Though the world is feeling chaotic right now, it's still possible to spot patterns in the realm of travel purchases. That can mean the difference between spending too much and getting a deal.
Every year at about this time, Expedia Group partners with the Airlines Reporting Corporation and unleashes their bots on the billions of U.S. airfare transactions both organizations handled in the past year. Their findings are released in an annual report.
Here's what the research shows and how it translates to advice for buying plane tickets in 2025.
The Best Day of the Week for Booking Airfare
For the fourth year in a row, those who purchased airfare on Sunday saw the biggest savings statistically, especially when compared with Monday and Friday, the worst days of the week to buy tickets.
For international travel, booking on a Sunday led to a significant savings of 17%. Airline customers flying domestically saved a less impressive 6%.
How Far in Advance You Should Buy Airfare
Last year, the data analysis advised booking flights 3 months in advance to get the best international fares. But now the timing is a lot closer to the dates of travel.
In a big surprise, the study found that those who book a mere 18 to 29 days before departure saved 17% compared to flyers who booked more than 3 months out. I don't know how useful that finding will be, though, given that few among us have the courage to book airfare for an international vacation that close to departure.
Also less actionable: the broader-than-usual booking window for the cheapest domestic flights, which the report gives as 34 to 86 days, or anywhere from about 5 to 12 weeks before travel. In past years, the advice was 6 weeks ahead, which I am going to continue sticking with.
Interestingly, the study found that airfares to most places peaked in February and March and reached lows in August, which seems counterintuitive. My guess as to why? There are fewer flights scheduled to many destinations in the low season of February and March, and that might lead to higher costs.
Mid- to late August is when many kids go back to school, so the number of passengers on planes likely dips. But because August is still a summer month, flight schedules remain robust.
The Cheapest Days of the Week to Fly
As always, there are differences between international and domestic flights.
For international travel, the greatest savings (15%) went to those who flew on a Thursday. For domestic fares, the least expensive day to fly (by 17%) was Saturday.
The Best Times to Avoid Delays and Cancellations
It's not all about saving money, of course. If your flight gets canceled or significantly delayed, you don't get the full value out of your trip.
To avoid those hassles, the study found that passengers with flights scheduled before 3pm suffered 22% fewer cancellations.
September is the month with the fewest delays and cancellations.
Cities with the Greatest Growth in Bookings
In the U.S., Detroit is up 170% over 2023. Overseas, the southwestern Indian city of Goa saw inbound flight passengers increase by 155%.
New York, Kansas City, Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia placed second through fifth for most growth in the United States.
To read the complete study, click here.
