Knowing exactly how far in advance to book flights can save hundreds of dollars on your travels. Booking too early or too late can cause you to overpay, so you really want to snag that airfare when it hits its lowest peak.
Fortunately, the experts at the travel booking app Hopper have crunched the numbers to determine exactly how far in advance to book flights for all your trips this year.
How Far in Advance to Book Domestic Flights
If you don’t have specific dates in mind, the general guidance is to start watching prices for domestic flights at least 3-4 months before you depart. (Set up a flight deal alert on Airfarewatchdog, our sister site, to make it easy.) According to Hopper, “Prices will change frequently, but drop on average until about 1-2 months before departure. Expect to book 1-2 months ahead of your departure date.”
Don’t wait too long to book, as prices can nearly double in the last three weeks before departure.
How Far in Advance to Book International Flights
You’ll want to plan further ahead for an international trip, beginning to monitor flight prices 7-8 months before departure. Generally, flights to Asia and Oceania are the cheapest 5-7 months before departure. You’ll find the most affordable deals on international flights to other regions around 3-6 months in advance.
When to Book Holiday Weekend Flights
Plan early for holiday travel to get the cheapest flights. Here’s when Hopper recommends booking flights for major holidays:
| Holiday | Book by Date |
| Easter | Feb 9, 2024 |
| Memorial Day | Apr 15, 2024 |
| Juneteenth | May 1, 2024 |
| July 4th | Jun 1, 2024 |
| Labor Day | Aug 9, 2024 |
| Indigenous Peoples’ Day | Aug 15, 2024 |
| Veteran’s Day | Sep 21, 2024 |
| Thanksgiving | Oct 31, 2024 |
| Christmas | Oct 31, 2024 |
| New Year’s Eve | December 1, 2024 |
How Far in Advance to Book Hotels
Hotel prices fluctuate less than flights, but accommodations in popular vacation destinations can often sell out early. Hopper experts advise booking at least 1-2 months in advance for leisure hotspots like Miami Beach or Cancun, lest all the low-priced options sell out.
You’ll want to book even earlier (3 months in advance) for all-inclusive resort stays.
However, if you’re willing to gamble or are traveling in the off-season, waiting to book your hotel can pay off. Hotels often lower room rates a few days before check-in to draw in travelers, as they don’t make money on an empty room.
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