Which day of the week are flights cheapest?

Fly on a Thursday: Unlock Significant Savings on Your Next Trip

The hunt for cheap flights is a common pre-travel ritual, often involving frantic searches across countless websites and price comparison tools. While many believe that booking flights on Tuesdays or Wednesdays yields the best results, a surprising truth emerges: Thursday is often the cheapest day to fly.

Contrary to popular belief, Sunday flight bookings, while sometimes appearing cheaper initially, don’t consistently offer the lowest fares. In fact, consistent data analysis across both domestic and international routes reveals that flying mid-week, particularly on Thursdays, provides significantly better value.

This isn’t just a small margin either. Studies show that booking a Thursday flight can result in savings of up to 16% compared to other days of the week. This substantial discount applies to a wide range of destinations and flight types, impacting both budget travellers and those seeking premium experiences.

Why is Thursday the sweet spot? The reason isn’t definitively known, but several theories exist. One explanation points to the reduced demand on Thursdays. Airlines likely adjust pricing based on anticipated passenger numbers. Since Thursday falls mid-week and isn’t associated with the weekend rush or the beginning of the workweek, airlines may offer lower fares to stimulate demand. Additionally, business travellers, who often drive price fluctuations, are less likely to fly on Thursdays compared to Mondays or Fridays.

This doesn’t mean you should entirely dismiss other days. Flexibility remains key. Last-minute deals and unexpected price drops can still occur on other days. However, prioritizing Thursday flights as a starting point in your search significantly increases your chances of securing a better deal.

Before finalizing your booking, remember to:

• Be flexible with your travel dates: If possible, shifting your travel by a day or two can significantly impact the final price.
• Compare across multiple booking platforms: Different websites often showcase varying prices. Don’t rely on a single source.
• Consider alternative airports: Flying from a smaller, less popular airport nearby might offer surprisingly cheaper options.

In conclusion, while the traditional wisdom points to other days for flight bargains, the data overwhelmingly supports Thursday as the champion of cost-effective travel. So, next time you’re planning a trip, remember to give Thursday serious consideration – your wallet will thank you for it.