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Booking a flight can feel like a gamble. Do you lock in the ticket now, or wait and hope the price drops?New data from Expedia suggests timing does matter, though there are trade-offs.The company analyzed a year’s worth of flight data for its 2026 Air Hacks report and found that Friday is the cheapest day to fly. Travelers saved about 8% compared with Sunday, the most expensive day. The cheapest month to travel was August. Flights averaged about $120 less than in December, which Expedia said is the most expensive month to fly.For travelers simply hunting for deals, July, October and November stood out as the months with the most discounted flights available, according to the report.But what about when to actually book? Expedia travel expert Melanie Fish said there is a sweet spot for domestic airfare.“For domestic airfares, 15 to 30 days out,” Fish said. “There are savings to be had if you book a flight closer to your trip, but that is opening yourself up to some risk. Is the flight you want going to be available? Is the seat you want going to be available?”That strategy can work if your trip is flexible. If you’re planning to visit family and don’t care which weekend you travel, waiting could pay off. But if you have a fixed event, like a wedding or a birthday with specific dates in mind, your window to save is much tighter.There are also ways to save that go beyond timing alone.First, do the full math. A cheaper flight out of a farther airport may not actually save money if rideshare costs, tolls or parking fees wipe out the difference.Next, compare points versus cash before booking. Travel rewards may deliver more value than waiting for a price drop.Finally, use price-tracking tools. Many travel sites and apps allow users to set fare alerts, helping travelers monitor price changes instead of guessing when to buy.Stay connected with the National Consumer UnitGet clear, actionable consumer reporting delivered across platforms.Follow National Consumer Correspondent Allie Jasinski for real-time updates, money-saving tips and behind-the-scenes reporting on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
Booking a flight can feel like a gamble. Do you lock in the ticket now, or wait and hope the price drops?
New data from Expedia suggests timing does matter, though there are trade-offs.
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The company analyzed a year’s worth of flight data for its 2026 Air Hacks report and found that Friday is the cheapest day to fly. Travelers saved about 8% compared with Sunday, the most expensive day.
The cheapest month to travel was August. Flights averaged about $120 less than in December, which Expedia said is the most expensive month to fly.
For travelers simply hunting for deals, July, October and November stood out as the months with the most discounted flights available, according to the report.
But what about when to actually book? Expedia travel expert Melanie Fish said there is a sweet spot for domestic airfare.
“For domestic airfares, 15 to 30 days out,” Fish said. “There are savings to be had if you book a flight closer to your trip, but that is opening yourself up to some risk. Is the flight you want going to be available? Is the seat you want going to be available?”
That strategy can work if your trip is flexible.
If you’re planning to visit family and don’t care which weekend you travel, waiting could pay off. But if you have a fixed event, like a wedding or a birthday with specific dates in mind, your window to save is much tighter.
There are also ways to save that go beyond timing alone.
First, do the full math. A cheaper flight out of a farther airport may not actually save money if rideshare costs, tolls or parking fees wipe out the difference.
Next, compare points versus cash before booking. Travel rewards may deliver more value than waiting for a price drop.
Finally, use price-tracking tools. Many travel sites and apps allow users to set fare alerts, helping travelers monitor price changes instead of guessing when to buy.
Stay connected with the National Consumer Unit
Get clear, actionable consumer reporting delivered across platforms.
Follow National Consumer Correspondent Allie Jasinski for real-time updates, money-saving tips and behind-the-scenes reporting on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
