Expedia has shared some exciting news for travelers in its 2026 Air Hacks report. They found that Friday is now the best day to book and fly. August has also become the most affordable month for international trips. The report highlights that the best time to buy tickets is often closer to your travel date than you might think. Let’s break down what this means for your next trip.
Why Friday is the Best Day for Flights
For a long time, people were told to book flights on Sundays or during the week. But Expedia’s data has changed that. Here are some key points:
Cheapest Day to Book: Friday is now about 3% cheaper than Sunday.
Cheapest Day to Fly Internationally: Flying on Friday can save you around 8% compared to Sunday.
Best Day for Domestic Flights: For flights within the U.S., Tuesday is still the cheapest day, offering savings of up to 14% compared to Sunday.
If you have flexibility in your travel plans, consider making Friday your go-to day for booking flights. For domestic trips, check Tuesday flights first, then Friday.
Planning Your U.S. Trip
When choosing dates for a trip within the U.S., aim for a Tuesday flight if possible. If you can adjust your schedule, try to avoid flying on Sunday.
Best Months for Affordable Travel
The report also highlights key months when travelers can find the best deals. August stands out for international trips, while January is a great month for domestic flights.
International Travel: August is now the best month for budget-friendly international flights, with fares about 29% lower than in December—saving around $120 per ticket.
Domestic Travel: January is the cheapest month for U.S. flights, with lower demand following the holiday rush.
Using Timing for Better Deals
This means if you’re planning a big trip, consider searching for international flights starting in August. For a cheaper U.S. getaway, look at flights in January, especially if you’re flexible about your destination.
Booking Windows: When to Buy Your Tickets
One surprising finding from the report is that you don’t need to book flights as far in advance as you might think. Expedia found:
For domestic economy flights, the best time to book is about 15–30 days before departure.
For international economy flights, aim to purchase tickets about 8–15 days before your trip.
This is much closer than the old advice of booking six months ahead. In fact, tickets bought more than six months in advance are often more expensive than those purchased within these closer time frames.
Exceptions to the Rules
Of course, there are exceptions. For busy times like Christmas, spring break, or major holidays, it’s best to book as soon as you see a reasonable fare. Last-minute deals may not always work out.
Avoiding Crowds at the Airport
Along with pricing, the report also looked at when airports tend to be less crowded. Here’s what you should know:
Least Busy Day to Fly: Tuesday is the calmest day to travel.
Peak Travel Months: February is the least busy month, while July is the busiest.
Calmest Dates: February 25, March 4, and November 18 are generally quiet.
Crowded Days: Expect heavy crowds around May 22, July 3, and August 29.
If you experience airport anxiety, try to schedule your trip for a Tuesday, especially in February or during shoulder months. If you must travel on peak dates, plan to arrive earlier and choose flights that leave earlier in the day.
Behavior Trends Affecting Travel Choices
The report also discusses some interesting trends among travelers. Notably:
More business travelers are finishing trips earlier in the week, allowing airlines to offer better deals on Fridays.
Younger travelers are opting for quick trips, like “fly in Friday, home Saturday,” which aligns with cheaper Friday flights.
Many travelers are now flying with only carry-on luggage, helping them save on fees.
These patterns show how travel habits are changing, and airlines are adapting to meet these new demands. While you don’t have to adopt all the latest trends, you can certainly take advantage of the timing benefits.
Key Takeaways for Your Next Trip
To make the most of the new insights from Expedia’s Air Hacks report, keep these tips in mind:
Book flights on Friday and avoid Sundays if possible.
For U.S. trips, prioritize Tuesday and Friday departures.
Look for better value international trips in August and cheaper domestic flights in January.
Plan to book domestic flights about 15–30 days before departure and international flights about 8–15 days prior.
If you want to avoid crowds, aim for Tuesday flights and steer clear of peak travel dates.
You don’t have to remember all the details from the Air Hacks report. Just change the day you book, pay attention to the month of your trip, and keep your booking window closer to your travel dates. You’ll be using the data effectively and saving money along the way.
Interested in how these trends could work for your next vacation? Start searching for your next trip and see the changes in action!
