Fly for less, worry less: The two best days to book your flights
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Summer is nearly upon us, and if you’re anything like us here at The GrayVine, you’re already daydreaming about sandy beaches, mountain escapes, or maybe a long-overdue visit with the grandkids.
But before you start packing your sunhat and sandals, let’s talk about one of the most important parts of your travel plans: getting the best deal on your plane tickets. We all know airfare can be a real budget-buster, especially during the summer rush.
But what if we told you there are a couple of golden days when you can snag the lowest fares of the season? That’s right—timing is everything, and we’re here to help you fly smarter, not pricier.
The Secret Sauce: The Two Cheapest Days to Fly This Summer
According to the latest Expedia Summer Travel Outlook, the absolute best days to book your domestic flights this summer are Tuesday, August 19, and Monday, August 25.
Mark those dates on your calendar, circle them in red, and maybe even set a reminder on your phone—these are your ticket to savings.
Why are these days so special? It all comes down to demand.
By late August, most families are winding down their vacations, and schools in many states are already back in session.
That means fewer people are flying, and airlines are eager to fill those empty seats—so they drop their prices. It’s a classic case of supply and demand working in your favor.
Late August: The Sweet Spot for Savvy Travelers
If you have the flexibility, flying anytime in late August is a smart move. Not only will you find cheaper fares, but you’ll also dodge the crowds that make airports feel like a game of human pinball.
This applies to both domestic and international flights, so whether you’re headed to Florida or Florence, you’ll likely save a bundle.
And let’s be honest—there’s something magical about traveling when everyone else is heading home. The beaches are quieter, the lines are shorter, and you can actually hear yourself think. Sounds like a win-win to us!
When to Avoid the Skies (If You Can Help It)
On the flip side, if you’re planning to travel in late June or early July, brace yourself. This is the most expensive—and crowded—time to fly.
Schools are out, families are on the move, and airlines know they can charge a premium.
In fact, Thursday, June 19 (which coincides with Juneteenth), is shaping up to be one of the busiest travel days of the entire year—right up there with Thanksgiving!
If you must travel during these peak times, try to book as early as possible and consider flying midweek instead of weekends. Even a little flexibility can make a big difference in your wallet.
Tips for Booking the Best Summer Flight Deals
Here are some of our favorite tips for stretching your travel dollars:
1. Book Early, But Not Too Early: Airlines typically release their cheapest seats about three months before departure. Set up fare alerts and keep an eye on prices.
2. Be Flexible with Your Dates: If you can shift your travel by even a day or two, you might save big. Use the “flexible dates” feature on booking sites to compare options.
3. Fly Midweek: Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often the cheapest days to fly, while Fridays and Sundays tend to be the priciest.
4. Consider Alternate Airports: Sometimes flying into or out of a smaller airport nearby can save you money (and hassle).
5. Travel Light: Many airlines now charge for checked bags, so pack smart and stick to a carry-on if you can.
Have you discovered your own secret for snagging cheap flights? Do you have a favorite summer travel memory or a tip for making airport security a breeze? We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts, stories, and questions in the comments below!
But before you start packing your sunhat and sandals, let’s talk about one of the most important parts of your travel plans: getting the best deal on your plane tickets. We all know airfare can be a real budget-buster, especially during the summer rush.
But what if we told you there are a couple of golden days when you can snag the lowest fares of the season? That’s right—timing is everything, and we’re here to help you fly smarter, not pricier.
The Secret Sauce: The Two Cheapest Days to Fly This Summer
According to the latest Expedia Summer Travel Outlook, the absolute best days to book your domestic flights this summer are Tuesday, August 19, and Monday, August 25.
Mark those dates on your calendar, circle them in red, and maybe even set a reminder on your phone—these are your ticket to savings.
Why are these days so special? It all comes down to demand.
By late August, most families are winding down their vacations, and schools in many states are already back in session.
The two cheapest days to fly domestically this summer are Tuesday, August 19 and Monday, August 25, according to Expedia’s Summer Travel Outlook. Image source: Raphael Nogueira / Unsplash.
That means fewer people are flying, and airlines are eager to fill those empty seats—so they drop their prices. It’s a classic case of supply and demand working in your favor.
Late August: The Sweet Spot for Savvy Travelers
If you have the flexibility, flying anytime in late August is a smart move. Not only will you find cheaper fares, but you’ll also dodge the crowds that make airports feel like a game of human pinball.
This applies to both domestic and international flights, so whether you’re headed to Florida or Florence, you’ll likely save a bundle.
And let’s be honest—there’s something magical about traveling when everyone else is heading home. The beaches are quieter, the lines are shorter, and you can actually hear yourself think. Sounds like a win-win to us!
When to Avoid the Skies (If You Can Help It)
On the flip side, if you’re planning to travel in late June or early July, brace yourself. This is the most expensive—and crowded—time to fly.
Schools are out, families are on the move, and airlines know they can charge a premium.
In fact, Thursday, June 19 (which coincides with Juneteenth), is shaping up to be one of the busiest travel days of the entire year—right up there with Thanksgiving!
If you must travel during these peak times, try to book as early as possible and consider flying midweek instead of weekends. Even a little flexibility can make a big difference in your wallet.
Tips for Booking the Best Summer Flight Deals
Here are some of our favorite tips for stretching your travel dollars:
1. Book Early, But Not Too Early: Airlines typically release their cheapest seats about three months before departure. Set up fare alerts and keep an eye on prices.
2. Be Flexible with Your Dates: If you can shift your travel by even a day or two, you might save big. Use the “flexible dates” feature on booking sites to compare options.
3. Fly Midweek: Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often the cheapest days to fly, while Fridays and Sundays tend to be the priciest.
4. Consider Alternate Airports: Sometimes flying into or out of a smaller airport nearby can save you money (and hassle).
5. Travel Light: Many airlines now charge for checked bags, so pack smart and stick to a carry-on if you can.
Have you discovered your own secret for snagging cheap flights? Do you have a favorite summer travel memory or a tip for making airport security a breeze? We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts, stories, and questions in the comments below!
