Booking a flight at the right time has become an art form in itself. Between persistent myths, price fluctuations orchestrated by airline algorithms and sometimes misleading offers, it's easy to get lost. Yet clear trends emerge and effective strategies exist to pay less for your flight. We give you all our tips to know when to book a flight and all our tricks to get cheap airline tickets.
How far in advance should you book your flight to pay less?
Airlines set flight ticket prices based on demand, seasonality, destination and plane occupancy. However, certain trends do emerge:
| Flight type (from mainland France) | Recommended booking timeframe | Observations |
| Short-haul flights (Europe, Maghreb…) | 2 to 3 months before departure | This is ideal for getting the best rates before prices rise due to occupancy. |
| Long-haul flights (Asia, Americas…) | 3 to 6 months before departure | Prices are often more stable then increase as the plane fills up. |
| High-demand periods: school holidays, peak season, summer, Christmas... | 6 to 9 months before departure | Prices climb quickly during these periods, so it's best to plan ahead, or even book at the opening of ticket sales with « early bird » offers (often 10 to 11 months before). |
What is the best time of year to book a cheap flight?
The time of year plays a decisive role in flight ticket prices. In general, fares drop in months when demand is low, and climb during peak season. In this sense, the best times to buy a flight ticket are:
- January and February: this is the ideal period just after the holidays to buy tickets for spring and summer, or travel to sunny destinations at bargain prices.
- March and April: the so-called "shoulder season" period is conducive to European or mid-range flights before summer prices skyrocket. It's perfect for booking long-haul flights for the following autumn.
- May and June (excluding bridge holidays): this period offers good rates on Europe and is the opening period for sales for the following winter.
- September and October: considered the low season par excellence, rates are often « slashed » after the back-to-school rush. It's perfect for traveling in the Mediterranean or booking a long-haul flight for the following spring.
- November: this underestimated month regularly offers promos (Black Friday, Cyber Monday) and is therefore ideal for traveling before Christmas.
- Early December: before the holidays, prices are at their lowest on certain destinations, and it's also the right time to buy your tickets for the following summer.
What is the best day to buy a flight ticket?
Is it cheaper to buy a ticket on the weekend or during the week? Which days are cheapest to fly? If you're asking yourself these questions, know that airline algorithms vary prices based on demand. That said, several studies have shown trends:
- Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often the best days to book a flight: demand is lower, and airlines adjust their prices after the weekend rush.
- Avoid booking on the weekend (especially Sunday): demand is higher, prices are higher. Indeed, it's the most expensive day because many leisure travelers finalize their booking at that time.
- Flying on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Saturday is often cheaper than departing on Friday evening or Sunday evening, which are popular with business and leisure travelers.
What time of day should you book your flight for the best price?
Airlines use algorithms that continuously adjust their fares based on demand, flight occupancy and competition. These algorithms run 24/7: prices can therefore vary at any time, regardless of the time of day.
However, late hours (very early morning or late evening) can occasionally display better prices, as demand is lower and some comparison sites are updated and apply adjustments to stimulate demand. You may sometimes find price drops just after a batch of seats has been released or a promotion has been added.
Avoid, on the other hand, peak hours (during the day or early evening) when demand is high and price displays more frequent.
Last-minute flights: good or bad idea?
Buying a flight ticket at the last minute is a fantasy that still appeals to many travelers. People imagine slashed fares, surprise promotions and the possibility of traveling to the other side of the world at bargain prices. In reality, last-minute flight tickets are not always cheaper, and this strategy carries significant risks. Here's everything you need to know to avoid falling into the trap.
Are last-minute flight tickets really cheaper?
Contrary to popular belief, last-minute tickets are today more often expensive than cheap.
Indeed, airlines have perfected their algorithms: they know how to adjust their fares based on occupancy and demand. So waiting until the last minute almost always costs more, especially during peak season when the last available seats are often the most expensive.
Only exceptions: off-season, for less popular destinations or when airlines need to fill an undersold plane. In these specific cases, fares can indeed drop in the days before departure.
Monitor fares well in advance. If the flight remains empty a few days before departure, prices may drop, but this is never guaranteed.
When should you buy a last-minute flight ticket?
Buying a last-minute flight ticket can be worthwhile only in these situations :