Google data: Best days to fly and when to book for cheaper fares

Google Flights' aggregated 2021–2025 data shows flying early in the week is cheapest: Tuesday is the lowest-cost day, followed by Monday and Wednesday. Midweek departures can be 13%–20% cheaper than weekend travel, while Sunday is typically the priciest day to fly. Flights with layovers are generally cheaper than direct routes.

Google found layover itineraries cost about 25% less on average, often saving more than $90 compared with nonstop flights. Timing your booking matters more than the day of the week you buy. For domestic U.S. flights, the optimal booking window is about 21 to 52 days before departure; Google identifies 38 days out as the point with the lowest average fares.

For international travel, the cheapest fares tend to appear earlier: roughly 50 to 101 days before travel. Google notes prices typically rise significantly inside the 50-day mark. Google also provides seasonal guidance for U.S. travel: Spring Break fares tend to be lowest 33–59 days out (about 44 days on average); summer fares 13–43 days out (about 21 days); Thanksgiving 26–59 days out (around 45 days); and Christmas/winter holiday fares 36–72 days out (about 58 days).

These figures are averages and can vary by destination, airline, season and overall demand, so results for individual trips may differ.

Key Topics

Tech, United States, Airfare, Flights, Travel, Booking, Google Flights