Aim to book 30 to 90 days before departure. Prices on average bottom out around 38 to 44 days out.
For travel during busy times like Thanksgiving and Christmas, the typical recommendation is to start looking in the summer and book by mid-October or Halloween at the latest. ✈️ When to Fly vs. When to Buy The best time to book flights for cheap airfare in 2026 when is the best time to buy cheap airline tickets
Plan further ahead, ideally booking 2 to 8 months in advance. For example, European trips usually offer the best pricing around 3 to 5 months prior to departure. Aim to book 30 to 90 days before departure
According to extensive studies by platforms like Google Flights and Expedia: when is the best time to buy cheap airline tickets