can drop as they fill capacity and then rise again as departure nears. Use Track Flight Prices and set alerts so you see when fares dip. For more strategies, see our How to Get Cheap Flight Tickets guide.

International flights

For international travel, two to four months ahead is a common window for good prices. Long-haul routes (e.g. USA to Europe or Asia) often have more volatility; booking when you see a reasonable fare and then setting an alert for a possible drop can work well. Compare on both Google Flights and Skyscanner—they can show different results. Use our Personal Finance Planner to set a trip budget so you know your max airfare and can book when prices sit within range.

Seasonal and holiday travel

Around holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, spring break) and peak summer, demand is high and prices rise. Booking earlier in these windows—often 2–3 months ahead or more—can help. If your dates are fixed, set price alerts as soon as you know your route and lock in when you see a fare you can accept. Last-minute holiday deals are rare.

Don’t rely on “cheapest day” myths

Old advice suggested booking on a specific weekday (e.g. Tuesday). In practice, prices change daily and vary by route and airline. What helps more is advance booking, flexible dates, and using alerts. Use Google Flights and Skyscanner to compare and track; book when the price fits your budget rather than waiting for a mythical cheapest day.