Book too early and you overpay; too late and you really overpay. Here's the sweet-spot window for the best fare, whether prices actually drop, and how to stop guessing.
| Trip | Book about | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic (US/Europe) | 1–3 months out | ~6 weeks is a common sweet spot. |
| Short-haul international | 2–4 months out | Earlier for school holidays. |
| Long-haul international | 3–6 months out | Fares open ~11 months ahead. |
| Peak season / holidays | 5–8 months out | Christmas, summer, festivals — book early. |
| Last-minute | Avoid | Prices climb sharply inside 2 weeks. |
Sometimes — but it's a gamble, and the odds get worse the closer you get. Airfares bounce around daily on supply and demand; there's no guaranteed "cheapest day." Waiting occasionally saves you a little, but inside the last two weeks prices almost always rise. The winning move isn't predicting the bottom — it's booking in the window above and setting a price alert so you know if it moves.