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The last time I booked a vacation flight, I literally spent over an hour finding the cheapest ticket to Hawaii with two criteria in mind: that it wasn't a red-eye flight, and it only had one layover. At least one layover was to be expected (at LAX) because Kentucky is a long way from the Aloha State. I could've saved some time, though -- and money -- had I known what Google's recent report revealed.
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What is the cheapest day to fly?
Based on Google Flights' aggregate data from 2021 to 2025, travelers looking for the most affordable airfare should consider flying early in the week. Tuesday has consistently been identified as the cheapest day to fly, followed by Monday and Wednesday. Opting for flights on midweek days can save you anywhere from 13% to 20% lower airfares than weekend travel.
Flying on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday tends to be more expensive, with Sunday pegged as the priciest day of the week to fly. These Google Flights insights highlight a consistent trend in airfare pricing, emphasizing that a Tuesday departure can result in cost reductions for budget-conscious travelers.
Do layovers save you money?
In short, yes. Flights with layovers typically cost about 25% less than direct flights, according to Google Flight data. Despite the added travel time and inconvenience, you could potentially save over $90 (on average) by tolerating the hassle of a layover. While savings vary, layover flights consistently offer lower fares, allowing you to reach your destination more affordably -- as long as you're flexible with your itinerary.
What is the cheapest day to book a flight?
According to the data, it's not a matter of which day of the week you secure a flight. Instead, it's a matter of how early you do it.
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