When Is the Best Time to Book Flights and Hotels?

It’s fun to daydream about future travel plans, but the nitty-gritty of booking a trip can be a real hassle. Book too early, and you might fall victim to higher rates. Book too late, and you might not get tickets or rooms. You might refer back to the old travel urban legend advising you to buy airline tickets on Tuesdays to save money and time, but is it really cheaper to book travel on one specific day above all others?

Get Tuesdays Out of Your Head

Most experts agree that the widely acknowledged “book on Tuesdays” advice is untrue. According to reports, the cheapest days to book flights are Thursday through Tuesday — and out of these days, Sunday is, on average, the best day to book, saving travelers 5% on domestic flights and 15% on international flights. Bookings made between Monday and Wednesday are pricier since travel agencies and services will upcharge people who get their planning done early in the week. Regardless of when you decide to book, look for the most recent deals and discounts available rather than a specific day to find the best booking discounts.

How Far in Advance Should You Book?

When planning a future trip, plan to book your flights and hotel rooms somewhere between one month and two weeks before your travel dates. When it comes to flights, one month in advance is recommended for most domestic flights, while two weeks is usually more than enough time for hotels just about anywhere. Hotels want to fill rooms, so they will be more desperate to do so closer to your travel date. This might mean you can max out on savings. However, this depends on the destination: If you are going to a major city, you’ll have more flexibility. 

Also, remember that significant events or popular seasonal activities increase the demand for rooms. If traveling for a specific event, consider booking a room a bit earlier to avoid missing out. 

For destination locations such as all-inclusive resorts, the sooner you can book, the better. These destinations are usually in high demand and fill quickly, so any remaining spots might be overpriced.

Book and Rebook

If you’re not satisfied with the rates you’re shown — or if you want to play the timing game more strategically — book refundable tickets to maximize your savings and returns. You can make some money back by reserving early and canceling for a cheaper second option the closer it gets to your travel dates.

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