Introduction

The less you spend on airfare when you travel, the more you can spend on things that really matter, like sightseeing and dining out. There are many ways to save on airfare, and one of the simplest methods if you can manage it is to adjust the timing of your trip.

These Are the Cheapest Days of the Week to Fly

Generally, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday are the cheapest days to fly, while Fridays and Sundays are pricier, according to travel deal site FareCompare. Leisure travelers tend to fly on the weekends, either starting their vacations on Friday or taking a long weekend Friday to Sunday. Business travelers often return on Fridays and head out on business trips on Sunday evenings. Mid-week flights are cheaper because there’s generally less demand from both business and leisure travelers.

What’s the Cheapest Time of Day to Fly?

Early morning and late-night flights tend to be cheaper than midday flights. For example, we searched for a Delta flight from New York City’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on September 21, 2024. One-way fare costs as little as $184 for an 8:10 a.m. flight. The price increases to $229 if you fly at 3:15 p.m., and other times can go up to $723.

That said, take best flight times with a grain of salt; actual prices can vary, so you’ll save the most if you remain flexible and pick the cheapest flight time on your travel day.

How to Save Money on Flights

You may save money shifting your travel time and flying out at dawn on Tuesday, but there are other tactics you can use to save on airfare.

• Do some comparison shopping: Start with third-party travel price comparison sites like Google Flights, Kayak, or Skyscanner. Most let you set price alerts on desired routes or see price forecasts. Before buying, check prices on airline websites. Buying direct may save you money and make it easier to change your itinerary if need be.
• Be flexible with dates: Arriving a few days early or leaving a few days later than planned could save money.
• Avoid popular dates and seasons: Airfares are higher in the middle of summer, when most people vacation, and right before and after Thanksgiving and Christmas. For instance, Google Flights estimates a one-way, nonstop flight from New York City’s JFK airport to Los Angeles International Airport starts below $200 for most of December. In the days preceding Christmas, however, prices increase to more than $400; the Sunday after, prices drop back down to $243.
• Consider connecting flights: Connecting flights are often cheaper than nonstop. Weigh the savings against the inconvenience of the extra travel time, greater odds of losing your luggage, and the risk of missing a connecting flight.
• Shop early: Travel agency CheapAir says the best time to get a low fare is 46 to 164 days before traveling. If you’re heading to a popular destination—say, Hawaii in July—start searching ASAP.
• Join airline frequent flyer programs: Members can get fare discounts and earn points toward future travel.
• Get an airline rewards credit card: Look for one with an introductory sign-up bonus that awards points or miles for spending a set amount on the card within a certain time frame. You could earn enough to pay for a ticket. Airline rewards cardholders often get perks like free checked baggage, travel credits, upgrades, and preferred boarding.
• Watch out for the extras: Check the fine print of airfare offers for extra charges. Fees for checked baggage or changing your flight can add up.

Travel Smart, Save Money

Carrying a few credit cards when traveling is a smart move. Using credit cards is easier and safer than carrying cash; if your card is lost or stolen, you can freeze it and quickly get a replacement. Credit cards offering trip or rental car insurance and other travel protections can provide peace of mind too. When traveling internationally, bring a card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees.

Most travel rewards credit cards require good or excellent credit, so familiarize yourself with your credit before you apply. You can check your credit report for free through Experian to see where you stand. If you don’t meet a credit card issuer’s minimum requirements, work on improving your credit score while you plan your trip.

Conclusion

Traveling smart and saving money on flights is all about timing and flexibility. By choosing the right days and times to fly, shopping around, and being mindful of extra costs, you can significantly reduce your travel expenses. Remember, the less you spend on airfare, the more you can enjoy your destination.

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