For 2024 we analyzed more than 917 million airfares in more than 8,000 markets across the United States so you know when to buy cheap flights. Here are the main takeaways to keep the Domestic airfare shopping experience transparent and simple.<\/p>\n
Every year CheapAir analyzes close to 1 billion airfares to uncover the best time for you to buy airline tickets. We believe shopping for flights should be easy and straightforward. You shouldn\u2019t stress about the purchase of airline tickets. Our analysis for 2024 uncovers how you can find cheap flights in a highly competitive travel landscape with projected record-breaking travel numbers.<\/p>\n
This year the \u201cbest day\u201d to buy an airline ticket is 42 days before your travel date, on average. In 2024 travelers can wait about a month more to get a cheap flight compared to years prior. That\u2019s a lot closer to your travel date than we usually see. So in 2024, you can usually afford to wait a little longer to buy and still wind up with a good value fare.<\/p>\n
This data also doesn\u2019t mean you should always purchase your airline ticket exactly 42 days out from when you plan to depart. Other considerations impact this data \u2013 which will vary based on your travel destination and dates. 42 days is an average \u2013 and also a great guide to getting your best fare.<\/p>\n
You should also keep in mind an important factor that can impact price. That\u2019s the volatility of any one airfare. A flight\u2019s price will change multiple times over the course of it\u2019s lifetime. In fact, from the time a trip first goes on sale, fares change 49 times on average and change by an average of $98 each time.<\/p>\n
It depends. Many people shop for flights on price alone. A recent CheapAir survey asked travelers to rank what was most important to them when shopping for flights \u2013 cost, convenience, or comfort. Cost came in at #1. Our analysis will show you the range of dates you\u2019re most likely to buy the lowest-priced flight for any one itinerary. If you shop on price, we\u2019ll give you the best window to get the cheapest price.<\/p>\n
On the other hand, if you\u2019re the kind of person who likes to have options on your flight \u2013 where your seat is located on the plane, the size of the seat, etc., you might want to focus your search earlier when more options are available.<\/p>\n
Whatever your preferences, you\u2019ll find the answers in the following Airfare Booking Zones.<\/p>\n
The Flight Booking Zone system, was developed by CheapAir.com out of the realization there\u2019s no perfect airline ticket. This framework reveals airline ticket pricing patterns, identifies the best times to buy flights, and highlights the tradeoffs of buying flights within each zone. Most U.S. airlines publish airfares about 330 days in advance. (That\u2019s about 11 months from today\u2019s date.) Some low cost carriers like JetBlue and Southwest publish fares 7 to 8 months in advance. Learn why airlines publish fares when they do and when airlines in the U.S. open their booking windows.<\/p>\n
There are some advantages and disadvantages of booking flights earlier than waiting till later which can greatly vary from traveler to traveler. Generally, if you book too early it can cost you. On the other hand, you don\u2019t want to wait till the last minute either. So when should you book to get the cheapest flights? Here are the flight booking zones.<\/p>\n
In \u201cFirst Dibs,\u201d flight choice<\/strong> is the upside. Booking this early is the best way to guarantee a wide range of options available to you. The First Dibs zone gives you the most choice in seats, specific flight times, and classes of service. If you choose to buy this early, you\u2019ll spend 36% more on average than if you wait to buy in the Prime Booking Window.<\/p>\n The Peace of Mind zone offers travelers the best of both worlds. Think of it as being positioned nicely between low price and available choice. The Peace of Mind zone will cost you 14% more on average than buying in the Prime Booking Window.<\/p>\n This year\u2019s Prime Booking Window extends all the way up to about 3 weeks from your travel date. In 2024, you can wait a little longer to buy, and the window where you will find the lowest fares extends to about 2.5 months out. Every year, this zone reliably offers the lowest flight prices for travelers. This is where to focus your search to grab the best deals. The best time to buy cheap flights is in the Prime Booking Window.<\/p>\n The airlines make more aggressive (and reliable) price increases the closer you get to departure day. This year, the fare spikes start right around 21 days from your travel date. If you choose to roll the dice, you\u2019ll spend 8% more than buying flights in the Prime Booking Window.<\/p>\n You can occasionally find a deal this close to your travel date, but you\u2019re definitely flying a bit too close to the sun. Purchasing in this zone will very likely cost you more money than buying in the Prime Booking Window, about 26% more on average.<\/p>\nPeace of Mind: Flexibility in Finding Flights & Low Fares<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Prime Booking Window: The Best Time to Buy Cheap Flights<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Push Your Luck: Beware of Advance Purchase Fare Rules<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Playing with Fire: Airfare Rises and Seating Availability Declines<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Hail Mary: Last-Minute Flights<\/strong><\/h3>\n