“Book flights on Tuesdays to save the most money!” Globe trotters have sworn by this traveling tip for years now, but how true is it today? A personal finance expert and new data trends offer fresh insights.
This notion first emerged in the 2000s and 2010s, when many airlines used much simpler pricing models than today. Back then, most carriers would update their fare systems on Tuesdays, slashing prices in an effort to stay competitive with their rivals’ sales from the previous evening. Indeed, this made Tuesday one days to save.
It was a simpler time, with less sophisticated and more predictable pricing patterns, according to Proxy Coupons CEO Fred Harrington. The platform specializes in discount codes and deals, and Harrington himself has spent years analyzing pricing patterns for airlines and other industries.
Cheap Flights on Tuesdays: An Outdated Rule
But those days are gone. Today, airlines use complex algorithms to frequently adjust pricing based on demand, competitor pricing, and customer booking patterns.
“The travel landscape has changed dramatically since this advice first emerged,” Harrington said. “What worked in 2010 doesn’t necessarily work in 2025, and travelers who stick rigidly to Tuesday bookings might find themselves paying premium prices.”
In today’s world, this prevailing idea could actually make Tuesdays pricier. Airlines know that people expect Tuesdays to be the cheapest booking day, Harrington said. As a result, they’re adjusting algorithms to drive up prices and make the most of the increased traffic times.
He compared the current algorithmic strucutre to stock market trading, as prices can fluctuate several times in a single hour along with real-time demand data. Prices can even take a hike if searching and booking often increases at certain times of the day or week, automatically surging to make the most money based on expected demand.
Photo by rupixen on Unsplash
What is the Best Day to Book Flights Today?
So, what is the best day to book? Can Tuesday bookings still offer big savings?
Unfortunately, there isn’t a clear answer.
Expedia’s 2025 Air Hacks report suggests that Sunday is the best day to book, with customers able to save up to 6% and 17% domestic and international flights, respectively. However, a 2024 data study conducted by Upgraded Points found that Monday and Tuesday are the most cost-effective days to book, with Friday and Saturday the priciest.
A 2024 Google study plainly says “there’s not much benefit to buying your tickets on a certain day of the week.”
So, is there any way around the booking algorithm to keep costs low?
Modern Tips to Save on Flights
Harrington affirmed that Sunday bookings tend to show lower average prices for domestic routes, in part because business travelers rarely book on weekends. He also suggests to book domestic flights 54 days in advice for the best prices, or 70 to 80 days ahead for international travel.
Finally, you’ll want to clear your browsing data or search in a private browser when you’re ready to buy. Harrington noted that airlines today track your searches, potentially increasing prices if they see you’re looking repeatedly at specific routes.
His parting advice?
“The key is flexibility and smart timing, not blind adherence to outdated rules.”
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About the Author: Keegan Williams is a freelance editor and writer based in Los Angeles. They have written for publications including HuffPost, LGBTQ Nation, and High Times. Keegan has a passion for fitness. They are also immersed in LA’s underground dance scene and dabble as a DJ with a focus on percussive, high-energy techno and electronic music genres.
You can find them at keeganmwilliams.com or on Instagram @promwitch.
