Looking to score the best deals on domestic flights? Understanding the optimal booking windows and insider tricks can help you save hundreds of dollars on airfare.
Best Time to Buy Domestic Flights in 2025: Complete Guide
This comprehensive guide breaks down exactly when to book your flights in 2025 for maximum savings.
1. Book 3-4 Months in Advance
According to Expedia's 2025 Air Travel Hacks Report, the sweet spot for booking domestic flights is between 3-4 months before departure. This window typically offers savings of 10-20% compared to last-minute bookings. To maximize your savings, check out our guide on how to save money on travel and vacations.
2. Book on Sundays
Studies from KAYAK show that Sunday is consistently the cheapest day to book flights, with average savings of 5% compared to other days. Friday tends to be the most expensive booking day. Compare prices across multiple platforms using the best flight comparison sites.
3. Best Months for Domestic Travel
The cheapest months for domestic travel are:
- January (post-holiday season)
- February (excluding Valentine's Day)
- September (post-summer season)
- October (before holiday rush)
- Early November (before Thanksgiving)
4. Peak Travel Times to Avoid
Flight prices spike during these periods:
- Thanksgiving (mid-late November)
- Christmas and New Year (December 20-January 3)
- Spring Break (March-April)
- Summer holidays (June-August)
5. Best Time of Day to Book
According to Google Flights data, booking between 6 AM and 12 PM EST on Tuesdays and Wednesdays often reveals new fare releases from major airlines. Set price alerts during these times for the best deals.
6. Last-Minute Deals
While generally not recommended, last-minute bookings (2-3 weeks before departure) can occasionally offer savings through:
- Airline newsletter flash sales
- App-exclusive deals
- Package bookings with hotels
- Flexible travel dates
Final Words
The key to finding the best domestic flight deals is planning ahead and being flexible with your travel dates. Set up price alerts, compare across multiple platforms, and aim to book during off-peak seasons for the biggest savings. Remember that while these timing guidelines are helpful, flight prices can vary based on routes, events, and airline policies.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Buying Domestic Flights
What is the absolute cheapest day to fly domestically?
Tuesday and Wednesday are typically the cheapest days to fly domestically, with average savings of 15-20% compared to weekend flights. This is because business travelers usually fly Monday and Thursday/Friday, creating less demand mid-week.
Should I clear my browser cookies when searching for flights?
Yes, clearing your browser cookies or using incognito mode can sometimes reveal lower prices. Airlines and booking sites may show higher prices to returning visitors who've searched the same route multiple times.
Is it cheaper to book one-way or round-trip domestic flights?
Round-trip tickets are usually cheaper than two one-way tickets for domestic flights, with savings averaging 20%. However, booking separate one-way flights on different airlines can sometimes result in better deals, especially during sales.
How early should I book holiday flights?
For domestic holiday flights, book 3-6 months in advance. Thanksgiving flights should be booked by August, and Christmas flights by September to secure the best rates. Prices typically increase 30-50% closer to these holidays.
