The best day and time of the month to buy cheap flights, according to experts

author

Edgar Loper

Updated: 26 May 2026 ·

The best day and time of the month to buy cheap flights, according to experts

With this trick, you will save money on your next trips.
photo by viajar.elperiodico.com

Traveling is one of life's greatest pleasures, but the process of finding a cheap flight can feel like a terrifying experience. We've all been there, searching for the perfect flight at a reasonable price, only to realize that prices change faster than the weather. For this reason, we present to you an infallible trick to find cheap flights: according to experts, certain days and times offer better opportunities to save money.

What is the best day to buy flights?

When we search for flights, we often don't stop to think about what day of the week it is, and that's a serious mistake. According to a study by Skyscanner, Tuesday at 6 PM is when fares tend to be the lowest. This is because airlines publish their cheapest flights on Monday nights, which causes competing companies to adjust their prices the next day. The result: on Tuesday afternoons, just before dinner, you can find bargains.

How far in advance should you compare flights?

We want to travel but we don't want to search for flights.
We want to travel but we don't want to search for flights. / Unsplash / Hanson Lu photo by viajar.elperiodico.com

In addition to the day of the week, how far in advance you buy your flight also plays a crucial role. According to a study by Hopper, the best time to buy domestic tickets is between 45 and 90 days before the departure date. For international flights, the ideal range is six months in advance. During these periods, airlines tend to launch more competitive rates to fill planes quickly.

Although it is common to hear stories about people who scored last minute flights at incredible prices, the truth is that they are the exception, not the rule. It is important to keep in mind that flights tend to increase in price as the departure date approaches, so the sooner you book, the better.

There are days when you should never buy a plane ticket

While Tuesdays are a good time to find reduced fares, there are days you should avoid to protect your wallet. Weekends, especially Fridays and Sundays, tend to have the highest fares. This has an explanation: these are the days when most people are free to plan their trips, which raises demand and, in turn, prices.

What is the best time to buy flights?

Tuesday at 8 PM is the best time to find cheap flights, as all airlines will have updated their prices by then. And if you also buy months in advance, you'll secure a good price without headaches. Avoid weekends and take advantage of that mid-week time to make your purchases.

Buying flights may seem like a lottery, but with a little planning and a few tricks up your sleeve, you're more likely to find that great deal that allows you to spend less on the flight and more on enjoying your destination.