When is the best time to fly?
The best time to fly often depends on factors like cost, weather, and crowd levels. Typically, mid-week flights—especially on Tuesdays and Wednesdays—offer the cheapest fares and fewer passengers. Early morning departures also tend to experience fewer delays and smoother travel.
Optimizing Air Travel for Budget-Conscious Travelers
Off-Season Travel is Key for Savings
Traveling to popular destinations during their less busy periods (off-season) results in significantly lower airfares, as airlines struggle to fill flights. If you are traveling to a popular vacation destination, such as Orlando, Florida or Denver, Colorado, expect to pay more during peak tourists’ months. Example: Colorado skiing is popular in winter, leading to high fares; summer is off-season, so airlines offer deals and discounts. Savings extend beyond airfare to car rental and hotel too.
Strategic Flight Times (Early Morning/Afternoon) Offer Discounts
Flights departing at less conventional times (very early morning or mid-afternoon) are generally less full and thus more likely to be discounted.
- Early Morning: Usually, airlines have early morning flights departing at five or six in the morning. Rarely are these flights booked solid. The reason: After all, who wants to get up that early to start a long day’s journey?
- Afternoon: Afternoon flights are also a wise choice. This is because Vacationers usually want to fly in the morning or at night. Some feel they waste a vacation day by departing in the afternoon, so these flights are usually less full too, meaning discounts.
Avoid Holiday Travel Dates at All Costs
Traveling around major holidays is one of the most expensive times to fly due to high demand. Airlines capitalize on the desire to visit family. If you were to fly home to visit your family in the middle of July, as opposed to two days before Christmas or Thanksgiving, your airfare could be hundreds of dollars cheaper.
Flexibility Around Holidays Can Still Yield Minor Savings
If holiday travel is unavoidable, flying at least three days before the actual holiday can offer some savings compared to the absolute peak days. Your flight will still be expensive, but you may save $50 or more by spending an extra three days with your family.
Mid-Week and Saturday Flights Are Most Economical
Specific days of the week are cheaper to fly due to varying demand from business travelers and weekend vacationers.
- Best Days: When it comes to the best days to travel, Wednesdays and Saturdays are your best option.
- Days to Avoid: Mondays and Fridays are the most expensive. People traveling for weekend getaways usually fly on Fridays. People traveling for business tend to fly on Mondays. They are the airlines two most profitable flying days, so avoid them.
- Saturday Advantage: By flying on Saturday, you miss most of the weekend warriors; remember they flew on Friday.
Conclusion
Choosing the best time to fly can make a big difference in both your travel experience and your wallet. By planning ahead and flying mid-week or early in the day, you can avoid crowds, save money, and reduce delays. With a little strategy, your next trip can start off stress-free and on time.