At a Glance
- Cheapest flights fall on midweek days, especially Tuesday.
- Flights with layovers can reduce fares by 22%.
- The most cost-effective booking window depends on season and destination.
Why it matters: These patterns let travelers lock in lower fares and avoid peak pricing.
After the holiday travel rush, savvy travelers are turning to data-driven insights to find the best airfare deals. Google Flights’ latest report shows clear patterns for when to fly, book, and whether to take a layover.
When to Fly
The report finds that midweek flights are the cheapest, with Tuesday offering the lowest fares. Flying on Sunday can cost up to 13% more than midweek options.
- Monday – cheaper than weekend but more expensive than Tuesday.
- Tuesday – lowest fares.
- Wednesday – slightly higher than Tuesday.
- Thursday – similar to Wednesday.
- Friday – higher than midweek.
- Saturday – higher than Friday.
- Sunday – highest fares.
How to Save on Layovers
Including a layover can shave 22% off the cost of a flight compared to a nonstop option.
Booking Timing
The day of the week you book has little impact; Tuesday is only 1.3% cheaper than the most expensive Sunday.
Advance Booking Windows
For domestic flights, the cheapest window is between 23 and 51 days before departure, with the average best day being 39 days out. International flights tend to be cheapest 49+ days in advance, and prices generally rise within 50 days of departure.
Seasonal Booking Windows
| Season | Best Advance Window | Cheapest Day |
|---|---|---|
| Thanksgiving | 24-59 days | 35 days |
| Christmas | 32-73 days | 51 days |
| Spring break | 28-61 days | 43 days |
| Summer break | 14-43 days | 21 days |
These windows help travelers time their purchases to capture the lowest fares for peak travel periods.
International Destinations
| Destination | Best Advance Window | Cheapest Day |
|---|---|---|
| Europe (from US) | 48+ days | N/A |
| Mexico & Caribbean | 26-79 days | 50 days |
Flights to Europe are best booked 48 days or more in advance, while Mexico and Caribbean routes peak between 26 and 79 days, with 50 days being the sweet spot.
Top Holiday Destinations for 2025
The report also highlighted top searched destinations for 2025 holidays.
- Thanksgiving: Columbia, SC; Bozeman, MT; Detroit, MI; Omaha, NE.
- Christmas/New Year’s: Rio de Janeiro; St. Lucia; Marrakech; Curaçao.
Key Takeaways
- Midweek flights, especially Tuesday, offer the lowest fares.
- Layovers can cut airfare by 22%.
- Booking 23-51 days ahead for domestic and 49+ days for international trips yields the best prices.
With these data-driven guidelines, travelers can plan ahead, choose the right day, and even opt for layovers to stretch their budgets further.
