Best Time to Book International Flights 2025 — Complete Guide | Bestripnow
Bestripnow Travel Experts
Fare Strategy Specialist
Booking international flights at the right time can save you hundreds. Generally, purchasing international tickets 2–6 months in advanceyields the best balance of price and availability. For peak travel periods like summer and holidays, aim for 6–10 months ahead.
Airlines constantly adjust fares based on demand, seasonality, and booking patterns. This Bestripnow guide (2025) explains when to buy, which days and months tend to be cheapest, and practical tips to lock in the lowest international fares.
🧠 Quick Summary: Best Time to Book International Flights
- ✔ Sweet spot: 2–6 months before departure for most international routes
- ✔ Peak season (summer/holidays): book 6–10 months ahead
- ✔ Midweek (Tue–Thu) searches often reveal lower fares
- ✔ Cheapest months to travel: January, February, September
- ✔ Last-minute bargains are rare for international travel
Need help finding the lowest price? Call Bestripnow at +1-(888) 267-8939.
Do international flights get cheaper closer to the date?
In most cases, no. Airlines raise prices as the departure date approaches because last-minute travelers are often less price-sensitive. Discounted inventory is released early and tends to sell out.
If you’re aiming for the best deals, plan to book within the recommended windows rather than waiting for last-minute reductions.
How far ahead is best to book international flights?
The optimal booking window depends on the destination and season, but generally:
- • 2–6 months before travel for most international routes (best balance of price + availability).
- • 6–10 months for summer, Christmas, and peak holiday travel.
- • 1–3 months may work in off-peak periods (January, February, September) but carries risk.
If you’d like us to watch fares for a specific route, call Bestripnow at +1-(888) 267-8939.
What’s the best day of the week to book a flight?
Algorithms now adjust fares constantly, but midweek searches still tend to be more favorable.
- • Tuesdays & Wednesdays often show lower fares historically.
- • Midweek (Tue–Thu) is a safe time to search and book.
- • Weekends generally see higher prices due to increased leisure-search activity.
When is the cheapest time to buy international flights?
The best purchase window is typically 2–6 months before travel. Seasonal factors also matter:
- • Off-peak months (January, February, September) often yield the lowest fares.
- • Booking during shoulder seasons can deliver significant savings and fewer crowds.
Bestripnow can monitor fares for you and alert when prices drop — call +1-(888) 267-8939.
Is it cheaper to book international flights in advance or last minute?
Booking in advance almost always saves money. Airlines release limited discounted seats early; once those sell, prices typically increase steadily toward departure.
Last-minute deals exist but are rare and risky — especially for popular international routes.
Practical Tips to Find the Cheapest International Flights
- • Use flexible date searches to spot the cheapest departure windows.
- • Compare round-trip vs one-way — round-trips are often cheaper.
- • Search midweek and check prices at night — fare updates happen regularly.
- • Monitor fares with alerts or let Bestripnow track them for you.
- • Consider nearby airports and alternate travel dates for extra savings.
Final Thoughts
Timing is the most powerful tool when booking international flights. Book within the recommended windows, favor midweek searches, and travel in off-peak months where possible. Planning ahead not only saves money but also gives you better choices for seats and fare flexibility.
Want Bestripnow to find the best international fare for you? Call +1-(888) 267-8939 and our agents will compare options, set alerts, and lock in the best price.
FAQs — Best Time to Book International Flights
Q1: Do international flight prices drop at the last minute?
Rarely. Airlines typically raise fares closer to departure. For the best fares, book 2–6 months ahead.
Q2: Is it better to book one-way or round-trip?
Round-trip tickets are usually cheaper, but always compare both options — sometimes two one-ways can be cheaper.
Q3: Are flights cheaper if I search at night?
Sometimes. Airlines update fares frequently, and late-night/early-morning searches can show lower prices. Focus on flexible dates for greater savings.
Q4: Which months are cheapest to travel internationally?
January, February, and September are typically among the cheapest months to fly internationally due to lower demand.
Q5: Should I book directly or via third-party sites?
Both can be useful: airlines often provide easier changes, while third-party sites can show competitive prices. Bestripnow compares both to find the best deal.
Author: Bestripnow Travel Experts
Bestripnow's fare strategy team combines industry insight and real-time monitoring to help travelers secure the best international fares. We track price trends, set alerts, and provide booking options that balance cost and convenience.