We’ve all been there. You’re casually browsing flights for your summer escape—maybe a beachy week in Mallorca, a food tour through Italy, or a cabin in the Alps. And bam—ticket prices hit you like a rogue wave. One day it’s €180, the next it’s €450. You wonder: Is this black magic? Airline sorcery? A cruel cosmic joke? The truth is, scoring the best flight deal isn’t about luck—it’s about timing. The best time to book flights isn’t some mythical unicorn. It’s real. But it does take a little planning, some know-how, and a sprinkle of patience.
Let’s break it down, human to human. Because if you’re dreaming of that sun-soaked getaway without burning your wallet, this is the guide you didn’t know you needed best time to book flights.
So when is it really the best time to book flights? Although there is no size-pass answer (thanks to ups and downs, thanks to squares, seasons and demand), there are some patterns that can seriously work seriously on your side.
Generally speaking, the best time to book flights ticket online for summer travel is about 6 to 8 weeks in advance. But if you’re heading somewhere especially popular (looking at you, Santorini), you’ll want to plan earlier—as early as 3-4 months ahead.
For domestic German flights or quick EU getaways, the sweet spot tends to be around 40 to 60 days before departure. International? Give it a bit more time—2 to 4 months, depending on the destination. Still with me? Great. Let’s get more specific.
Okay, here's the deal to know the best time to book flights
For summer travel (June–August):
Try booking your flight around 60 days in advance. Prices start climbing as summer gets closer, especially once school holidays kick in. Don't wait until May to start browsing, or your budget flight might come with budget legroom and a full-price tag.
For long-haul international flights:
You’ll often find the best deals if you book 3 to 5 months ahead. Yes, it feels early, but those long-haul savings add up. Plus, it gives you more time to obsessively plan your outfits and pretend you’re fluent in the local language.
For last-minute travelers:
While you can occasionally score a good deal last-minute, especially with budget airlines or less popular routes, it’s risky during the summer. Flights tend to fill fast. So unless you love paying triple for the last seat, don’t gamble.
A weird but surprisingly consistent trick? Try searching for flights mid-week, especially Tuesday or Wednesday, and early in the morning or late at night. Airlines often release deals on Monday night, and by Tuesday morning, the internet hasn’t caught on yet. Less competition = better prices and best time to book flights..
A small travel industry here is secret: Tuesday and Wednesday are usually the cheapest days to book aircraft. No fly book.
As for the cheapest days to fly? Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays tend to have lower fares because fewer people want to travel on those days (everyone’s chasing that Friday-Monday weekend trip vibe). So if your schedule’s flexible, it’s a good way to trim the fat off your fare.
If you’re not the obsessive-checker type (bless your calm soul), use flight alert tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Hopper. Set alerts for your desired routes, and they’ll ping you when prices drop – the for the best time to book flights. Easy. Efficient. Stress-saving.
Still, don’t ignore your gut. If you see a great deal, don’t wait too long—airfare is basically like that one flaky friend who says “maybe” to dinner and then ghosts.
If you’re based in Germany, you know that summer holidays get booked up fast. Combine that with a surge in travel demand post-pandemic, and it’s a recipe for “sorry, no cheap seats left.”
Airlines like Lufthansa, Eurowings, and Ryanair usually start offering early-bird discounts in January or February. Don’t sleep on them. That’s often the best time to book a flight ticket for summer.
And don’t forget to check package deals, especially if you're planning a full holiday with hotel and transfers. They often offer better value than flights alone.
If the idea of ​​comparing flights manually breaks you to sweat, let someone else work heavily. Tui is one of the most reliable travel marks in Germany, and they often pack flights with hotels and excursions - protect you from money and mental energy.
This is especially good for the family's journeys or all socialists, and they usually highlight the best order windows, so don't guess.
So, what did we learn?
The best time to book flights is real—it’s not just travel-blogger fluff.
For summer, aim to book 6–8 weeks in advance, or more for international routes.
Tuesdays and Wednesdays are your magic booking days.
Use alerts, be flexible, and don’t assume last-minute equals cheaper.
Want a shortcut? TUI’s got your back.
Best time to book flights before your dream beach resort becomes fully booked and full-priced. Future you (sipping sangria by the sea) will be grateful you did.
1. When are you going to book flights for the summer?
For summer trips, the best time is to book flights usually 6 to 8 weeks ago. For international destinations or high-rale routes, you must target 3-4 months in advance to get the best value and alternative.
2. What is the cheapest day to book flights?
Usually Tuesday or Wednesday is the cheapest day to book flights. Flights also cost less on Tuesday, Wednesday or Saturday.
