Every traveler dreams of the moment they come across ultra-low airfare and snag a deal to their bucket-list destination. It can be challenging to find cheap flights, especially when the dates you want to book aren’t flexible or fall during peak season. The best way to score cheap airfare is to be selective about when to book and when to fly. These are the best times of the year to find budget flights to your dream destination.
8 Black Friday
Black Friday is well known for being the Friday before Thanksgiving when retailers across America slash their prices in the hopes of boosting sales. Lucky for travelers, this applies to many airlines as well, making this an ideal time to look for deals on airfare to many cities around the world. Many airlines offer discount codes specific to Black Friday that will enable passengers to receive a lower price at checkout. For the best deals on Black Friday, be flexible about travel dates and destinations.
7 Cyber Monday
Cyber Monday follows close on the heels of Black Friday and falls on the Monday after Thanksgiving every year. Often, retailers reduce their prices even further on Cyber Monday to clear out the deals that didn’t sell on Black Friday. Be prepared to get online early on Cyber Monday and search for the discount code necessary for the airline with which you want to book. Some major airlines known for offering Cyber Monday discounts are United Airlines, Air Canada, Air Transat, Delta, Icelandair, and WestJet.
6 January (For Domestic Flights)
There are certain months of the year when it’s also more affordable to book flights and travel due to lower demand. For Domestic Flights within the United States and Canada, travelers can expect to find reduced prices in the winter months. According to data from the Airlines Reporting Commission (ARC), domestic flights are 10% cheaper in January than they are in June.
5 August (For International Flights)
Similarly, travelers looking to book international flights will find that one of the best months to book and travel outside of North America is August. August marks the end of peak season in many places around the globe, especially European destinations, so prices are beginning to fall, and crowds are thinning out. According to the report from the ARC, travelers will find that international flights are 20% cheaper in August than they are in December.
4 Christmas Eve Or Christmas Day
Most people are aware that the demand for domestic and international flights during the holiday season is high, so typically, it’s challenging to find affordable flights during November and December from North America. However, according to Nerdwallet, there is still a chance to score a deal when booking a departing flight for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day (December 24-25). This is because 68% of people choose to fly before these holiday dates on December 21-23.
3 Back To School Season (September)
It’s no secret that the summer months (especially July and early August) are peak tourist season in many parts of the world, thanks to North American families taking their children abroad while school is out for the summer. However, once the summer rush winds down and school ramps up, the demand for flights drops, and so do the prices. For a better deal on some idyllic summer destinations like Greece, Italy, or Portugal, consider booking flights for early September when families are back home, and children are back in school. Not only is airfare cheaper at this time, but many hotels offer better rates for accommodation as well.
2 64 Days Before Any Departure Date
A study from CheapAir found that the best time to book a domestic plane ticket, on average, is 64 days before any departure date. This is when prices are typically at their lowest, regardless of what time of the year you’re traveling or where you’re going. However, the season travelers book in affects this average low-price point, so consider whether booking more than 64 days out is necessary to score the best price. The study found that in summer, 67 days before a flight offered the lowest prices, while in the winter, it was more affordable to book a domestic flight 94 days in advance.
This window changes for international flights, with the best time to book from the US to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean being two months before departure. For Central America, Americans should plan to book anywhere from half a month to three months prior to their trip for the best rates and three months out for a trip to Africa. Americans will typically find the best deals for Asia and Europe by booking approximately 120 days (4 months) before departure.
1 Boxing Day
Another fantastic day of the year for getting deals is December 26th, which is Boxing Day in North America. Following the Christmas rush, many companies, including airlines, are looking to sell out their seasonal stock and deals at reduced rates allowing travelers to find some ultra-low ticket prices on this day. Put that Christmas gift money to good use (or ask for airline gift cards for the holidays) and get online early on Boxing Day to find affordable deals to the Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, and more.