Best Times to Book Flights for the Cheapest Fares
Mumbai, 17 June 2025: Booking a flight isn’t just about choosing where to go, it’s also about when to book. If you’ve ever searched for tickets online, you’ve probably noticed how the prices keep changing, sometimes even within a few hours. One day the fare looks good, and the next day it’s suddenly much higher. This is where knowing the best time to book can make a big difference.
By learning the patterns of how airlines set prices and when they tend to offer the lowest fares, you can time your booking just right and avoid overpaying. This guide will explain why timing matters and give you a better idea of when to book your next flight for the best price.
Factors That Affect Airfare
Airfare often changes based on several factors that airlines use to adjust fares in real time. Understanding these factors can help you figure out why prices go up or down and how to time your bookings better for the best deals.
| Factors | Impact on Fares |
| Demand | High demand = High Prices |
| Availability | Fewer Seats = More Price |
| Booking Window | Last-minute booking = higher price |
| Festival & Holiday Periods | Prices surge during Diwali, Holi, Christmas, etc. |
| Weekend vs. Weekday | Friday and Sunday fares are generally higher |
| Competition & Route Popularity | Popular routes like Mumbai–Delhi see more frequent changes in pricing |
| Flight Timing | Red-eye or early-morning flights are usually cheaper than peak-hour options |
Best Day to Book your Flight for Cheapest Fare
Flight prices constantly change throughout the day, adjusting in real-time based on demand. Typically, airlines update their fares late Monday or early Tuesday, which is why searching for flights on Tuesday can sometimes lead to better deals. On top of that, you should also check out the best promo code by Air India when booking to get the best offers, making your flight even more affordable.
Here’s what the data reveals about the best days to book a flight and the ideal times to fly for the cheapest fares.
|
Day |
Concession | |
| Domestic | International | |
| Monday or Friday | Save up to 6% | Save up to 17% |
| Saturday or Midweek | 17% less than the actual price for both Domestic and international | |
| Late Monday or early Tuesday | Airlines often release new deals and offers | |
Best Time to Book Domestic Flights
When traveling within the country, flight fares tend to be cheaper if you book your tickets 30 to 60 days before your travel date. As the travel date gets closer and fewer seats remain, airlines gradually increase prices to match the demand.
| Type of Travel | Book Before | Reason |
| Regular Trips | 21 to 60 days | You will get the best price and your preferred seat |
| Festival / Holiday Trips | 60 to 90 days | Usually sees high demand |
Best Time to Book International Flights from India
When it comes to international travel, booking your flight well in advance can save you a lot of money. In most cases, it’s best to book your tickets 3 to 6 months before your travel date. This is especially helpful for popular destinations where fares can rise quickly as the travel date approaches.
| Route | Best Time to Book | Notes |
| Middle East | 2 to 3 months ahead | Popular among business and family travelers |
| Southeast Asia | 3 to 4 months ahead | Consider festivals and weather seasonality |
| Europe | 3 to 6 months ahead | For summer or winter holidays |
| USA / Canada | 4 to 8 months ahead | Visa timelines also play a role |
| Australia / New Zealand | 5 to 9 months ahead | Long-haul flights with limited seats, book early |
Additional Tips to Save More on Flight Fares
- Look for early morning or late night flights: Flights that take off early in the morning or late at night usually have fewer passengers. Because of this lower demand, airlines often offer cheaper fares for these less popular times.
- Compare prices across websites: Not all travel websites show the same prices for flights. It’s a good idea to check multiple platforms like MakeMyTrip, Goibibo, Cleartrip, and the airline’s official site before booking.
- Use credit card offers or travel rewards: Many credit cards provide discounts, cashback, or reward points for booking flights. Some of these cards have partnerships with airlines that offer additional benefits, such as lounge access or free checked baggage. Taking advantage of these offers can significantly reduce your travel expenses.
Key Takeaways
Flight prices can vary a lot depending on when and how you book. Understanding the best times to book and keeping an eye on price changes can help you find the cheapest fares. With a little patience and planning, you can save significantly on your travel expenses. Hope you find this article helpful and that it has helped clarify the best times to book flights for the cheapest fares.
Frequently Asked Questions
When to book flights for the cheapest fare?
The cheapest time to book flights to get the best fare price is between 30 to 60 days before for domestic and 3 to 6 months ahead for international travel.
Which is the best day to book cheap flights?
Tuesday is often considered the best day to book cheap flights because many airlines update their prices and launch sales on Monday night or early Tuesday.
What is the cheapest period for flights?
The cheapest period for flights varies by route but generally falls during off-peak seasons when fewer people travel. Avoiding holidays and weekends usually helps you find lower fares.
