Did you know that Sunday is the most budget-friendly day to book a flight, but it’s also the most expensive day to fly? The 2025 Air Hacks Report, released by travel brand Expedia on Tuesday, reveals that the day of the week plays a significant role in determining airfares. According to the report, travellers can save 16% by booking tickets on Sunday compared to Friday. However, flying on Sunday instead of Thursday could cost passengers an additional 16%. The report, a collaboration between Expedia, Airlines Reporting Corporation, and data provider OAG, analyzed global air ticketing data to provide travellers with valuable insights for saving money.
When to Book
- Book on Sundays: Travellers can save an average of 16% on international flights compared to bookings made on Fridays.
- Premium class tickets: Waiting until the weekend to book premium seats can save passengers up to 22%, compared to booking on a Thursday.
- Ideal booking window: Book international airfare 6 to 12 days before departure to maximize savings. Travellers who booked during this window saved an average of 21% compared to those who booked 128 to 138 days in advance, identified as the worst time to book.
When to Travel
- Fly on Thursdays: Travellers departing on Thursdays save an average of 9% compared to those flying on Mondays, the most expensive day to start a trip.
- Night-time flights: Flights departing between 9 PM and 3 AM have an 8% lower chance of cancellation compared to other times. Conversely, flights leaving between 3 PM and 9 PM have a 20% higher chance of cancellation.
- Seasonal trends:
- January is the cheapest month for economy tickets, offering up to 13% savings compared to June, the most expensive month for economy travel.
- July is the best month for premium tickets, with passengers saving up to 14% compared to October, the priciest month for premium travel.
Additional Insights
- Travellers flying on Tuesdays benefit from quieter airports, making it a preferred day for a more relaxed travel experience.
- Cancellations are at their lowest in June and peak in April.
Travel Smart with Data
Melanie Fish, head of public relations for Expedia Group brands, highlighted the importance of leveraging data for smarter travel decisions.
“It makes sense to trust the billions of data points from across the world and every airline that goes into the Expedia Air Hacks report,” Fish said.
She added, “It’s always smart to keep the 2025 Air Hacks in mind when booking flights. Airfares are down; the peak of summer isn’t the most expensive time to fly, and booking too far out can actually cost you more – these insights go against much of the advice you find online.”
For UAE travellers, understanding these patterns can help make travel more affordable and enjoyable.
