Some flights are cheaper depending on the day of the week you book, but the best day varies by airline, a new study has found.
“Long held to be a myth, it turns out that there actually is a best day to book a flight if you want to save money,” said Keri Stooksbury, editor-in-chief of Upgraded Points, a travel company based in Austin, Texas.
The study analyzed four weeks of Google Flights data for over 44,000 one-way economy fares across 10 of the busiest domestic flight routes in the nation.
In general, aim for the start of the week. Tuesday is the most economical day, averaging $213.31. Monday bookings are slightly higher at $213.44.
Saturdays see the highest average ticket price, $241.61, followed by Fridays at $238.47.
Booking on a Sunday is closer to the weekly average, at $224.66. Wednesday and Thursday bookings cost an average of $222.76 and $222.21.
Prices by airline are:
• American Airlines: Thursdays are most expensive at $285.60; Fridays average $271.85.
• Delta Air Lines: Thursday ($181.05) offers savings over Friday ($216.67).
• JetBlue Airways and Spirit Airlines: Early-week bookings are cheapest. JetBlue on Monday is $50 cheaper than on Friday. Spirit on Monday is around $30 cheaper than on Saturday.
• United Airlines: Highest rates are Thursday ($299.47) and Friday ($298.36). Sunday is most economical ($281.66). Also cheaper: Monday ($283.63) and Wednesday ($284.22).
