When it comes to booking flights, travelers often wonder: What is the best day to buy tickets to get the best deal? Expedia, one of the largest online travel agencies, is a popular platform for booking flights, hotels, car rentals, and vacation packages. As with any travel site, getting the best deal on Expedia often requires knowing the right time to book. While there’s no definitive answer to when flights are the cheapest, several factors can influence ticket prices, including the time of week, time of day, and seasonality. Let us explore the best days to buy tickets on Expedia, offer tips for saving money, and guide you on how to use Expedia’s tools to find the best deals for your next trip.
When is the Cheapest Day to Buy Flights on Expedia?
Timing is everything when it comes to booking a flight on Expedia. Prices fluctuate depending on a number of factors, including demand, holidays, and airline pricing strategies. Generally speaking, it’s believed that certain days of the week are better for booking flights than others.
- Tuesday afternoons are often the best time to book flights on Expedia. Airlines frequently announce new sales on Mondays, and by Tuesday afternoon, Expedia will have already adjusted its prices to reflect the new deals.
- Mid-week purchases tend to be cheaper than those made on weekends. On weekends, travelers are more likely to book tickets, which can drive up prices.
- Avoid booking flights on Fridays and Sundays, as these are peak times when last-minute travelers are trying to finalize their plans.
Does the Time of Day Impact Ticket Prices on Expedia?
In addition to the day of the week, the time of day you book can also influence the price of your ticket. Understanding these patterns can help you make smarter decisions when planning your travel. Here’s what you should consider:
- Flights are generally cheaper when booked during off-peak hours. If you book early in the morning or late at night, you’re likely to get better deals.
- Ticket prices tend to rise during peak business hours between 9am and 5pm, as this is when most people are booking or checking for flights.
- Avoid booking flights late at night on Sundays as this is when many travelers are looking to get a jump start on their week.
How Does Seasonality Affect Ticket Prices on Expedia?
Seasonality plays an important role in determining flight prices on Expedia. Airfares are typically higher during peak travel seasons, such as holidays, summer vacations, and major events. Conversely, prices tend to be lower during off-peak seasons. Understanding when demand is low can help you save money.
- Avoid flying during peak seasons, like Christmas, New Year’s, Thanksgiving, and school vacation periods. These times see high demand, which leads to increased prices.
- Book in advance for peak seasons, as airlines tend to raise prices the closer you get to the departure date.
- Traveling during the off-peak seasons—typically in spring or fall—can help you find cheaper tickets on Expedia. These times see less demand, which often results in better prices.
How Can I Use Expedia’s Tools to Find the Cheapest Flights?
Expedia offers several useful tools to help you identify the best time to book flights and secure the lowest prices. Here’s how to leverage them:
- Use Expedia’s flexible dates feature to check the price range for different dates. This tool will show you the lowest fares within a 3-day window on either side of your selected travel dates.
- Set price alerts: You can create price alerts on Expedia for your desired flight routes. This will notify you when ticket prices drop or go on sale.
- Check for bundle discounts: Expedia often offers discounts when you bundle your flight with a hotel, car rental, or activities. This can be a good way to save money even if the flight price isn’t the lowest available.
- Take advantage of Expedia Rewards: Members of the Expedia Rewards program earn points for each booking, which can later be redeemed for discounts or free travel services.
Is It Better to Book Flights in Advance on Expedia?
Booking flights in advance is one of the most reliable strategies for securing cheap tickets on Expedia. However, how far in advance you should book depends on a few factors, including the type of trip you’re taking and the route you’re flying.
- For domestic flights, booking 3 to 6 weeks in advance is ideal. Airlines tend to release their lowest fares during this window, giving you the best chance to snag a deal.
- For international flights, booking 2 to 4 months in advance is recommended. This allows you to avoid the last-minute price hikes that often occur as departure dates approach.
- Last-minute deals do exist: Sometimes, airlines offer discounts on unsold tickets closer to departure, but these deals are rare and often come with less flexibility.
How Can I Save Money on Expedia?
Aside from choosing the right day to book, there are several other ways to save money on Expedia. Here are a few tips to help you reduce costs:
- Look for “Secret Deals” and “Bargain Fares”: Expedia often offers secret fares and discounted flight options that are not publicly advertised. These can provide substantial savings but come with additional restrictions (like non-refundable tickets).
- Use Expedia Coupons and Promo Codes: Keep an eye on coupon websites or subscribe to Expedia’s email newsletters to get access to exclusive promo codes, special offers, and limited-time discounts.
- Check alternate airports: Sometimes flying into or out of a nearby airport can be significantly cheaper. Expedia allows you to search for nearby airports, which can help you find better deals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
According to various studies, Tuesday afternoons are typically the best time to book flights on Expedia, as airlines release their sales earlier in the week, and Expedia adjusts its prices accordingly.
Morning bookings (especially early morning) tend to be cheaper than evening or afternoon bookings when more people are actively searching for flights.
Yes, last-minute flight deals can be found on Expedia, though they are rarer and often come with stricter terms and conditions, such as non-refundable tickets.
The best time to find cheap flights is typically during off-peak seasons, such as early spring (March-April) or fall (September-November). These periods generally see lower demand for travel, leading to lower fares.
Yes, you can set up price alerts on Expedia to monitor specific flights and receive notifications when prices drop.
Conclusion
When searching for the cheapest day to buy tickets on Expedia, there is no perfect day for it. However, there are certain trends and strategies that can help you book smarter and save money. Mid-week bookings, especially on Tuesday afternoons, tend to offer the best prices. Avoid weekends and peak business hours, and consider using Expedia’s tools like price alerts and flexible dates to find the lowest fares. Additionally, booking in advance, especially for international flights, and traveling during the off-peak seasons can lead to significant saving.