Tracking Airfares Months Prior to Your Trip Can Save You Money, Experts Say

CHICAGO, Ill. — One of the most common questions I get asked about traveling is when is the best time to buy a flight. This is a difficult question to answer because of numerous variables.

For instance, it depends on whether there are any ongoing sales or promotions, the number of people traveling with you, and whether you are flying internationally or domestically. Each of these factors can impact the ideal timing for purchasing a flight.

In the last 24 hours, I booked a flight from New York’s JFK to Burbank, California, on American Airlines for $178, but this morning, the flight was $40 cheaper, so I had to cancel the original flight and rebook it.

So when should you book your flight?

In the context of domestic and international travel, Expedia offers valuable advice on the timeline for booking flights.

According to Expedia’s 2024 Travel Hack Report, travelers should book domestic airfare 28 days before departure. This timing resulted in savings of up to 24% compared to those who booked at the last minute, surpassing the 10% savings that travelers saw on average in 2022.

International bookings should be made 60 days in advance but no more than four months ahead to secure optimal availability and enjoy potential savings of around 10% on average. Notably, the advised booking window has shifted over time; last year, the sweet spot for booking was closer to six months before the travel date.

Lastly, Expedia says booking on Sundays is the least expensive while Friday is the most expensive.

An article from The Points Guy delved deeply into this subject. According to an expert interviewed by the reporter, it is advisable for individuals to keep track of flight prices three to four months before their travel date and to make their bookings within a month or two prior to their trip. When it comes to flying internationally, you should widen that window.

Google Flights Is Your Best Friend if You Like to Travel

I always recommend using flight tracking tools and checking for options daily, or even multiple times per day. As I mentioned earlier, I saved $40 by checking Google Flights and seeing that my flight was cheaper today compared to yesterday.

So when should you buy your flight? The answer varies – however It’s best to keep an eye on airfare prices, checking daily, and be prepared to book when the price is right. Prices can fluctuate, so be ready to act when you see a good deal.