Planning a trip involves numerous decisions, and one of the most important ones is how far out should you book a flight? Should you secure your tickets months in advance or wait for last-minute deals? The timing of your flight booking can significantly impact both your budget and travel experience.

Many travelers have speculated or done studies about the best days and times to book flights. After all, choosing when to book can greatly impact how much (or, hopefully, how little) you spend. But, we wondered, how far in advance should you book a flight? Well, that depends on what type of flight you’ll be booking.

Will you be flying domestically or internationally? Are you booking around the holidays? Are you going to be using your rewards points? So many questions and so little time! Don’t worry, we’ve narrowed all of it down so that you can decide when to book your trip. Get your calendars out and start planning!

If You’re Flying Internationally

If you’re flying internationally, we recommend booking cheap flights at least six months before departure. But, you should also pay attention to current trends. Additionally, start thinking about where you want to travel around 10 months ahead of time. Keep doing research on your preferred destination, or sign up for fare alerts. If you notice prices going down, you may want to wait until the six-month period passes before you book.

However, timing also depends on where you’re traveling to. Trends show that some of the lowest fares on flights to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean occur around two months before departure. If you’re flying to the Middle East, we recommend booking between one to five months before your trip. Heading to Asia or Europe? Book around 120 days in advance. Whatever you do, just make sure you don’t wait until the month before. Prices tend to rise around 30 days before departure!

If You’re Flying Domestically

When it comes to domestic travel, some experts say that your best bet is to book around 64 days before your departure date. Keep in mind that this doesn’t mean you have to book airline tickets exactly 64 days before your flight, but sometime around then. You’ll also want to consider seasonality. If you’re booking flights in the summer, you’re more likely to find cheaper flight deals so around 67 days in advance.

In the spring, book around 84 days before your trip. During the winter, it’s recommended that you book around 94 days prior to your flight. Others contend that booking 1-4 months ahead of time will get you the best results. But, most experts agree on one thing. When tickets are first released, they tend to be more expensive. However, as it gets closer to the travel date, you’ll most likely see those prices start to come down. Therefore, the best time to book is close — but not too close — to the departure date. Well, unless you’ll be traveling during the holidays.

If You’re Booking During the Holidays

When booking a seasonal trip, you should always book early. While it’s hard to determine the optimal day or time to get the best deal, one thing we know for sure is that the higher the demand for flights, the higher the price. If you’re planning to fly home to see your family for Christmas, make sure to book at least two months in advance. The same rule can be applied to popular destinations as well. For example, if you’re looking to visit Cancun or Europe during the summer, know that you’re definitely not the only one. And, don’t forget to keep an eye on prices.

If You’ll Be Using Rewards Points

All of this is fine and good if you’re booking the normal way. But, what if you’re going to be using your rewards points? Does that change anything? Experts say the best time to book with your rewards points is either when flight schedules are first released. Or, you could get lucky at the last minute. Most airlines post their first round of rewards points seating around a year before departure.

But, if you miss your chance, you can also wait until a few weeks before the flight leaves to catch those unsold seats. Or, if you want to get a great deal, transfer your points to an international carrier. Many international and domestic airlines partner up to provide great deals. Just be aware that it’s better to book sooner rather than later. This especially applies if you’re booking international flights. And, if you’re looking for premium seating, those seats fill up fast. The longer you wait, the more points you may have to spend.

FAQs

Q: Should I wait for last-minute deals to get the best prices on flights?

While last-minute deals can sometimes be advantageous, they are not guaranteed, especially for popular destinations or peak travel seasons. It’s generally recommended to book in advance, especially if you have specific travel dates or preferences. Waiting for last-minute deals might result in limited availability or higher prices, so it’s often more beneficial to plan and book ahead.

Q: Are round-trip tickets always cheaper than one-way tickets?

In most cases, round-trip tickets tend to be more cost-effective than purchasing two separate one-way tickets. Airlines often offer discounts and promotions on round-trip bookings to incentivize travelers. However, it’s still advisable to compare prices for both options, as sometimes booking two one-way tickets on different airlines can yield better deals.

Q: Is it worth joining airline loyalty programs to save on flights?

Joining airline loyalty programs can be beneficial for frequent travelers. These programs often provide opportunities to earn points or miles for each flight, which can later be redeemed for discounted or even free flights. Additionally, loyalty program members may have access to exclusive deals, priority boarding, and other perks that enhance the travel experience.

Q: Can I book a flight a year in advance?

Booking a flight well in advance can be advantageous for several reasons, including securing desired travel dates, getting better deals, and ensuring availability. However, booking a flight a full year in advance may not always be possible or the most practical option.

How far in advance do you normally book? Give us your methods in the comments section below!