What is the Cheapest Day to Buy Flights on United?

Finding the best deals on airfare can often feel like a gamble, but there are strategies to help you secure cheaper flights. If you often fly with United Airlines or are planning a trip, one common question is: What is the cheapest day to buy flights on United ? Our comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know, from the best days to books to how you can manage changes to your flights.

Best Day to Buy United Airlines Flights

When it comes to buying flights on United Airlines, timing is crucial. Although airfare prices fluctuate based on demand, research shows that Tuesday is generally the best day to find the cheapest flights. Airlines, including United, tend to release their sales early in the week, and by Tuesday afternoon, competitors have usually matched these prices. This leads to more choices for the consumer and a higher chance of finding a lower fare.

But Tuesday is not the only day you should consider. Here are some tips for when to find the cheapest flights:

Book Flights on Tuesdays and Wednesdays: These midweek days are when United often releases their cheapest fares.
Early Mornings Are Ideal: Airlines frequently reset their systems overnight, meaning early morning prices can be lower than those found later in the day.
Plan Ahead: Aim to book flights at least 6 to 8 weeks in advance to take advantage of lower prices.
Flexible Dates: Use United's flexible date search to find the cheapest travel options.

How Far in Advance Should You Book?

Besides knowing the best day of the week to buy your tickets, booking in advance also plays a significant role in securing the lowest fare. For United Airlines flights, booking between 6 and 8 weeks before your trip is ideal for domestic travel. For international flights, you should aim to book 3 to 6 months in advance to snag the best deals.

Keep in mind that booking too far in advance isn't always beneficial, as airlines often adjust fares based on demand. contrary, waiting until the last minute typically leads to higher prices.

Cheapest Days to Fly on United Airlines

In addition to knowing when to buy your ticket, it's important to know the cheapest days to fly. United Airlines generally offers lower fares on certain days of the week. Statistically, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays tend to be the cheapest days to fly, while Fridays and Sundays are often the most expensive. This is because most business travelers fly on Fridays and Sundays, driving prices up on those days.

Here's a breakdown of the best times to fly with United Airlines for maximum savings:

Fly Midweek: As mentioned earlier, flying on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays can result significantly in savings.
Avoid Holidays and Peak Seasons: If your schedule allows, try to avoid flying during major holidays and school vacations, as prices can skyrocket due to increased demand.
Early Morning or Late-Night Flights: Flights departing early in the morning or late at night are often cheaper because they are less convenient for most travelers.

Utilizing United's Fare Alerts

One way to stay ahead of the curve and grab the best deals is by subscribing to United’s fare alerts. These alerts notify you of price drops, flash sales, and other promotions. By signing up, you’ll be the first to know when a price decreases for your preferred flight routes.

Moreover, consider using United’s MileagePlus program. While primarily for earning miles, MileagePlus also gives members access to exclusive sales and discounts not available to the general public.

Understanding United Change Flight Policies

When booking your flight, flexibility matters. United change flight policies have become more flexible in recent years, particularly after the pandemic. United Airlines no longer charges change fees on most domestic flights and international flights departing from the U.S., which allows you to adjust your plans without incurring extra costs, depending on the type of ticket purchased.

However, it’s essential to be aware of the conditions that apply to these changes:

Basic Economy Tickets: Although United Airlines has waived change fees for many fare classes, Basic Economy tickets remain non-changeable. If flexibility is important, avoid purchasing Basic Economy tickets.
Fare Differences: Even if you’re exempt from change fees, you may still need to pay any fare difference. This means that if your new flight is more expensive than the one you initially booked, you will need to cover the difference.
Same-Day Flight Changes: If you want to change your flight on the same day of travel, United offers this service for a nominal fee (or for free if you're a Premier Gold member or higher). This option allows you to take an earlier or later flight on the same day, depending on availability.

If you need to change or cancel a flight, you can easily do so through the United Airlines website or by calling their customer service at 1-888-734-3742.

How to Find the Best United Airlines Deals

While booking on certain days can help lower your fare, additional strategies can ensure that you get the best price possible. Here are some tips to help you secure cheaper United flights:

Use Comparison Websites: Sites like Google Flights or Skyscanner allow you to compare prices across various airlines, including United, helping you ensure you're getting the best deal.
Check for Promo Codes: Occasionally, United offers promo codes or special promotions. Keep an eye on their website or sign up for newsletters to receive these codes directly to your inbox.
Book Round-Trip Tickets: Round-trip tickets tend to be cheaper than one-way flights, so try to book both legs of your journey at the same time.
Be Flexible with Your Airports: If you're flying to or from a city with multiple airports, compare fares from each one. Sometimes, flying out of a less popular airport can result in significant savings.

Conclusion: Save More with United Airlines

Securing cheap flights on United Airlines is all about timing, flexibility, and knowing where to look. By booking on the right days, flying during less popular times, and staying up to date on current promotions, you can save a significant amount on your next trip. Don't forget to take advantage of United's fare alerts and their flexible flight change policies to make the most of your travel experience.

Remember, if you need to change or adjust your flight, you can easily do so by visiting United's website or contacting their customer service at 1-888-734-3742 .