Best Time to Book Flights: A Month-by-Month Guide

 If you’ve ever wondered “When is the best time to book a flight?” you’re not alone. Airfare prices change constantly, and timing your booking can mean the difference between overpaying and scoring a great deal.

Best Time to Book Flights: A Month-by-Month Guide

This month-by-month guide will help you understand the best times to book flights, which months offer the cheapest tickets, and how to plan smarter for your next trip.

January – Great for Long-Haul Deals

Long-Haul Holiday

Right after the holidays, demand drops. Airlines often release discounts on international routes. January is a smart time to book long-haul flights, especially to Europe and Asia.

Tip: Book 2–4 months in advance for spring and early summer travel.

February – Budget-Friendly Getaways

Budget-Friendly Getaways

February is one of the cheapest months to fly. Fewer people travel after New Year’s, so airlines drop prices. It’s ideal for weekend getaways or warm-weather escapes.

Best for: Caribbean, Mexico, and city breaks in Europe.

March – Plan Ahead for Summer

summer vacation

Spring break demand pushes up prices in March. If you’re planning summer travel, start searching now. The earlier you book, the better your chances of finding cheap flights for June and July.

April – Shoulder Season Savings

Shoulder Season

April is considered “shoulder season” in many destinations. Flights to Europe and Asia are often cheaper before peak summer begins.

Tip: Use fare alerts on Skyscanner or Google Flights to track price drops.

May – Sweet Spot Before Peak Season

Sweet Spot Before Peak Season

May is a great time to book. You’ll often find affordable tickets for both domestic and international routes. The weather is warming up, but peak summer crowds haven’t arrived yet.

June – Book Early for Summer

Book Early for Summer

By June, last-minute summer fares are expensive. If you haven’t booked yet, lock in flights ASAP. For budget travelers, look at secondary airports or midweek departures.

July – Peak Travel Season

Peak Travel Season

July is one of the most expensive months to fly. Prices surge due to summer holidays. If you must travel, search for red-eye flights or consider nearby airports to save.

August – Late Summer Bargains

Late Summer Bargains

Early August is pricey, but prices begin to dip later in the month. This is a good time to find deals to Europe, especially if you travel after mid-August.

September – One of the Cheapest Months

September the Cheapest Month

September is a golden month for cheap flights. Kids are back in school, peak season is over, and airlines offer discounts to fill seats. Perfect for Europe, Asia, and U.S. city trips.

October – Affordable Fall Travel

Fall Travel

October continues the trend of lower fares. This is one of the best times for budget-friendly international travel before the holiday rush.

November – Early Month Deals, Holiday Spikes

Thanksgiving Travel

Early November can be affordable, but prices climb around Thanksgiving in the U.S. To save, book holiday flights at least 6–8 weeks in advance.

December – Holiday Rush

Holiday Rush

December is expensive, especially around Christmas and New Year’s. If you need to travel, book months ahead or consider flying on the actual holiday (December 24, 25, 31) for lower fares.

Final Tips for Booking Cheap Flights

• Book 2–4 months ahead for domestic flights.
• Book 4–6 months ahead for international flights.
• Travel midweek (Tuesday–Wednesday) for cheaper fares.
• Set up price alerts to catch sudden drops.

There’s no single “perfect day” to book, but understanding seasonal patterns makes a huge difference. Use this month-by-month guide to plan smarter, save money, and make your next trip more affordable.