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ZDNET's key takeaways
The ideal booking window for domestic flights is approximately one to two months prior to takeoff.
You should plan much earlier for overseas travel to secure the most favorable rates.
Flying earlier in the week, specifically on Tuesday, can result in consistently lower ticket costs.
The last time I booked a vacation flight, I spent over an hour searching for the cheapest ticket to Hawaii, with two criteria in mind: it had to be a direct flight and have only 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 latest Flights report revealed.
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.
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