Finding the best days to fly in the USA in 2025 is more than just a budgeting trick it’s a strategic move. With airfare prices shifting by the day (and sometimes the hour), choosing the right travel dates can make the difference between an average deal and a major savings win.
Travelers are already turning to tools like Google Flights and flight-tracking apps to monitor fares, but one of the most underrated ways to save money is by planning your travel days around patterns. So, what days are cheapest? When do flight prices drop? And is Tuesday still the magic day to book?
Here’s what travelers need to know to stretch their airfare budget in 2025.
What Is the Best Day of the Week to Book a Flight?
This is one of the most frequently searched questions in travel planning. In fact, over 3,600 people per month search “what is the best day of the week to book a flight,” and the answer has stayed consistent over the years.
The Winner: Tuesday and Wednesday
Historically, airlines launch sales late Monday or early Tuesday. By Tuesday afternoon, competitors match fares, creating a brief window for lower pricing. Booking between Tuesday at 3 p.m. and Wednesday morning often yields the best domestic flight prices.
Use Google Flights to set up fare alerts. You’ll be notified when prices drop for your selected route.
What Time of Day Are Flights Cheapest?
According to data from Google Flights and Expedia, flights tend to be cheapest when departing early in the morning or late at night.
Cheapest times to fly:
-
Before 8 a.m.: Less demand means lower prices.
-
After 8 p.m.: Red-eye flights are typically less expensive.
Flights during peak business hours (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) or around lunchtime often come at a premium. This applies especially to short-haul domestic flights.
Best Days to Fly in the USA in 2025: Month-by-Month Breakdown
Let’s take a closer look at the best and worst travel days in 2025 based on historical pricing trends, industry data, and holiday forecasts.
January 2025
-
Best Days: Jan 8–10 (post-New Year’s dip)
-
Avoid: Jan 1–6 (return from holidays)
February 2025
-
Best Days: Feb 6–8, Feb 20–22 (mid-week travel)
-
Avoid: Feb 14–17 (Valentine’s Day + Presidents Day weekend)
March 2025
-
Best Days: March 5–6, March 26–27
-
Avoid: March 8–15 (spring break spike in most regions)
April 2025
-
Best Days: April 9–11, April 23–24
-
Avoid: April 4–7 (Easter travel surge)
May 2025
-
Best Days: May 6–8, May 14–15
-
Avoid: May 23–26 (Memorial Day weekend)
June 2025
-
Best Days: June 4–5, June 11–12
-
Avoid: June 20–30 (start of summer vacations)
July 2025
-
Best Days: July 9–10, July 16–17
-
Avoid: July 2–6 (Fourth of July travel)
August 2025
-
Best Days: August 13–14, August 20–21
-
Avoid: August 1–4 (summer peak)
September 2025
-
Best Days: Sept 4–5, Sept 10–11
-
Avoid: Sept 1 (Labor Day)
October 2025
-
Best Days: Oct 9–10, Oct 23–24
-
Avoid: Oct 31 (Halloween + weekend travel overlap)
November 2025
-
Best Days: Nov 5–6, Nov 12–13
-
Avoid: Nov 26–30 (Thanksgiving travel)
December 2025
-
Best Days: Dec 3–4, Dec 10–11
-
Avoid: Dec 20–31 (Christmas and New Year rush)
Cheapest Days to Fly International in 2025
If you’re flying abroad, knowing the cheapest days to fly international can save hundreds.
Best days to depart:
-
Tuesdays and Wednesdays consistently offer lower fares than weekends.
-
Early-week departures (Monday or Tuesday) often have better deals than late-week.
For return flights, Tuesdays and Thursdays tend to be cheaper, particularly on long-haul routes.
Example: A round-trip flight from New York to London in May 2025 could cost $700 if flying Tuesday–Tuesday, compared to $950 for a Friday–Sunday pairing.
More Smart Booking Tips for 2025
Booking on the right day is only part of the equation. Here are additional tactics to lock in the lowest prices.
1. Use Google Flights for Flexible Dates
With over 45 million monthly users, Google Flights remains a top tool for comparing fares and tracking price trends. Use the flexible date calendar to identify the cheapest days to fly.
2. Set Up Price Alerts
Websites like Skyscanner, Hopper, and Google Flights allow you to set alerts and get notified when fares drop.
3. Fly From Alternative Airports
Consider nearby secondary airports. For instance, Oakland often has cheaper options than SFO, and BWI may beat DCA or IAD.
4. Avoid Booking Too Late
According to a 2024 analysis by CheapAir, the best time to book domestic flights is 45–70 days in advance. For international travel, book at least 2–4 months ahead.
Should You Fly on Holidays?
Flying on the actual holiday (e.g., Thanksgiving Day or Christmas Day) can sometimes result in the lowest fares of the season. However, trade-offs include limited flight availability and fewer amenities at airports.
Cheapest holidays to fly:
-
Thanksgiving Day
-
Christmas Day
-
New Year’s Day
Just be prepared for potential delays or limited services at the airport.
Common Myths About Flight Prices
Let’s clear up a few misconceptions:
-
Myth: “Flights are always cheaper at midnight.”
Not true. Pricing updates happen throughout the day and vary by airline. -
Myth: “Last-minute deals are best.”
Occasionally, yes but more often, prices climb as the departure date nears. -
Myth: “Weekend flights are always more expensive.”
Generally true, but Saturday evening flights can be a sweet spot if your schedule allows.
Plan Ahead and Be Flexible
Flying smart in 2025 doesn’t require secret codes or insider hacks. It comes down to flexibility, awareness of pricing trends, and using reliable tools like Google Flights. By choosing the best days to fly in the USA—typically midweek, during off-peak periods—travelers can save money without compromising comfort.
Whether you’re heading to a national park, planning a city escape, or visiting family for the holidays, let the calendar work in your favor.
Have a favorite booking strategy or travel hack for 2025? Share your experience in the comments—or tag us when you score a great deal. The skies are cheaper when we plan smarter.