Which Day Is the Cheapest to Book Domestic Flights?

Which Day Is the Cheapest to Book Domestic Flights?

There’s a lot of advice out there about the “best day” to buy a plane ticket—especially for domestic flights. But thanks to modern pricing algorithms and real-world data, the answer isn’t as simple as “always Tuesday.” Here’s what recent studies and travel‑industry experts are saying.

What the Data Shows

  • Sunday – According to Expedia’s 2025 analysis, Sunday is often the cheapest day to book domestic flights, saving on average about 6% compared to more expensive days. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
  • Thursday – Hopper’s data suggests that Thursday is the best day to book for many domestic routes. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
  • Saturday & Friday – These seem to be the most expensive days to make a booking. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Why It’s Not That Simple

Airline pricing is now very dynamic. According to Hopper, there’s no “one-size-fits-all” booking day:

  • Prices change throughout the day based on demand and competition. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
  • The average savings for booking on a “cheaper” day are relatively modest — often around $10 for domestic flights. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
  • Every route is different: what works for one city pair may not work for another. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Tips to Maximize Your Savings

Instead of relying on a single “cheapest day,” try these smarter strategies:

  • Set price alerts on tools like Google Flights or Hopper so you’re notified when the fare drops.
  • Be flexible with your travel dates — even sliding your booking by a day or two could make a difference.
  • Use comparison websites to check fares from multiple airlines before booking.
  • Book in advance during the typical “sweet spot” for domestic travel (often 1–3 months out, according to Expedia). :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
  • Avoid booking on peak days like Friday or Saturday when prices tend to be higher. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Final Thoughts

There’s no magic day of the week that guarantees the lowest fare for all domestic flights. While Sunday and Thursday often show up in studies as relatively cheaper booking days, the differences are usually small. What matters more is being flexible, using alerts, and booking strategically based on your route and timing.

Happy flight hunting!