What is the Cheapest time and day of the week to fly?

The game of finding the best airfare is a complicated one. Prices can increase or decrease by hundreds of dollars in a single day. You don’t want to be the one who buys when prices are up. Numerous factors affect the price of a plane ticket. Travel date and destination are two of the biggest. Some purchases can wait until a couple of weeks before liftoff, while others benefit from buying months ahead of time. One thing is certain. The best deals are all about timing. This guide will help you determine the best times to fly to keep more money in your pocket for hotels, delicious meals, and the most enjoyable parts of travel. 

What Is the Cheapest Day to Fly?

Certain days of the week are popular for business and leisure travel. These are days when demand for plane tickets increases and prices rise. Finding the most affordable airfare means choosing an unpopular day for travel. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays typically have the lowest airfares. Most business travelers fly on Mondays and Fridays, and leisure travelers typically have work or school obligations throughout the week. Generally, the best day of the week to fly is Tuesday or Wednesday. They’re the cheapest and the least busy, making them ideal days to fly standby also. Thursday airfares typically remain more affordable than Mondays, Fridays, or Sundays, but travelers may choose Thursdays for their long-weekend escapes. Saturday is the best day to fly if you must travel on the weekend. Vacationers tend to leave on Sunday or Monday, and business travelers usually return home Friday. 

The Cheapest Time of the Day to Fly

The cheapest day of the week to fly is the least popular day. This rule applies to choosing the best time of the day to fly also. The cheapest times to fly are those that are the least popular. Most people prefer to fly at convenient times. They don’t want to wake up extremely early or arrive at their destination late at night. Early flights, between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m., are some of the most affordable in addition to red-eye flights, which leave late in the evening. Leisure and business travelers avoid these times because it’s challenging to arrive at the destination feeling rested and ready for meetings or adventure.

The Best Time to Buy for Summer Travel

The summer travel season is approaching, and many vacationers are browsing the web for cheap flights. The goal is to purchase domestic and international summer travel airfare at a time that’s not too early or too late. Begin shopping for domestic summer travel three to four months before departure and purchase at least two to four weeks before take-off. Shop for international summer getaways between five and six months before departure and purchase at least four weeks before takeoff to get the best fares. It is generally best to book international travel (no matter the time of year) earlier than later, as data shows prices rise 28 days prior to international departures. Avoid summer travel during the peak of the season — late June to late August. The most affordable times to travel during summer are May and early June or late August and September when the weather remains warm, and kids head back to school.

Cheaper and Less Stressful Flying

Smart travelers can save even more money and reduce stress by reserving ahead of time and taking advantage of promotions from The Parking Spot. The Parking Spot offers convenient parking and shuttle service and allows travelers to reserve and book off-site airport parking, valet parking, and car care ahead of time. Become a member now to make your next travel experience the most affordable and carefree yet.