Monday, February 23, 2026-A new travel analysis from Expedia’s 2026 Air Hacks report has upended old wisdom about flight booking, revealing that Friday is now the best day of the week to book and fly if you want to save money.
According to the report, flights booked on Fridays tend to be cheaper than those booked on other days, with savings especially notable compared with Sunday — traditionally one of the most expensive booking days. The shift comes as business travel has declined and weekend leisure travel has grown, creating more affordable fare options toward the end of the work week.
The report also highlights how much timing matters beyond the day of the week. Travelers aiming to score the best domestic flight deals should look to book about 15 to 30 days before departure, where average savings can be significant compared with booking far in advance.
For international trips, booking roughly 31 to 45 days before departure has been shown to deliver some of the lowest prices, while very late bookings — around eight to 14 days before travel — can also offer value for flexible travelers willing to risk limited seat options.
Seasonality plays a role too. August stands out as one of the most affordable months to travel overall, with fares generally lower than peak travel periods. In contrast, busy months like July and popular Sundays still tend to drive higher ticket prices. And while “Tuesday remains one of the least crowded days to fly,” meaning smoother airport experiences, data suggest that when it comes to price, Friday reigns as the unexpected winner in 2026 flight planning.
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