Timing is everything when it comes to airfare. Book at the right moment and you could save hundreds. Here’s the season-by-season playbook.
The general rule
For domestic trips, book three to eight weeks ahead; for international, two to five months out. Mid-week departures are usually cheapest.
Season by season
- Summer & holidays: book early — prices only rise.
- Shoulder seasons (spring/autumn): the sweet spot for deals.
- Winter (non-holiday): often the cheapest fares of the year.
Stack the savings
Set fare alerts, stay flexible with dates, and compare nearby airports. Then pack smart with our weekend packing list.
Ready to fly? Search flights on Y-Pages.
