Prices are much higher on one day of the week
Flights are generally more expensive at the end of the working week(Image: Prostock-Studio via Getty Images)
As Brits begin mapping out their 2026 getaways, travel experts are warning holidaymakers to steer clear of booking flights on one particular day of the week. Those planning trips are being cautioned that arranging travel on this specific weekday can lead to inflated prices and fierce competition for sought-after flights.
The guidance applies to all kinds of trips from quick city breaks to long international trips. Whilst flight costs fluctuate for numerous reasons, booking on this particular day will usually coincide with heightened demand.
Travel specialists at Ski Vertigo warn that Fridays usually have steeper prices and greater competition for seats on popular routes, advising people to steer clear. Their spokesperson advised: “The day you book your flight can make a difference to the price. Fridays are often very busy, which can push prices up. Travellers who choose to book a few days earlier in the week may find better deals.”
Booking flights one to three months in advance may help you secure the best deals(Image: Milky Way via Getty Images)
Experts recommend that midweek days, such as Tuesday or Wednesday, tend to be quieter for bookings. Those making reservations during these periods may find greater availability and can sidestep the busiest times, though fares remain subject to variation depending on the carrier and route, advises the Express.
“Even small changes in when you book can save money,” the spokesperson added. Several advantages of midweek booking include:
- Potentially lower prices: Flights booked on quieter days may be cheaper.
- More choice: Travellers can pick from a wider range of airlines, times and seats.
- Easier planning: Without the pressure of peak demand, it is simpler to compare options and choose flights that fit schedules and budgets.
This information proves especially valuable for families, solo adventurers and bigger groups who must weigh up availability against cost. Understanding when booking activity peaks can prevent overspending and streamline holiday arrangements.
The spokesperson for Ski Vertigo added: “While airline pricing is complex, small adjustments in when you book are an easy way to get better value. Paying attention to timing can help travellers make the most of their money without limiting their options.”
Save with a ‘last-minute’ booking
Expedia’s findings identify a “golden window” when ticket prices typically drop. For numerous routes, this sweet spot occurs approximately one to three months prior to departure. Reserving flights nearly 12 months in advance often fails to secure the best deals, whilst last-minute bookings can prove even more costly, particularly on popular routes.
Recent data from Skyscanner echoes these findings. Their analysis recommends booking roughly one to three months ahead for most short-haul journeys, and approximately two to six months in advance for many long-haul flights.
The optimal timing varies depending on destination and travel period, but the overall trend shows that there’s typically a broad timeframe offering more competitive pricing, rather than a single perfect booking date.
Travel specialists at Ski Vertigo agreed, recommending that advance booking remains “by far the most reliable method” during peak periods such as Christmas, New Year and February half-term, when accommodation and flights sell out rapidly and fares increase as availability drops. For those with flexible travel dates and willing to consider alternative departure airports, last-minute deals can occasionally yield worthwhile savings.
Whilst the “best” day to book remains a bit of a mystery, the day you actually take off appears to have more influence on the price. According to Expedia’s analysis, Saturday departures often offer the cheapest domestic fares, while Thursday is a good shout for international trips.
This aligns with a basic trend: when most people want to fly – like Fridays after work and Sundays before the new week starts – prices tend to be steeper. When demand drops, so do the fares.
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