Book your next flight on this day of the week to save big
New Report: This Is the Cheapest Day to Buy Airplane Tickets
Published on Feb. 06, 2025
There’s no shortage of advice on nabbing the best airfare deals, but the tips tend to contradict one another. Some people swear by booking travel well in advance, while others say booking at the last minute will get you the best price. Some point to a specific day of departure that can save you the most money, while others claim the day of the week that you book your flight matters the most.
Fortunately, Expedia’s latest report settles the debate, putting the myths to rest once and for all. Keep reading to find out which day of the week is the cheapest to book airline tickets and which departure day will save you the most cash.
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What is the cheapest day to book airline tickets?
When you’re ready to purchase airfare for your next trip, set aside time on a Sunday to book. According to Expedia’s 2025 Air Hacks Report, you’ll find the cheapest airline tickets on Sundays. That’s no fluke—Expedia data has named it the best day to book a flight for three years in a row.
The simple act of booking your flight on Sunday can save you up to 6% on domestic flights and up to 17% on international flights compared with booking on a Monday or Friday.
Why is Sunday the cheapest day to book airline tickets?
For many people, Sunday is a day of resting, resetting and recharging. Maybe that’s part of the reason why it’s the least popular day to book air travel. If you’re looking to score cheap plane tickets, that can work in your favor.
“Airfare pricing is incredibly dynamic and influenced by demand,” says Expedia travel expert Christie Hudson. “It’s likely that Sunday is a relatively unpopular day to book flights compared to Mondays, when business travelers are booking travel, and Fridays, when a lot of leisure travel is booked.”
Whatever the reason, booking on a Sunday is one of the best ways to save money on your next trip.
What is the worst day to book airline tickets?
If saving money is your No. 1 concern, avoid booking a flight on a Monday or Friday. Those are the most expensive days to book a flight, according to Expedia’s report.
What are the cheapest days to fly?
The day your flight departs is another important factor in determining the cost of your airfare. Thursday and Saturday are the cheapest days to fly, and taking off on those days can save you quite a bit of cash.
Flying domestically? Leave on a Saturday instead of a Sunday to save up to 17%. Traveling internationally? Depart on a Thursday instead of a Sunday, and you can save up to 15%.
Why are Thursdays and Saturdays the cheapest days to fly?
It all comes down to how both business and leisure travelers structure their trips. “Thursdays and Saturdays are less popular days to start your trip than a Sunday, when business travelers aiming to arrive at their destination before Monday morning contribute to the crowds at the airport,” says Hudson. “The key when it comes to snagging a deal on airfare is to zig when everyone else zags!”
What is the worst day to fly?
It may be the best day to book your tickets if you’re looking for airline deals, but Sunday is the worst day to fly. Fights departing on Sundays cost more than those leaving on other days of the week.
How far in advance should you book airline tickets to save money?
Many people assume that the earlier you book your flight, the cheaper your ticket will be. But that’s not the case, according to Expedia’s new report. In fact, booking an international flight only 18 to 29 days before departure—yes, this can feel like cutting it close!—will save you up to 17% compared with booking three months out or more.
Just don’t wait too long. The sweet spot for domestic flights is one to three months before your trip. Booking then can save you 25% compared with tickets booked at the last minute. Sure, waiting until the last minute can sometimes pay off if a great deal becomes available, but you can also end up spending way more than you meant to if no deals turn up.
Stick to these guidelines as you plan your next family vacation, and you’ll have more money in your wallet when you touch down at your destination.
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