The Cheapest Days to Fly International (What the Data Says)

The cheapest days to fly internationally are between 14th February and 20th March.

Generally, airfares are determined by market demand, so it’s cheapest to fly when the fewest people want to fly.

Tuesday and Wednesday are likely to be the cheapest days of the week to fly, since most people prefer flying on the weekends.

The cheapest time to fly to Europe, Canada, Mexico, or Australia is during the non-tourism months for each place.

The most expensive time of year to fly internationally or domestically is July, since more people take vacations in July than in any other month.

What Are the Cheapest Days to Fly International?

The cheapest days to fly international fall from 14th February to 20th March because demand is lower during this period.

There aren’t any major holidays or school vacations in the United States between 14th February and 20th March.

So, the lack of demand results in lower international fares during this time. 

Fly on Weekdays to Save Money

Tuesday and Wednesday are generally likely to be the cheapest days to fly.

Many major U.S. airlines, like Southwest, JetBlue, and Alaska Airlines, may release recurring sales on Tuesdays.

Having said that, you’re not guaranteed to get the cheapest flights when flying on a Tuesday or Wednesday, as it always comes down to demand, but it is slightly more statistically likely to get a cheaper flight during those days.

It Makes No Difference What Day of the Week You Book

There’s no general cheapest day of the week to book a flight.

Flight ticket prices can change every hour and minute, depending on market forces. So, airlines generally don’t have radically different prices on any one day.

The cheapest day of the week to book a flight for you depends on which day flight demand is at its lowest.

There’s no set pattern that booking a flight will necessarily always be lower on a particular day of the week.

Fly Earlier in the Year to Save Money

The cheapest month to fly international would be from mid-February to late March.

There are no major national holidays or school vacation periods during this time.

As a result, demand for air travel is generally lowest at this time. 

Why International Flights Are So Expensive

In short, the main reason why international flights are expensive is because they cost more to operate.

International flights require more fuel, are subject to higher government taxes, and cost more to manage.

Demand for international flights is also currently high because of COVID-19 restrictions being eased, and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which has increased global oil prices and forced airlines to avoid Russian airspace.

Fly Domestically in August

Data from Kayak.com indicates that domestic flight prices in the U.S. are normally lowest during the last week of August.

It’s assumed that his is due to a lack of major national holidays during this time. 

Related: What Do You Need to Fly Domestic?

Fly to Europe Later in the Year to Save Money

Generally, the cheapest time to fly to Europe from the U.S. falls during the late fall and early winter months.

Specifically, airfares to Europe are lowest from mid-to-late October until mid-to-late-march, excluding December.

Fewer people travel to Europe in early winter or fall, so flight prices are at their lowest. 

Fly to Mexico in September for the Best Deal

It’s cheapest to fly to Mexico in September.

Demand for travel to Mexico decreases the most in September because there aren’t any major national holidays or school vacations.

Conversely, January and December are the most expensive months to fly to Mexico.

Fly to Canada in January to Save Money

January is the cheapest month to fly to Canada from the United States.

There’s lower demand for trips to Canada in January because more people in the U.S. prefer flying to warmer places at the start of the year if they want to take a vacation.

Conversely, traveling to Canada is the most expensive in July and August because of the summer. 

Fly to Australia in Their Winter

It’s cheapest to fly to Australia during the low season, which starts from May to the end of the first week of June, then starts again from the third week of July until late September. 

International Flights Don’t Get Cheaper Closer to the Departure Date

International flights are cheapest between 4 months and three weeks before the departure date.

International flights then increase in price within three weeks of the departure date, and are most expensive immediately before the departure date. 

International flight tickets don’t get cheaper closer to departure dates because the number of seats decreases as the departure date gets closer.

Again, it comes back to supply and demand.

Airlines understand that consumers who book flights close to the departure date will be willing to pay more.

So, airlines charge higher fares to travelers nearer a flight’s date of departure.

Related: Are Last Minute Flights Cheaper?

Avoid Flying Internationally on the Weekends

The most expensive days to fly international are usually Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The weekend is generally more expensive to fly internationally than weekdays because most people prefer flying during the weekends.

As a result, demand for international flights is highest during the weekend, which increases the price. 

Avoid Flying Internationally in July

July is the most expensive month to fly internationally, as more people travel internationally in July than in any other month.

So, there’s a higher demand for international flights in July, which increases ticket prices. 

In conclusion:

• The cheapest days to fly internationally are from mid-February to late-March, as demand for air travel is lowest during this time.
• Conversely, plane tickets cost the most during national holidays and vacation times, like in December and the summer.
• The cheapest days of the week to travel are also usually Tuesday or Wednesday, just because more people prefer flying during the weekend.
• The cheapest time to fly to Europe, Australia, Canada, and Mexico is outside of each region’s tourism season.
• The most expensive time to fly internationally is in July, since more people vacation in July than in other month. 

Ella Dunham

Ella Dunham, a Freelance Travel Journalist and Marketing Manager, boasts an impressive career spanning eight years in the travel and tourism sectors.

Honored as one of "30 Under 30" by TTG Media (the world’s very first weekly travel trade newspaper), a "Tour Operator Travel Guru" and "Legend Award" winner, Ella is also a Fellow of the Institute of Travel, a Member of the Association of Women Travel Executives, has completed over 250 travel modules, and hosts travel-focused segments on national radio shows where she provides insights on travel regulations and destinations.

Ella has visited over 40 countries (with 10 more planned this year).