Booking flights at the right time can mean the difference between a budget-friendly escape and a costly mistake. While many travelers know that mid-week flights are usually cheaper, far fewer realize that the exact hour you book can significantly affect how much you pay. We spoke with travel experts and analyzed data from leading airfare tools to uncover the secret cheapest hour to book flights   and it's probably not when you think.

Why Timing Matters More Than You Think

Airfare prices fluctuate constantly, often changing several times a day. Airlines use complex algorithms based on demand, booking patterns, and route popularity. These algorithms are sensitive to both the day and time of booking.

According to Michael Langford, a travel industry analyst with 15+ years of experience, “Most people focus on which day to fly, but don't consider when to book. That's where savvy travelers can save.”

The Secret Hour: When Is the Cheapest Time to Book Flights?

The cheapest hour to book flights is typically between 4:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. in your local time zone, especially on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

This window often reflects:

  • Cleared inventory from unconfirmed bookings

  • System updates that reset pricing algorithms

  • Low user traffic, meaning less demand at that moment

Early morning booking avoids the rush of daytime and evening travelers, giving you a better shot at the lowest fares before dynamic pricing kicks in.

Data Behind the Timing: What Studies Show

A study conducted by Hopper found that:

  • Airfare searches spike between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., often pushing prices up

  • Early morning (before 6 a.m.) saw the lowest price variance

  • Booking in the early morning hours resulted in up to 15% lower fares on average compared to mid-day or evening

Google Flights and Skyscanner also reflect similar patterns  with alerts and deal drops often sent during off-peak hours.

Does It Matter What Day You Book?

While the hour matters, the day still plays a role. The best combination is:

  • Booking at 5:00 a.m. on Tuesday or Wednesday

  • Avoiding Fridays and Sundays, when demand tends to spike

Airlines often release fare updates and promotions late Monday or early Tuesday, which is why early Tuesday morning gives you access to fresh deals before others jump in.

Does This Apply to All Destinations?

While this rule is broadly reliable, some exceptions exist:

  • Domestic flights tend to follow this pattern more consistently

  • International flights can vary by region; for example, flights to Asia often have different peak cycles due to time zones and booking habits

  • Budget carriers sometimes release flash sales during odd hours

Still, early morning remains the best baseline window for most itineraries.

Extra Tips from Travel Experts

1. Use Fare Alerts Wisely

Set up alerts from tools like Google Flights or Hopper and monitor them during early hours.

2. Clear Your Cookies or Use Incognito Mode

Some experts claim dynamic pricing may track your searches. Using incognito mode may show more accurate base fares.

3. Avoid Booking Too Early or Too Late

  • Domestic flights: book 1 to 3 months ahead

  • International flights: book 2 to 6 months in advance

Booking at the cheapest hour won't help if you're too close to departure.

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FAQs

What time of day is best to book a flight online?

The best time of day is between 4:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m., especially on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Do flight prices go down at night?

Sometimes, but not always. Prices may drop early in the morning rather than late at night due to fare updates and lower user activity.

Is it cheaper to book flights on mobile or desktop?

Prices are generally the same, but mobile apps may offer exclusive deals or flash sales. The timing of your booking matters more than the device.

How often do airline prices change?

Airline prices can change multiple times per day. Factors include demand, seat availability, and route popularity.

Final Thoughts: 

The next time you're planning a trip, try setting your alarm. Booking flights at the cheapest hour  early morning around 5:00 a.m. could save you hundreds. Combine this strategy with flexible travel dates and fare alerts for the best results.

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