2025 Updated Guide
Best Time to Book Flights in USA (2025 Data Study)
Booking too early is expensive. Booking too late is even worse. We analyzed millions of fares to find the 'Prime Booking Window' for US travelers.
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Quick Cost & Trip Summary
| Domestic Window | 28 - 60 days in advance |
| International Window | 3 - 5 months in advance |
| Cheapest Day to Fly | Tuesday or Wednesday |
| Worst Time to Book | <1 week before travel |
# The 'Goldilocks Window'
Airlines use dynamic pricing algorithms. There is a sweet spot where they lower prices to fill the base of the plane before jacking them up for last-minute business travelers.
Domestic Flights (US)
- • Sweet Spot: 1 to 2 months out.
- • Example: For a Thanksgiving flight, book in late September.
- • Warning: <21 days out, prices spike (advance purchase requirements kick in).
International Flights
- • Sweet Spot: 3 to 5 months out.
- • Too Early: >8 months out is just standard 'placeholder' pricing.
- • Too Late: <30 days out is painfully expensive.
# Traveler Tips
The 24-Hour Rule
By US law, you have 24 hours to cancel a flight for a full refund (if booked >7 days out). Use this! If you book and see a cheaper price the next morning, cancel and rebook.