Are you looking into booking a flight? Do you want to know what are the cheapest days and hours to fly? Find out!

For many, travelling is a chance to explore new places, unwind or visit loved ones, for other it is a way to get somewhere when doing bussiness. But let’s face it, flights can be a major drain on your travel budget. As a way to handle it, many try to find the cheapest days to fly and that’s what we are here to answer.

With a little planning, you can significantly reduce your airfare costs. So, without further ado, let’s talk about what are the cheapest days of the week to fly, the most budget-friendly times of day to take off, and some other things you can do in order to save yourself some money when taking a trip. Also, if you want to check out more financial tips on our website, you can click on this link!

What Are the Cheapest Days of the Week to Fly?

It is well-known that some weekdays consistently offer lower fares compared to weekends, as airlines typically experience less demand on these mid-week days, leading them to offer discounted tickets to fill seats.

Althought, data from Hopper shows that Saturdays and Wednesdays tend to be the most economical choices, with an airfare about 12% lower than peak Sunday prices. And Sundays and Mondays are usually the most expensive days.

Fares tend to be slightly higher on Fridays, Sundays and Mondays due to business travelers often returning home on Fridays and heading out on Sundays/Mondays and leisure travelers flying on the weekends, either starting their vacations on Friday or taking a long weekend Friday to Sunday.

What’s the Cheapest Time of Day to Fly?

When it comes to scheduling your flight, timing is everything. Here’s a closer look at the most cost-effective times to take off:

• Early Morning Flights (Red-Eye): departing before the crack of dawn (typically between midnight and 6 am) often comes with the lowest price tags. However, be prepared for potential sleep deprivation and early check-in hassles;
• Late Night Flights: similar to red-eye flights, late-night departures (around 10 pm onwards) can be significantly cheaper. Again, factor in potential travel disruptions and fatigue upon arrival;
• Off-Peak Hours: flights during non-peak travel times, such as mid-morning or mid-afternoon on weekdays, can sometimes offer lower fares compared to busy morning or evening rush hours.

How to Save Money on Flights?

• Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates: if you have wiggle room in your schedule, consider flying on cheaper days or during off-peak seasons. Traveling during shoulder seasons (the periods between peak and off-peak seasons) can also yield significant savings;
• Book in Advance (But Not Too Early): a proper time for booking a domestic flight generally falls between 1-3 months before departure. For international flights, booking 2-8 months in advance is recommended. However, some airlines might offer last-minute deals, so keep an eye out for those as well;
• Utilize Flight Deal Alerts: set up alerts from flight deal websites and apps like Google Flights, Kayak, or Hopper. These tools will notify you of price drops on your desired routes, allowing you to snag the best deals;
• Travel During Off-Peak Seasons: traveling during the low season (typically winter for beach destinations and summer for ski resorts) can lead to much cheaper flights and accommodation. Embrace the opportunity to experience a different side of your chosen destination;
• Credit Card Rewards: many travel credit cards offer reward points or miles that can be redeemed for free or discounted flights. Consider applying for a travel rewards card that aligns with your travel frequency and spending habits. However, be mindful of annual fees and ensure the rewards program outweighs the costs;
• Pack Light: avoid baggage fees by packing light and within airline carry-on size restrictions. Utilize packing cubes to maximize space in your carry-on luggage.