The biggest questions that plague travelers almost always include how far in advance you should start looking for flights – and when you should book your flight in order to get the cheapest price.
There’s no perfect answer for how far in advance you should book your flights. But there are some general guidelines you can follow for timing your searches and when you should make that purchase to ensure the least competitive pricing.
Related: JetBlue Personal Item Policy: 7 bags you can fit under seat with no problems
Go flight first.
If you’ve just started thinking about your trip, and don’t have any dates, destinations or calendar occasions in mind — just that you want or need a vacation — then do yourself a favor and search for flights first, using companies like Expedia or Going. This way, you’ll give yourself the flexibility to travel when it’s cheaper rather than locking yourself into expensive flights.
This is especially true if you’re considering an epic international adventure or simply aiming to use points and miles to cover your flight.
What time of day is best to book flights?
Whether you’re traveling within the U.S. or abroad this year or next, the answer is obvious: The best time to book flights is when you find a cheap flight. What day of the week it is or when in the day you steal away to track flight prices really doesn’t matter, but according to Executive Editor, Kyle Potter, of the Thrifty Traveler, “typically, Tuesday, Wednesday or Saturday” are the cheapest days to fly and “the best days to fly – both for a lower cost and a less-hectic airport experience.”
All things considered, airfare is constantly changing, and even the best deals never last long. So, once you find a low fare, book it. If the price drops on a flight you’ve been tracking, book it. Book the cheap flight first, then put together the rest of the pieces of your trip.
That might mean giving yourself the flexibility to depart on a Tuesday instead of a Monday or letting a cheap flight deal dictate your destination. Saving money is a big win, but if it also lets you explore a place you never might have considered before, then that’s a bonus!
But that doesn’t always work for everyone. Maybe you’ve already got your destination in mind and dates settled – now you just need the cheap flight to get you there. If that’s the case, there are some best practices for when to start searching and when to book.
How far out should you book?
As far as domestic travels go, try to book your flights at least 30-45 days in advance. Don’t wait until a few days or weeks before your intended departure thinking you can score a last-minute deal, because airlines typically hike up flight prices in the 11th hour, when they know business travelers and desperate flyers will pay whatever it takes to get where they need to go.
You’re much more likely to see savings when you book further out. That said, booking in too ‘early bird’ a manner can backfire, if your airline drops the initially high pricing as months go on.
Booking basics
Use these benchmarks to strategize your trip planning.
Domestic flights. Aim to book one to two months ahead of time. Give yourself enough time to research and find the best deals. Remember, midweek flights can be cheaper, so consider taking off on a Tuesday or Wednesday, if possible
International flights. Plan on booking at least six months in advance. Research is crucial for international itineraries, so give yourself a grace period to explore options. And if you’re traveling during peak holiday seasons, like Christmas or New Year’s, book as soon as possible.
When you’re doing all of your behind-the-scenes vetting, feel free to use sites and apps like Google Flights, Skyscanner and Hopper to set up price-drop alerts and highlight all the hottest buying times.
THE BEST MAY SHOPPING & DEALS
Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.
Danielle Halibey can be reached at dhalibey@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips.