Published by FareCompare on December 8, 2024

As we embark on a new year filled with travel possibilities, we're excited to share our insights into the best times to fly in 2025. By analyzing millions of airfares, we've uncovered valuable trends to help you save on your next adventure.

To find, analyze, and compile this information we took a look at nearly 300 million airfares from FareCompare’s own database. This means that you – and all of the other savvy travelers in your life! – can use this information as a helpful resource and guide to looking for cheap flights for the next year.

The travel landscape has changed definitively over the last few years. We might sound like a broken record, but the biggest travel hack we can share is to plan ahead, stay as flexible as possible, and be familiar with your airline’s policies in the event of changes or disruptions. 

Empowered travelers have the most enriching experiences, and if you’re ready to hunt down the best deals on flights, you’ve come to the right place.

With these insights, you can plan your trips strategically and maximize your savings. Let's dive into the details of the cheapest days to fly in 2025.

How to Shop for Cheap Flights in 2025

Ready to soar through the skies without breaking the bank? Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-time flyer, finding the best airfare deals is a skill worth mastering. 

We’ve put together a guide to our can’t-fail tips and tricks that will help make it easier than ever to find cheap flights, no matter your final destination.

Why Comparing is Key

Just like shopping for any other big-ticket item, comparing airfares is essential. No single airline consistently offers the lowest prices. By taking the time to compare, you could unlock significant savings on your next adventure.

Timing is Everything

Timing is everything when it comes to booking flights. To maximize your savings, consider the following:

• Best Time to Book: For optimal deals in 2025, aim to book your tickets at least several weeks in advance, especially for peak travel seasons. Note that summer is one of the busiest travel seasons, especially for families.
  
  For domestic summer flights, booking two to three months in advance is the most recommended time frame. For international summer travel, aim to book four to six months in advance.
• Cheapest Days to Fly: While specific dates can vary, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays often offer more affordable fares.

Travel Hacks for Booking Cheap Flights

• Be Flexible with Your Dates: If your travel dates are flexible, you’re more likely to find lower prices. Use fare calendars to check price fluctuations across the month.
• Utilize Travel Comparison Websites: These handy tools can help you quickly compare prices from multiple airlines and agencies.
• Sign Up for Fare Alerts: Stay informed about price fluctuations by signing up for fare alerts from your preferred airlines or travel websites.
• Consider Alternate Airports: Flying into or out of a secondary airport often provides travelers with more competitive options when it comes to airfares.
• Book (and Fly) During the Week: Historically, booking flights on Tuesdays or Wednesdays tends to offer the best prices. These are typically the days when airlines launch sales or adjust fares following the weekend demand rush. Sundays and Mondays are usually more expensive, since many people plan trips over the weekend.
• Consider Connecting Flights: Flexible travelers can often find lower prices by choosing flights with layovers.
• Compare Multiple Airlines: Don’t limit yourself to just one airline. Use search engines and tools to compare fares across multiple carriers.

Cheapest Days to Fly 2025: Spring

Flights to the U.S. and Canada

• First post-winter price hike: February 27
• Best days of the week to fly in March/April: Tuesdays, Wednesdays
• Most expensive days of the week to fly in March/April: Fridays, Sundays

Flights to Europe

• First post-winter price hike: March 25
• Second price hike: May 15
• Third (and largest) price hike: June 1

Bottom line? Early bird gets the worm! The earlier you fly in the spring season, the better.

Cheapest Days to Fly 2025: Summer & Fall

Flights to the U.S. & Canada

• First summer price hike: June 5
• Major price hike: June 23
• Prices drop: August 22
• More price drops: Early to mid-September, particularly for flights on Tuesdays and Wednesdays

Flights to Europe

• First summer price hike: June 1
• First price drop: July 14
• Major price drop: August 13
• Another major price drop: September 13

Bottom Line? Go big or go home. Summer is certainly expensive, but fares to Europe do begin to drop before those within the U.S.

Cheapest Days to Fly 2025: Winter

Flights to the U.S. and Canada

• Cheapest fares: January 7 to February 28
• Cheapest single travel day: January 22
• Best days of the week to fly: Tuesdays and Wednesdays, followed by Thursdays
• Days to avoid: Prices are higher February 14-18 due to Valentine’s Day and President’s Day

Flights to Europe

• Cheapest fares: January 20 to March 24
• Cheaper days to fly: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays

Bottom Line? You've got choices. There are several days throughout January and February to find cheap domestic flights and flights to Europe.

Top Travel Destinations

So, what do you think? You're all set and ready to take to the friendly skies! Let's use our Getaway Map to compare deals on airfares to some of the most popular travel destinations.

How to Find Cheap Hotels in 2025

Now that you’re well on your way to comparing the best flight deals across the web, it’s time to talk about accommodations! 

You can go ahead and compare the best hotel deals to make sure you’re getting the best price around. 

Methodology

A note on the methodology of our analysis: Data includes prices for tickets to and from every city in the world, every day of the week, based on average stays of six to eight days. The results are then processed down to "average daily cheapest fares."