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We Asked Travel Experts About When to Book Cheap Flights--and They All Said the Same Thing

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Monday, September 22nd 2025 at 19:03 GMT by Travel + Leisure
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How to Score the Cheapest Flights – A Deep Dive into Travel + Leisure’s Expert Guide

Finding a bargain on air travel can feel like a full‑time job, especially when you’re trying to keep a vacation budget in check. Travel + Leisure’s recent feature, “When to Book an Affordable Flight,” cuts through the noise by distilling years of data and insider knowledge into a practical playbook. The article—complete with charts, tool recommendations, and real‑world anecdotes—shows that timing, flexibility, and a few savvy tricks are your best weapons against sky‑high fares.

1. The Core Takeaway: Book Early, but Not TOO Early

At the heart of the piece is a clear rule of thumb for the average consumer:

Travel + Leisure’s data, drawn from the airline industry’s own pricing algorithms, indicates that fares generally dip during the weeks leading up to the flight, then climb again as the departure date approaches. “Plan to buy when prices start to plateau and stay a few days after that,” the article advises, citing a study from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) that shows a 5–10% savings when booking within this sweet spot.

The article also stresses that “too early” can backfire. Airlines sometimes launch special introductory offers at launch, but those tend to be limited‑seat and are often not available for the more flexible routes you’re actually interested in. For those who can plan in advance, a “first‑look” strategy—monitoring fares for a week and striking when a price drops—can net significant discounts.

2. When to Fly: The Best Days of the Week and Times

While the article’s focus is on buying rather than flying, it offers useful complementary guidance on the when of your departure:

• Tuesday & Wednesday – Most airlines announce fare reductions mid‑week, making these days the most likely to feature lower prices. The piece notes a 12% average savings compared to Saturday or Sunday departures.
• Mid‑Morning & Late‑Afternoon – Early‑morning flights (6‑9 am) and late‑afternoon flights (4‑7 pm) tend to have less competition, which can reduce prices further. The article references an analysis from Skyscanner that found a 7% drop for these time slots.
• Avoid Peak Hours – Flights that depart between 10 am and 2 pm, especially on weekends, carry the highest price tags. “If your schedule allows flexibility, sidestep these windows,” the article suggests.

The Travel + Leisure piece links to an interactive tool on Skyscanner that visualizes the price trends for different days and times, letting readers quickly gauge whether a shift in schedule will be worth the trade‑off.

3. Flexibility Is King: Dates, Airports, and Routes

One of the most robust sections of the article is a discussion of how flexibility can shave off up to 30% of a ticket’s cost. Key points include:

• Alternative Airports – Small regional airports often have lower yields. The article highlights a comparative example of flying into the nearest major hub versus a nearby small airport, noting that the latter can save up to $45 on a round‑trip ticket.
• One‑Way Flights – Booking two one‑way tickets with different carriers can sometimes beat a round‑trip ticket, especially if you’re traveling between cities that are served by distinct low‑cost carriers.
• Layovers vs. Direct Flights – While a direct flight is more convenient, adding a layover—especially in a major hub—can reduce fares by 15–25%. The article advises checking the total travel time versus savings, and it cites a case study where a layover in Denver cut a flight to Tokyo from $1,250 to $950.

To help readers navigate these options, the feature links to Google Flights’ “Explore” map, which overlays price ranges across a range of destinations and dates. The map’s filtering options allow travelers to compare “direct” versus “one‑way” versus “multi‑city” fares in real time.

4. Price‑Tracking Tools: Alerts, Calendars, and AI Predictions

Travel + Leisure points out that manual monitoring is a relic of the past. It recommends three core tools:

The article explains that Hopper’s “Smart Date” feature can be especially useful for international travel, where pricing volatility is high. By comparing the “Buy Now” and “Wait” recommendations, travelers can make an informed decision about whether to book immediately or hold off.

5. Avoiding Hidden Fees and Overpriced Extras

A section that many travelers overlook is the cost of ancillary fees. The Travel + Leisure guide lists common pitfalls:

• Checked baggage – Many low‑cost carriers charge $35–$50 per bag. The article notes that a single domestic flight that seems cheap can end up costing $120 once baggage fees are added.
• Seat selection – Popular flights often have a mandatory $15–$25 seat‑selection fee. The piece recommends booking directly from the airline’s website and choosing a seat at the time of booking to lock in lower rates.
• In‑flight meals – Even on “budget” carriers, a meal can cost $10–$20. The article advises bringing a reusable water bottle and snack, especially for long international flights.

The article links to a detailed FAQ on airline.com that explains how to negotiate baggage allowances with frequent‑flyer status or credit card benefits.

6. Leveraging Credit Card Rewards and Frequent‑Flyer Miles

In a brief but practical section, the article outlines how travelers can offset ticket costs with points:

• Travel‑reward cards – Cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Capital One Venture offer 2× points on travel, which can be transferred to airline partners. The article cites a case where a traveler redeemed 100,000 points for a $1,200 round‑trip flight to Paris.
• Airline co‑branded cards – These often come with a sign‑up bonus that can cover 30–40% of a domestic flight. The piece advises checking the airline’s own website for “welcome offers” that may be tied to the current “holiday” season.
• Mileage‑miles programs – The article points out that some airlines allow you to purchase miles at a discounted rate. For example, booking a ticket with “mileage” that would otherwise have cost $300 can be done for $150 in points, saving 50% of the cash price.

7. Bottom‑Line Strategy: A Quick Reference Checklist

To wrap up, Travel + Leisure distills the guidance into a simple four‑step process:

1. Set your travel window (e.g., 4–6 weeks for domestic).
2. Enable fare alerts (Google Flights + Hopper).
3. Compare multiple dates and airports (Skyscanner “cheapest month” view).
4. Book within the “price‑plateau” window (when alerts signal a dip).

They also encourage readers to consider “off‑peak” travel, noting that flights to popular destinations like Europe can be up to 30% cheaper when you avoid summer or Christmas. The article’s final paragraph reminds travelers that the “ultimate goal is to spend more on the experience and less on the ticket.”

8. Final Thoughts

Travel + Leisure’s “When to Book an Affordable Flight” is more than a run‑of‑the‑mill travel tip article. By weaving together statistical evidence, actionable tools, and real‑world examples, it equips readers with a systematic approach to finding the best airfare. Whether you’re planning a spontaneous weekend getaway or a multi‑leg international adventure, the article’s guidance—paired with the recommended tools—can help you save money without sacrificing comfort or convenience.

So the next time you stare at a price tag that makes your eyes glaze over, remember: the right timing, a willingness to flex your schedule, and a few smart tools can turn a $1,200 flight into a $750 or even a $500 deal. Happy hunting—and safe travels!