Summary
- Book flights within the ‘magic window.” That’s 13 to 43 days before takeoff for domestic, or 18 to 29 days for international.
- You should also fly midweek. Tuesday departures are cheaper, while Thursday is best for overseas flights to avoid weekend prices.
- Layovers can save 25% on average, so consider flights with stops for cheaper options than nonstop ones.
I live in New York, and although it’s been an unusually cold and wet spring so far, summer is almost here, and I’m excited about the opportunity to travel. I have a toddler who I want to take on vacation to Disney World — and perhaps Myrtle Beach — if I can find affordable airfare.
There are several tools, websites, and apps available to help me book flights and track prices, but sometimes I wonder if I’m really getting the best deal. I’m no travel expert, so who can I turn to for reliable flight data? The answer: Google and Expedia. They’ve each mined massive datasets to uncover the real secrets behind snagging cheap summer flights.
I was able to get clear, data-backed advice for booking the most budget-friendly summer trips in 2025.
Google recently analyzed four years of aggregated airfare data across millions of itineraries, while Expedia teamed up with the Airlines Reporting Corporation to slice and dice actual booking and departure records. By combining these two sources, I was able to get clear, data-backed advice for booking the most budget-friendly summer trips in 2025. Now, I’m sharing their tips with you.
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1
Book within the ‘magic window’
Timing is everything for summer vacays
Pocket-lint / Google
According to Google Flights, domestic summer fares (July and August departures) tend to hit their lowest point between 13 and 43 days before takeoff, with an average sweet spot around 21 days out. Expedia’s ARC data is similar for overseas trips, noting that the “magic window” to book the cheapest international flights is 18 to 29 days out.
By waiting until a few weeks before a trip — rather than booking six months early — you won’t overpay by locking in a fare too early, and you’ll avoid last-minute spikes.
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2
Fly midweek (Tuesday, if you want quiet)
Avoid sky-high weekend prices
Pocket-lint / Google
Google’s historical data shows that Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday departures are about 13% cheaper (20% if you exclude international trips) than Friday through Sunday flights. Expedia takes it a step further, revealing Thursday is often the cheapest day to fly overseas — beating Sunday by as much as 8%. But Tuesday is the “quietest” day if you want to avoid the crowds.
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3
Layovers can cut your costs
Non-stop isn’t always best
Pocket-lint / Google
Google’s aggregated numbers reveal that flights with at least one layover are, on average, 25% cheaper than nonstop alternatives. Keep in mind that adding a layover could add 2 to 4 hours of travel time. If you’re OK with a slightly longer total trip, your wallet will thank you.
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4
Book on the right day
Small percentages can add up
Pocket-lint / Google
Expedia’s data show that Sunday is historically the cheapest day to book, while Friday is the most expensive. So if you’re eyeing a particular flight, try waiting until Sunday morning before pulling the trigger — you can save up to 13% on average.
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5
Travel in August
Save money and your sanity
Pocket-lint / Google
Despite July being the busiest month for US departures — more than double February’s flight volume — Expedia’s research shows that August is the cheapest month for economy travel. March, meanwhile, typically records the highest average prices for domestic routes. So, if your schedule is flexible, swapping a late‐July departure for early August can mean up to 12% savings, and you’ll save your sanity by avoiding the mid-summer airport chaos.
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6
Bonus: Book Europe, Mexico, and Caribbean trips early
They’re the exception to the rule
Pocket-lint / Google
Although Google and Expedia both have general data for domestic and international flights, Google breaks things down specifically for trips to Europe, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
According to Google, international flights from the US to Europe are generally cheapest when booked at least 50 days before departure, with an average low point of around 94 days out.
Google’s data for international flights is much different from Expedia’s data (as seen in the first tip, which suggested booking 18 to 29 days out for international trips.)
So, according to Google, it’s actually wise to book as early as possible when flying to Europe. Mexico and the Caribbean also tend to be more affordable when booked 26 to 68 days before departure, with 44 days being the sweet spot.
FAQ
Q: When is the best time to book a flight beyond summer?
Ah, so you’re already looking beyond summer and perhaps to a little fall or winter holiday? I got you. For domestic travel, Google’s data shows Thanksgiving flights (late November) hit their low around 26 to 59 days in advance, so early October is a good time to book. Christmas and winter trips (late December) are cheapest 36 to 72 days ahead. And for spring break (March to April), the lowest prices are 33 to 59 days out, with around 44 days ahead being the best time to book.
Q: Can you protect yourself against sudden price hikes?
Google suggests using price-tracking tools on Google Flights, while Expedia offers Price Drop Protection. With Google, you can receive real-time emails when your chosen flight dips. Meanwhile, Expedia guarantees a refund on any fare decrease within 14 days of booking.
By combining Google’s airfare trends with Expedia’s protection, you’ll have a better chance at locking in the cheapest summer flights and avoid overpaying. But of course, these two would recommend their own services. So, my suggestion is to also check out the competition and to do your due diligence when researching flights. Good luck and safe travels!
