Looking for cheaper flights this holiday season or planning a trip in 2025? Google’s latest Flights data reveals clear patterns on when to book, which days are cheapest to fly, and how early travelers should plan to lock in the best fares.
Google’s 2025 airfare report, based on aggregate Google Flights data from 2021 to 2025, highlights consistent trends in ticket pricing. The findings aim to help travelers make smarter decisions as airfare costs continue to fluctuate.
According to the report, timing matters far more than most people realise — from the day you fly to how many weeks in advance you book.
What is cheapest day to fly?
Google Flights data shows that flying earlier in the week remains the most affordable option. Tuesday consistently emerges as the cheapest day to fly, followed by Monday and Wednesday.
Choosing a midweek departure can result in airfare savings of around 13% to 20% compared to weekend travel.
Flights on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday are generally more expensive. Sunday is identified as the priciest day to fly, reflecting higher demand from leisure travelers.
Do layovers actually save money?
Yes — flights with layovers are typically cheaper. According to Google, tickets with at least one stop cost about 25% less than direct flights.
On average, travelers can save more than $90 by opting for a layover, though this comes at the cost of longer travel times and added inconvenience.
What is best time to book flight?
Google’s data shows that the day of the week you book does not significantly affect prices. Instead, how far in advance you book matters most.
Airfares generally increase as the departure date approaches, especially during peak travel periods.
For flights within the United States, the ideal booking window is between 21 and 52 days before departure. Google’s analysis points to around 38 days out as the point when prices are typically lowest.
This window reflects how airlines adjust pricing to balance seat availability and revenue.
For overseas travel, the lowest prices tend to appear between 50 and 101 days before departure. While there is no single “cheapest” day, booking earlier within this range helps avoid sharp price increases.
As a general trend, prices begin rising noticeably once the 50-day window is crossed.
Best time to book flights for holidays
Google Flights also identified optimal booking periods for major travel seasons:
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Spring Break (March–April): Book 33–59 days in advance, with the cheapest fares averaging 44 days before departure.
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Summer Break (July–August): The best window is 13–43 days ahead, with the lowest prices typically around 21 days out.
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Thanksgiving: Book 26–59 days in advance, ideally about 45 days before travel, which usually falls in early October.
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Christmas and Winter Holidays: Look 36–72 days ahead, with the cheapest fares appearing around 58 days before departure, often in the latter half of October.
Google notes that these figures represent averages based on historical data. Actual prices can still vary depending on destination, airline, travel season, and demand levels.
Still, the report offers a clearer roadmap for travelers hoping to avoid last-minute price hikes and secure better deals.
