Booking a flight is often the first step in planning a vacation or business trip. However, one of the most crucial questions that travelers frequently ask is, “What Is the Cheapest Day to Book Flights on Expedia?” Understanding the best time to book can help you save money and find the best deals. In this article, we’ll explore how to get the most affordable flights on Expedia, including tips on when to book and what factors influence flight prices. For additional assistance, feel free to contact Expedia’s customer support at 1-888-843-8860.
Understanding Expedia’s Flight Pricing
When booking flights, the price can vary dramatically based on factors such as demand, the time of year, and when the ticket is purchased. Expedia, one of the leading online travel platforms, uses a dynamic pricing model that adjusts ticket prices based on these factors.
What Is the Cheapest Day to Book Flights on Expedia?
While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer, studies and travel industry experts suggest a few key trends:
Best Days to Book Flights
Tuesdays and Wednesdays: Studies have consistently shown that Tuesday and Wednesday tend to be the cheapest days to book flights on Expedia and other travel platforms. The main reason for this is that airlines often release fare discounts and deals on Monday evenings. By Tuesday, these deals are typically available for booking, and competition among airlines to fill seats helps drive prices down.
Saturday: Another affordable day to book flights is Saturday, especially for domestic travel. Airlines often reduce prices on weekends to increase bookings for the upcoming week.
Early Mornings or Late Nights: Booking flights in the early morning or late evening, especially mid-week, can also result in better deals as fewer travelers are searching for flights during these hours.
Avoid Booking on Sundays
Sunday is typically the most expensive day to book flights, especially if you’re booking close to your travel date. Many travelers are searching for flights on Sundays, and airlines raise prices due to higher demand.
Booking in Advance
While the day of the week is essential, booking in advance is another key factor in securing the cheapest flights. It’s generally advised to book flights on Expedia at least 3-4 weeks ahead of your departure date. However, for international flights, booking 2-3 months in advance can yield better prices.
Factors That Affect Flight Prices on Expedia
In addition to the day of the week, several other factors influence flight prices, including:
Travel Season
Peak Seasons (Holidays, Summer, etc.): Prices tend to rise during peak travel seasons, such as summer or holiday periods. If you’re looking for the best deal, consider traveling during off-peak seasons like late winter or early spring.
Flight Route
Flights to major metropolitan cities or popular tourist destinations are typically more expensive due to higher demand. Alternatively, flying on less popular routes or mid-sized airports might offer cheaper flights.
Time of Day
Flights that depart during non-peak hours—such as early morning or late evening—are often less expensive compared to flights that leave during prime times like midday or evening.
Tips for Finding the Cheapest Flights on Expedia
In addition to booking on the right day, there are a few strategies that can help you find even better deals:
Set Fare Alerts
Use Expedia’s fare alert feature to receive notifications when prices drop for your desired flight. This can help you snag a deal when the price decreases.
Flexible Dates and Locations
If you have flexibility in your travel dates or destination, use Expedia’s search tools to compare different dates and nearby airports. Sometimes shifting your travel by a day or two can result in significant savings.
Use Expedia Rewards
Sign up for Expedia Rewards to earn points on your bookings. These points can be redeemed for discounts on future flights, helping you save even more in the long run.
Consider Layovers
Direct flights are typically more expensive than flights with layovers. If you’re willing to be flexible with your schedule, choosing a flight with a longer layover can save you money.
How to Book Flights on Expedia
Booking your flight on Expedia is easy. Here’s how to do it:
Visit Expedia’s website or download their mobile app.
Enter your departure and destination cities along with your travel dates.
Use the filters to narrow down your options (e.g., direct flights, preferred airlines, and more).
Sort the results by price to find the cheapest options.
Choose your flight and proceed to checkout.
Frequently Asked Questions
What day is cheapest to fly on Expedia?
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays are typically the cheapest days to book flights on Expedia.
How far in advance should I book flights for the best deal?
For domestic flights, booking 3-4 weeks in advance is ideal. For international flights, aim to book 2-3 months in advance for better pricing.
How can I find the cheapest flights on Expedia?
Use fare alerts, flexible dates, and nearby airports to find the best prices. Sorting by price and booking in advance will also help.
Is it cheaper to book flights on Expedia or directly with the airline?
It’s often cheaper to book through Expedia, especially if you find a good deal. Expedia frequently offers bundle deals and discounts.
Conclusion
Understanding “What is the cheapest day to book flights on Expedia” is essential for maximizing your travel budget. By booking flights on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Saturdays, setting fare alerts, and booking in advance, you can secure significant savings.