The Best Days of the Week to Book Flights – Myth vs. Reality

If you’ve ever planned a trip, you’ve probably heard the classic advice: “Book flights on a Tuesday for the cheapest fares.” But is that actually true in 2025? With dynamic pricing, flash sales, and AI-powered fare algorithms, finding the best day to book flights isn’t as simple as it used to be. After testing dozens of searches, following fare trends, and speaking with travel industry experts, I’ve uncovered when you should really be booking — and when that old “Tuesday rule” is just a myth.

8/13/20252 min read

The Truth About the “Tuesday Rule”

Years ago, airlines would load fare sales on Monday nights, meaning by Tuesday morning, travelers could snag the cheapest seats before they sold out.

While there’s still some truth to this, it’s not the golden rule anymore. Airlines now adjust prices multiple times a day, and sales can start any day of the week — especially with online flash promotions.

Best Days to Book Flights (Based on Data)

According to a recent study from Hopper and Google Flights:

Tuesday & Wednesday are still slightly better for finding deals — savings average 1–5% compared to booking on weekends.
Friday is often the worst day to book, especially for last-minute trips, because business travelers tend to book then, driving prices up.
Sunday afternoons can also surprise you with deals — airlines sometimes release promo fares before the workweek rush.

**When to Fly, Not Just Book**

It’s not just about the day you book — it’s also about the day you actually fly.

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday flights are usually the cheapest.
Friday and Sunday flights are the most expensive due to weekend demand.

Example: Flying to New York on a Tuesday and returning the following Wednesday could cost 20–40% less than flying out Friday and returning Sunday.

How Far in Advance to Book

Day of the week matters, but so does timing:

Domestic flights: Book 1–3 months before departure.
International flights: Book 3–6 months in advance (sometimes longer for peak summer).
Holiday travel: Book at least 4–8 months in advance — and don’t wait for a “better deal” in December.

Tips to Always Get the Best Price (Any Day of the Week)

Set Fare Alerts – Use Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Hopper to get notified of price drops.
Be Flexible – Shift your trip by a day or two to see instant savings.
Search in Incognito Mode – Avoid possible price tracking from repeated searches.
Check Multiple Airports – Nearby airports might offer big discounts.
Book Quickly During Flash Sales – Good deals often vanish within hours.

Example: My Wednesday Win

Last month, I booked a round-trip ticket from Los Angeles to Tokyo for $482. I found the deal on a Wednesday afternoon through Google Flights, then booked directly on the airline’s website. Two days later, the same ticket had jumped to $599.

The Bottom Line

While Tuesday and Wednesday can still give you a small edge, the best way to save is to stay flexible, track fares, and pounce when prices drop — no matter what day of the week it is. In the age of algorithmic pricing, speed and flexibility beat any “magic day” rule.