Book flights 61-90 days ahead for savings
New research shows how to get the best deals when booking flights in 2025. The study from Opodo analyzed flight bookings by UK passengers in 2024. It reveals the best times and days to book for savings on both short and long-haul trips. For international flights, the ideal time to book is between 61 and 90 days before departure. Booking in this window can save travelers an average of £107 compared to buying tickets just a month before the flight. For example, flights to Costa Rica booked two weeks or less in advance cost £843, while booking one to two months earlier costs £1,074. If you’re planning a trip to the Maldives, booking three months in advance can save you £853. Saturdays are the best days to book flights to popular destinations like the Seychelles and the Maldives. For the Seychelles, booking on Saturday can cost £642, while prices soar to £1,511 on Thursdays. The study also revealed that Mondays are ideal for flights to New Zealand, saving travelers over £534 when compared to Friday bookings. For Sri Lanka, booking on Wednesdays offers a £168 saving, while Sundays provide the best deals for flights to the US, with potential savings of £661. The time of day when you book also impacts prices. For flights to France, booking at 3 a.m. can save you £46 compared to booking at 9 a.m. Similarly, flights to Switzerland booked at 4 a.m. average £164, while prices jump to £227 if booked at 7 a.m. Finally, the month you choose to book matters too. For trips to Thailand, waiting until May can lead to prices as low as £737. December is best for flights to South Africa, and September is ideal for Australia. By using this data, travelers can secure significant savings on their future trips.