How far in advance should I book a domestic flight?

For US domestic flights, the sweet spot is 1–3 months before departure. Booking too early (6+ months) or too late (under 2 weeks) typically results in higher prices. The cheapest domestic fares appear 47–60 days before departure on average.

How far in advance should I book an international flight?

For international flights, book 2–8 months in advance. Transatlantic flights are cheapest 2–3 months out, while flights to Asia and Oceania are best booked 4–6 months ahead. Consolidator fares through Camli are often available even closer to departure.

What is the cheapest day of the week to fly?

Tuesday and Wednesday are consistently the cheapest days to fly domestically. For international flights, weekday departures (Tuesday–Thursday) are typically 15–25% cheaper than Friday–Sunday departures.

What is the cheapest month to fly?

January (after the 7th), February, and September are the cheapest months for most routes. These shoulder/off-peak periods see the lowest demand and therefore the lowest fares. Avoid June–August and December for the best prices.

Is it cheaper to book flights on Tuesday?

The myth that airlines release sales on Tuesdays is largely outdated. Modern airline pricing is algorithmic and changes constantly. However, flying on Tuesdays is still cheaper because demand is lower on that day.

Do flight prices go down closer to departure?

Generally no — prices increase as departure approaches due to rising demand from business travelers. The exception is consolidator fares, which may become available close to departure as airlines try to fill remaining seats through wholesale channels.

What time of day are flights cheapest?

Early morning flights (before 7 AM) and late-night red-eye flights are typically the cheapest. Mid-morning and early evening flights command premium prices due to higher demand from business travelers.

How can I get the cheapest flights regardless of timing?

Use consolidator fares through Camli. Unlike published fares that fluctuate with demand, consolidator fares are pre-negotiated wholesale rates that can save 20–70% regardless of when you book. Call 1-855-919-6470 for a free quote.

Data-Backed Guide

Best Time to Book Flights: Data-Backed Strategies to Save Up to 70% in 2026

Quick Answer

Book domestic flights 1–3 months in advance and international flights 2–8 months ahead. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are typically the cheapest days to fly. January, February, and September offer the lowest seasonal fares. For the absolute best prices, use consolidator fares through Camli.

How Far in Advance to Book

Flight Type	Sweet Spot	Too Early	Too Late
US Domestic	1–3 months	6+ months	Under 7 days
Transatlantic (US→Europe)	2–3 months	8+ months	Under 3 weeks
Transpacific (US→Asia)	4–6 months	10+ months	Under 6 weeks
US→Middle East	3–5 months	9+ months	Under 4 weeks
US→India/South Asia	3–6 months	9+ months	Under 5 weeks
US→Australia/NZ	4–6 months	10+ months	Under 6 weeks

Note: Consolidator fares through Camli can bypass these windows — wholesale rates are often available even for last-minute bookings.

Cheapest Days to Fly

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

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Sat

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Sun

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Cheapest Moderate Most Expensive

Cheapest Months to Fly (2026)

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Cheapest Time of Day to Fly

Early Morning (5–7 AM)

Cheapest

Low demand, business travelers avoid these. Save 15–25%.

Mid-Day (10 AM–2 PM)

Moderate

Average demand. Standard pricing.

Evening (5–8 PM)

Most Expensive

Peak demand from business travelers. Premium pricing.

Pro Tips to Get the Cheapest Flights

Use Consolidator Fares

Skip the timing game entirely. Camli's wholesale rates are 20–70% off regardless of when you book.

Be Flexible with Dates

Shifting your trip by 1–2 days can save hundreds. Use Google Flights' calendar view to find the cheapest dates.

Book Connecting Flights

Non-stop flights cost 30–60% more than one-stop options. A 2-hour layover can save $300+.

Fly on Tuesdays/Wednesdays

Midweek flights are consistently 15–25% cheaper than weekend departures.

Avoid Holiday Periods

Prices spike 2–3x during Christmas, Thanksgiving, and summer peak. Book shoulder season instead.

Check Hidden City Fares

Sometimes a flight with a connection through your destination is cheaper than a direct flight to it.

Skip the Timing Game — Save 20–70% Anytime

Consolidator fares don't follow seasonal pricing. Get wholesale rates regardless of when you book.

Search Cheap Flights 1-855-919-6470