Score Cheap Vacation Flights by Asking Google the Best Time to Buy
Google Flights has released a robust travel report after aggregating four years of airfare data and trends to provide US travelers with an overarching guide on finding the cheapest flights and the best times to book them. I have reviewed this report thoroughly and highlighted the most important takeaways below to help you find a flight in your budget and let you relax while traveling instead of stressing about money.
For more key travel tips, explore these travel essentials you need for every vacation and then take a look at this travel checklist. You should also review CNET's roundup of the best headphones for travel.
How to Use Google Maps Like a Pro How to Use Google Maps Like a Pro
Click to unmute
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Skip Backward
Skip Forward
Next playlist item
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
9:29
Loaded :
3.14%
0:00
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
9:29
Share
Fullscreen
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text
Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background
Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background
Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Close Modal Dialog
This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button.
Close Modal Dialog
This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button.
How to Use Google Maps Like a Pro
What days are the cheapest to fly?
CNET
If you're planning to book a flight, you're likely trying to find the most budget-friendly option. According to Google Flights, the cheapest flights are available when flying on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, with Tuesday being the cheapest day, according to the historical flight data.
Flying early- to midweek can save travelers 13% to 20% on airfare compared to flying on Friday, Saturday or Sunday, with Sunday the most expensive day to fly.
Do layovers on flights save you money?
It may come as no surprise that flights with layovers are cheaper than nonstop flights but you may not realize just how significant those savings can be. The Google Flight data shows that travelers can save 25% by booking a flight with a layover instead of a nonstop flight.
Which day of the week is the cheapest for booking flights?
There are certainly cheaper days to fly, there aren't really cheaper days to book. "There's not much benefit to buying your tickets on a certain day of the week," according to the Google report.
Google Flights does state that Tuesdays are typically the cheapest day of the week to book, according to the data, but Tuesday bookings are only 1.3% cheaper than the most expensive day, Sunday.
Is it cheaper to book flights far in advance?
To wait or not to wait? According to Google, it's better to book your travel far in advance, especially if you need to fly on a specific day or time. There are some patterns you can analyze to decide whether it's better to wait for lower prices or book now based on specific scenarios, destinations and dates of travel.
For domestic flights, the prices are generally at their lowest between 21 and 52 days before your trip -- with 38 days before departure being the cheapest day to book on average.
For international flights, the prices are generally lowest between 50 and 101 days before your trip, but it's generally best practice to book as early as you can. According to Google, "Average prices don't meaningfully drop anytime before departure but they usually do start to rise within 50 days of the flight itself" for international travel from the US.
Never miss out on the cheapest airfare again./Gianmarco Chumbe/CNET
When is the best time to book a flight in every season?
Here's what Google says about the best times to book holiday flights and vacation trips to certain popular destinations.
Summer break: The cheapest domestic flights in July and August are usually available 13 to 43 days in advance, with 21 days before departure being the cheapest day on average to book.
Thanksgiving: The cheapest domestic flights over the Thanksgiving holiday are usually available 26 to 59 days in advance, with 45 days out being the cheapest -- meaning it's best to book Thanksgiving flights in early October.
Christmas: The cheapest domestic flights over the winter holidays are usually available 36 to 72 days in advance, with 58 days out being the cheapest. It's best to book Christmas or holiday travel in the latter half of October.
Spring break: The cheapest domestic flights in March and April are available between 33 to 59 days in advance, with 44 days before departure being the cheapest time to book on average.
When is the best time to book a flight to Europe?
International flights to Europe from the US are usually cheaper 50 or more days before departure, with 94 days out being the cheapest day to book on average. As with all international travel, it's generally best practice to book as early as you can.
When is the best time to book a flight to Mexico or the Caribbean?
International flights to Mexico and the Caribbean are the one exception to the broader international trend, according to Google. That's because flights are generally at their lowest between 26 and 68 days in advance, with 44 days out being the cheapest.
For more, check out CNET's picks for the best travel credit cards in 2025. You can also explore the 12 travel essentials you always need to pack and the worst airlines for flight delays and cancellations.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
26 minutes ago
- Yahoo
TripMasters Unveils Curated Itineraries for Personalized Adventures
SILVER SPRING, Md., Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ready to embark on a tailor-made adventure? Visit to explore the diverse range of travel packages and find the perfect itinerary that matches your interests. Whether you're a foodie, an outdoor enthusiast, or a family seeking a memorable getaway, TripMasters has something special in store for you. TripMasters has launched new travel packages, along with their existing offers, designed to highlight experiences for every type of traveler. They understand that no vacation is one-size-fits-all, so now you can easily find the trip that matches your interests, whether it's family-friendly fun, culinary and wine adventures, wildlife encounters, scenic road trips, outdoor adventures, or whatever your interests. TripMasters has crafted interest-based packages to fulfill the growing demand for personalized, unforgettable travel experiences. "At TripMasters, we believe your vacation should be as unique as you are! That's why we're so excited to offer even more curated experiences! These range from food and wine escapes to thrilling wildlife encounters and off-the-beaten-path destinations." Kate Quigley, Product Manager, continued, "We're bridging the gap between DIY booking sites and traditional tours, giving you the freedom, curated experiences, and cost savings all in one place." As global tourism rebounds, more than 1.4 billion people traveled internationally in 2024, according to Yahoo News . With more travelers than ever eager to explore the world, TripMasters stands out by offering unique, customizable itineraries that cater to individual passions. These new travel packages offer a variety of options, including: Costa Rica's Nature & Wildlife : Featuring private transfers from point to point, included and optional activities, and TripMaster's own 5-star local concierge support. Gourmet Getaways : Indulge in the flavors of Europe with expertly curated gastronomic adventures. Scenic Road Trips: Discover hidden gems and iconic landmarks on unforgettable journeys. Arts & Culture: Explore culture through art, music, dance, and traditions. TripMasters occupies a unique position in the travel industry, bridging the gap between DIY booking sites and traditional tour operators. Enjoy the freedom to customize your itinerary to match your travel style, while taking advantage of curated experiences that highlight the very best each destination has to offer. Plus, their platform combines flexibility, affordability, and simplicity, making it easy to plan multi-city adventures tailored to your exact interests. With reasonable pricing and an intuitive booking system, TripMasters opens the door for more travelers to explore the world on their terms. Media Contact: Stephanie Merrithew, smerrithew@ Founded in 1984, is a leader in customizable, multi-destination travel. With a pioneering online platform, Tripmasters empowers travelers to design flexible, personalized itineraries across Europe, Asia, the Americas, Canada, the Pacific, and beyond. Whether planning a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or a luxury escape, customers can choose from thousands of destinations, mix and match flights, hotels, and activities, and build trips with up to 12 cities—all in one seamless booking process. Tripmasters combines the convenience of technology with expert customer support to deliver exceptional value and unforgettable travel experiences. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE TripMasters Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2FTAL-us-visa-passport-USBONDVISA0825-3455f61a288c4cf1be34ff4905c9ce44.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Travel + Leisure
an hour ago
- Travel + Leisure
The U.S. Is Proposing a Visa Bond of Up to $15,000 for Travelers—What to Know
Potential travelers to the U.S. need to be aware of a new proposed travel visa scheme that might require them to put up $15,000. The U.S. Department of State recently announced a proposed 12-month long visa bond pilot program that could apply to leisure and business travelers who are applying for visas from countries that have high visa overstay rates, according to the State Department. The program would require travelers seeking visas to potentially post a bond of $5000 to $15,000, as well as to travel to specific US airports as their port of entry, which will be announced at a later date. Countries that are part of the Visa Waiver Program, including Canada and Mexico, will be exempt for the bond pilot program. A similar program was set to be implemented in November 2020 during the first Trump administration, but was never fully implemented due to the slowdown in travel during the COVID-19 pandemic. 'By its design and intention, the Pilot Program is a tool of diplomacy, intended to encourage foreign governments to take immediate action to reduce the overstay rates of their nationals when traveling to the United States for temporary visits, and to encourage countries to improve screening and vetting and the security of travel and civil documents, including in the granting of citizenship,' the State Department statement says. 'As such, the rule properly is described as a key pillar of the Trump Administration's foreign policy to protect the United States from the clear national security threat posed by visa overstays and deficient screening and vetting.' If travelers are required to post a bond, the funds will be returned if they leave the U.S. as required by the terms of their visas. At the moment, it is unclear which countries will be affected by the pilot program, though some countries with high rates of overstays are also on the list of countries affected by Trump's travel ban. 'The Department, through consular officers, has broad authority to require a visa applicant to post a bond in such sum and with such conditions as would help ensure the alien's timely departure from the United States,' the Department of State said in a statement. 'During the course of the visa interview, a consular officer will determine if an applicant is otherwise eligible for a visa, and if the applicant falls within the scope of the Pilot Program. If the applicant falls within the scope of the Pilot Program, the consular officer will inform the applicant of the bond requirement and the amount of the required bond, whether $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000.'
%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2FTAL-lead-image-WHITESANDSNP0725-01cd97166a7e4db087f201abe60e940b.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Travel + Leisure
an hour ago
- Travel + Leisure
This National Park Is a ‘Waterless Sea'—and It Has Giant Sand Dunes That Glow Pink and Blue at Sunset
White Sands National Park is home to the world's largest gypsum dune field. While here, visitors can participate in activities like sand sledding, scenic drives, and ranger-led star watching programs on full moon nights. The park is best visited in spring or fall for mild weather, though the park is also pretty enchanting in the winter. Hike the Alkali Flat Trail for sweeping views of the dunes or take the Dune Life Nature Trail to learn about the desert ecosystem. Though hikers should plan to bring their own provisions, the visitors center does have grab-and-go food options. Rising out of the Tularosa Basin in south-central New Mexico is one of the country's most underrated wonders: waves of pure white sand spreading as far as the eye can see. At first glance, it looks like a vast expanse of snowdrifts, but step out of your car and you'll find it crunches underfoot. This vast, otherworldly sight is part of southern New Mexico's White Sands National Park. It's a special place that's been sculpted by wind and time into a dazzling, ever-shifting landscape. 'White Sands National Park is the largest gypsum sand dunefield in the world. It covers 275 square miles with glittering white sand and unusual desert vegetation,' Nicole Barker, the media relations manager at the New Mexico Tourism Department, tells Travel + Leisure . 'The park [also] offers several ranger-led programs that allow visitors to experience the park in a more immersive way.' Immersion is the name of the game at White Sands National Park, which tends to draw adventurers and solitude seekers—along with photographers chasing the golden hours of sunrise and sunset, when the dunes glow an ethereal pink and blue. Here's everything you need to know before visiting White Sands National Park: Sunset over the sand dunes of White Sands national Monument. White Sands National Park is open daily, year-round, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. The park opens at 7 a.m. every day and closes shortly after sunset. It has just one visitor center‚ White Sands Visitor Center—which is where most people's journeys begin There is currently no way to stay overnight in the park, and there are very limited food options—the gift shop inside the visitors center has a selection of packaged sandwiches, bottled drinks, and snacks for sale. It is best to arrive with a cooler of food and drink. Entry into the park is $25 per vehicle, which covers you, your passengers, and any leashed dogs you may have. Purchasing your pass in advance online can help you save time, especially if you're visiting during the park's busy season. But, if you do, you'll want to download or print your pass before getting to the park because there is no WiFi within White Sands National Park, cell coverage is limited, and there are several service dead zones. White Sands National Park can also close unexpectedly due to inclement weather. The park can see high winds, which lead to intense, blowing sand. And during heavy rains, the back half of Dunes Drive can become difficult to navigate. Check the park's Current Conditions page for updates on road closures, weather, and activity availability. And when you do visit, Barker asks that guests keep one simple principle in mind. 'Please Leave No Trace when visiting," she says. "We are all responsible for leaving these beautiful areas exactly how we found them and helping preserve the land for future generations ahead of us.' Soaptree Yucca plants in the Gypsum white sand of White Sands National Monument. The best time to visit White Sands National Park is in the spring and fall. Fall is Barker's favorite time in the park, and she specifically recommends visiting between late September and late November to enjoy the season's mild temperatures. She notes that while both spring and fall are ideal if you want temperate weather for hiking, fall tends to be quieter, and spring can be windy. 'The temperatures during the fall are very similar to the spring, often reaching between 70 and 80 degrees," she says. In the summer, the park can be hot, with temperatures sometimes reaching 110-degrees-Fahrenheit. The rainy season typically begins in July, bringing with it afternoon thunderstorms. The rainy season can last through late September, which is when the park begins to cool. The park is surprisingly lovely in the winter, when daytime temperatures average 60 degrees and occasional snow adds to the beauty of the dunes. A driver navigating through White Sands. The park is just over three hours from Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and just under five hours east of Tucson International Airport (TUS) in Tucson, Arizona. Because a car is needed to get to and explore White Sands National Park, many people visit the park as part of a larger tour of New Mexico or the Southwest. Barker notes that a visit to the dunes 'pairs beautifully with a longer southern New Mexico road trip.' There is just one entrance to White Sands National Park, which is also where the sole visitor center can be found. The entrance is located on US-70, between the towns of Alamogordo and Las Cruces, New Mexico. The entrance is approximately 20 minutes west of Alamogordo and 50 minutes east of Las Cruces. A visitor sledding down white sand dunes. powdery-white hills that look like snow can be treated as such, with sand dune sledding ranking among the park's most popular activities. Inside the visitor center's trading post and gift shop, there are waxed, plastic saucer sleds for purchase. Sledding is allowed in the loop portion of Dunes Drive, away from the road and where there is little or no vegetation. Barker recommends 'sledding at the Alkali Flat trailhead parking area,' which has some of the tallest sledding dunes. The Dunes Drive is a 16-mile scenic drive that starts at the visitor center and runs into the dunefields. The drive is a great way to access lesser-used sledding hills, hike trail-free dunes, or find photography inspiration. Along the road are wayside exhibits, picnic areas, and vault toilets. The first four miles of Dunes Drive are paved, and the last four miles are a hard-packed, gypsum road. Cars of any kind can make the drive. On the nights surrounding the full moon, in summer and early fall, the park hosts a Full Moon Night. 'On full moon nights, park hours are extended two hours from the normal closing time," Barker says. "Full Moon Night programs are held in the amphitheater with live music, ranger programs, and special guest presenters and artists.' People show up with camp chairs, blankets, and a cooler stocked with food to listen to the music or learn from a park ranger. Full Moon Nights typically last for two hours and are free, although the $25 per car park entrance fee applies. Backpacker Hiking at White Sands National Monument in New Mexico. ferrantraite/Getty Images To hike among the park's biggest dunes, head to Alkali Flat Trail—a not-so-flat trail (in fact, it climbs several steep dunes) that leads to a dry lakebed. The park calls the trail 'strenuous' and notes that it is five miles round-trip. The journey up and over the dunes takes most hikers around three hours. A more moderate way to explore White Sands National Park is the Dune Life Nature Trail, a one-mile loop that takes most people an hour to complete. The journey, while short, does a great job of showcasing the ecosystem that is created when two landscapes meet—in this case, desert scrub brush and gypsum dunes. The trail is located along the edge of the dunefield and showcases information on the animals that live within the park. From March to November, when the moon is full, the park hosts a Moonlight Hike. According to Barker, park rangers lead a Moonlight Hike along the Dune Life Nature Trail, a journey that takes up to two hours and costs $8 per person ($4 for kids ages 15 and younger). Tickets are available one month before the day of the tour via For another ranger-guided hike, check out the park's Sunset Stroll, which usually takes place during sunset's golden hour. "It's a great opportunity to learn about the park's geology, plants, and animals while enjoying the sunset over the mountains," Barker says. To truly understand the magnitude of the world's largest gypsum dune field, plan on completing the Backcountry Camping Trail. The two-mile loop takes between two to three hours to complete and provides expansive views of the rippling snow-white gypsum dunes. It is also a great place to catch the sunset. Outdoor patio with firepits at Home2 Suites by Hilton Alamogordo. There is no overnight lodging or camping in the park at the moment so you'll need to arrange lodging in the neighboring towns of Alamogordo (20 minutes away) or Las Cruces (50 minutes away). One of the closest lodging options to White Sands National Park is the Home2 Suites in Alamogordo. The all-suite hotel has kitchenettes and a pet-friendly policy. Barker recommends Hotel Encanto de Las Cruces, which she says has 'an ambiance reflective of Spanish and Mexican Colonial history and tradition.' The hotel has a beautiful outdoor swimming pool and an on-site restaurant and bar that serves up New Mexican fare. The camping site closest to White Sands National Park is at Oliver Lee Memorial State Park. It has 15 sites with water and electricity, along with 24 developed dry camp sites for tents, and three ADA-friendly sites. Camping reservations can be made online. Barker adds that the state park is vast and more than worth exploring, and it has 'hiking trails, an old ranch house, and natural pools.' Covered picnic tables in White Sands National Park. Apart from the limited, prepackaged provisions available at the visitor center's trading post and gift shop, there is no other food in the park. For that reason, most visitors bring their own food and drink and plan to picnic. There are three main picnic areas in the park, Yucca, Roadrunner, and Primrose. All can be found off Dunes Drive. Most of the picnic area is shaded, and there are grills near the tables. (Personal grills are also welcome.) Barker favors the Roadrunner picnic area, personally. This local favorite in Alamogordo offers a higher-end dining experience, which Barker says comes 'paired with the best New Mexico wine.' Barker describes Hi-D-Ho Drive-In as 'a vintage drive-in beloved for [its] impressive selection of burgers and burritos while preserving the nostalgic roadside dining experience of the 1950s.' Plus, their green chile burgers have a cult following. For a cool treat after a day in the park, swing by Caliche's, which has locations in both Alamogordo and Las Cruces. Barker notes that the dessert spot is 'known for its creamy, rich frozen custard, sundaes, and signature treats like the Green Chile Sundae.' This beloved eatery in Las Cruces serves up 'chef-inspired tapas with an award-winning wine list and craft cocktails,' according to Barker. Salud! de Mesilla has a great brunch menu and creative dishes like green chile pesto pasta and a Prickly Pear Creme Brûlée.
