When is the best time to book a domestic, international, or summer flight?

Finding the best flight deals is an art, but there is also some science — or, at the very least, economics — involved. There are only two unbreakable rules: Flights go on sale about a year in advance, and prices fluctuate frequently between then and takeoff. As a general rule, book plane tickets well in advance, as prices skyrocket in the days leading up to the flight, taking advantage of any last-minute travelers who have no choice but to pay up.

However, many factors influence the dynamic pricing patterns of plane tickets, including the destination and time of year. In some cases, you can book just a few weeks ahead, while in others, you should book months ahead (such as a trip over a big travel holiday, when demand is high).

While the pandemic has interrupted travel for the past two years, we’re finally seeing numbers return to normal — in its January 2022 Consumer Airfare Index Report, airfare tracking site Hopper predicts airfare will reach 2019 levels by April 2022. Nonetheless, given the general uncertainty surrounding potential new variants, travelers are still deferring flight bookings until their travel dates approach, as they did in 2020 and 2021.

Nonetheless, good deals are still all about timing, and while travel logistics are more fluid these days, most airlines now waive change fees, making it easier for travelers to book early and change plans later if necessary.

When Should You Book Domestic Flights?

According to a CheapAir.com survey from 2021, the best time to buy plane tickets for a domestic trip is 64 days before your departure date. Remember that this is an average — it doesn’t mean you should log on exactly 64 days before your trip, but rather that you should look for flights around that time. Seasonality also plays a significant role. CheapAir.com found the cheapest flights 67 days before a summer trip, 94 days before a winter trip, 84 days before a spring trip, and 89 days before a fall trip.

When tickets for domestic flights are first released, about a year before the flight, the price is higher. According to CheapAir.com, those prices will gradually fall until they reach their lowest point between 95 and 21 days (roughly three months to three weeks) before the flight, at which point you’ll likely see the last-minute price increase.

However, because 2022 is all about travel recovery, this trend may not be repeated this year. Domestic airfare is expected to rise by 7% per month through June, according to Hopper.

When Should You Book International Flights?

In general, booking earlier rather than later is preferable for international travel, but this varies depending on your destination. CheapAir.com discovered that the best prices for flights to Canada were found two months before departure, and the same is true for booking flights to Mexico and the Caribbean. The best time to book for Central America is about a month to three months before departure, and the best time to book for the Middle East is between one and a half and five and a half months before departure. The best time to book flights to Africa is approximately three months in advance, while the best time to book flights to Asia and Europe is approximately 119 and 120 days, respectively. Just make sure to book before one month — Expedia data shows that prices begin to rise 28 days before departure.

However, as with domestic flight prices, Hopper predicts an increase in international airfare through June 2022 — about 5% per month. So, keep an eye on those flights and buy as soon as you find a good deal.

When Should You Book Summer Flights?

Prices are rising in tandem with the recovery of travel. “We’re seeing price increases as we get closer to the summer travel season,” says Paul Jacobs, general manager and vice president of Kayak North America. To that end, book your summer vacation as soon as possible, as prices are likely to rise as time passes.

If you want to save money in the summer, consider taking an international trip instead of a domestic one. “In the last two weeks, domestic flight prices for summer travel have already increased by 28% compared to 2019, while flight prices to Europe have only increased by 3%,” Jacobs says.

When Should You Book Flights for Holiday Travel in 2022?

You might think it’s a little early to be planning holiday travel, and you’d be correct — the best time to book flights for Thanksgiving and Christmas is usually in September. However, given the unpredictability of pandemic-related travel, we recommend booking your flights whenever you find a good deal.

Now, if you travel on a regular basis throughout the year, we have a little tip for you: Consider booking your holiday flights now — or whenever you find a good deal — but make sure you book a fare that will give you a credit if you cancel (typically, this means avoiding basic economy). If prices fall between the time you book and September, you can cancel your original ticket and use the credit to book the lower fare. The only disadvantage is that you will still have some credit, which you could use to treat yourself to a future flight. (Just don’t let that credit go to waste!)

Found something amazing? Spread the wonder and share it with your friends! 🥰