This is the best time, the best day, and the best month to buy cheap flights

author

Edgar Loper

Updated: 26 May 2026 ·

Tips for Buying Cheap Flights

Discover how to save money when buying a plane ticket
photo by viajar.elperiodico.com

Traveling is the best way to explore the world and, at the same time, get to know ourselves better. Discovering other countries, cultures, and ways of life broadens our horizons, which is always positive for our personal growth. However, discovering hidden corners or returning to visit fascinating capitals starts with buying plane tickets. And for those of us who have yet to win the lottery, doing it at a very competitive price is essential.

In VIAJAR magazine, we reveal to you the best month, the best day, and the best hour to buy plane tickets at a good price because you know the cost of a flight can change in just a few minutes.

4 Tips for Buying Cheap Plane Tickets

Before revealing the best time to buy cheap plane tickets, we will offer you some tips that are fundamental for any traveler.

Book in Advance

Generally, booking your flights several weeks in advance is a good strategy, as fares tend to increase as the departure date approaches.

The key to finding the best price is flexibility
The key to finding the best price is flexibility photo by viajar.elperiodico.com

Flexibility with Dates and Times

If you have flexibility to travel on less busy weekdays, such as Tuesday or Wednesday, you may find lower fares. Holidays, long weekends, and peak seasons make some plane tickets prohibitively expensive.

Compare Across Different Search Platforms

Use websites and flight search apps that allow you to compare prices from various airlines and dates at the same time. As that commercial said in the '80s: 'Search, compare, and if you find something better, buy it.'

Sometimes arriving at major airports, like Barajas, can be more costly
Sometimes arriving at major airports, like Barajas, can be more costly photo by viajar.elperiodico.com

Consider Arriving at Nearby Airports

Sometimes, flying from a nearby or secondary airport rather than the main one can be much cheaper. Evaluate all the available options at airports close to your destination. And always respect security regulations to avoid issues.

Best Time to Buy a Plane Ticket

To find the best price, you have to set the alarm clock early
To find the best price, you have to set the alarm clock early photo by viajar.elperiodico.com

The experienced traveler, the one who can navigate like a fish in water when searching for travel deals, already knows the best time to buy a plane ticket. If that's not you, keep calm; we're here to tell you everything so you can save some money. Just be realistic, as discounts usually don't go below $10-15.

Three in the morning is the best time to buy a plane ticket. Booking websites adjust their prices based on supply and demand, and at certain hours, like early morning, there aren't many people searching for flights. This leads to lower prices compared to other times of the day.

Best Day of the Week to Buy a Plane Ticket

Travel by plane at the best price thanks to these tips
Travel by plane at the best price thanks to these tips photo by viajar.elperiodico.com

We've talked about supply and demand, and this also affects the day of the week when you buy a plane ticket. On weekends, people usually have free time and it's the ideal time to plan future getaways. However, we will pay more for a ticket than if we buy it on a Tuesday night.

The worst day to buy a plane ticket, according to some studies, is Sunday. And as mentioned, the best day is Tuesday since it's a day when people have already moved past the weekend and are immersed in their routine, without time to think about future trips.

Best Month to Buy a Plane Ticket

The best month to buy a plane ticket will depend a bit on the date of your trip. However, in general terms, January is the cheapest month to fly and to purchase tickets. After the holiday season, when airplane tickets achieve record prices, the January slump sets in and wallets feel the pinch.

If you know when you want to fly, the first month of the year is the best time to start buying tickets because you'll save some money. This is valid for both domestic and long-haul flights.

In summary, a Tuesday in January at three in the morning is the best time to find that flight that will take you to magical destinations at a price you can't imagine.