When Is the Best Time to Book Flights to Get Maximum Discounts?
Wondering about the best time to book flights and avoid overpaying? You’re not alone. In this guide, we reveal when and how to get maximum airfare discounts.
Booking flights can feel like a game of roulette – but what if we told you there’s actually a science (and some smart tricks) behind finding the cheapest airfares?
If you’re tired of overpaying for tickets or suffering from buyer’s remorse after seeing the price drop the next day, this is the blog you need. We’re diving deep into the best time to book flights to get maximum discounts, how airline pricing works, and how you can leverage smart tools, timing, and coupon codes to always win at airfare hunting.
Let’s get into it.
First Things First: How Airline Pricing Actually Works
Before we talk about when to book, let’s understand why flight prices change so much. Airlines use something called dynamic pricing – meaning fares constantly shift based on:
- Demand and supply
- Time of booking vs. departure
- Seasonality (holidays, weekends, festivals)
- Route popularity
- Number of remaining seats
- Competitor pricing
They even use algorithms to predict when you’ll book based on historical behavior!
So yes – booking timing matters. A LOT
Best Time to Book Flights – Domestic vs. International Guid
For Domestic Flights (India)
✔️ Best time to book: 3 to 6 weeks before departure
✔️ Best day to book: Tuesday or Wednesday
✔️ Best time of day: Early morning or late night
Prices for domestic flights start low when schedules are released and rise as the departure date approaches. Avoid booking less than 7 days before unless it’s an emergency – that’s when fares skyrocket.
For International Flights
✔️ Best time to book: 2 to 5 months in advance
✔️ Best day to book: Mid-week (Tuesday–Thursday)
✔️ Best time of day: Early morning (before 9 AM)
International airfares follow a longer curve. Book too early and you might overpay. Book too late, and you’ll face peak pricing.
Best Days of the Week to Book Flights & Save More
There’s a myth that flights are cheaper on certain days – and it’s partially true
Here’s what data shows:
- Book on Tuesdays or Wednesdays – Airlines often release deals late Monday or early Tuesday.
- Avoid weekends for booking – More people shop, so demand is high.
- Fly on weekdays – Flying out on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Saturday is usually cheaper.
Real Talk: Avoid flying out on Fridays or Sundays – that’s when prices peak due to business travelers and weekend getaways.
Best Time of Day to Book Flights for Maximum Saving
Prices can dip during non-peak browsing hours, like:
- Early mornings (5–8 AM)
- Late nights (10 PM–1 AM)
Why? Fewer users = less demand = lower pricing visibility.
But don’t obsessively refresh — use tools instead (more on that below!).
Does the Month Matter? (YES!)
Yes – flight prices vary by season. Here’s when to book to save big:
Low Season = Lowest Prices
Domestic Low Season:
- July to September (Monsoon months)
- Early December (before holiday rush)
International Low Season:
- Mid-January to March
- Late August to mid-October
High Season = Premium Pricing
Domestic High Season:
- April–June (Summer holidays)
- Late December (Christmas/New Year)
International High Season:
- Mid-December to early January
- June-August (Summer vacation abroad)
Book early if you must travel in peak season. Better yet – be flexible.
How to Track Flight Price Drops (Without Losing Your Mind)
Instead of manually checking 10 times a day, use smart fare trackers like:
- Google Flights – Set alerts, get email updates when prices change
- Skyscanner – Tracks fares on routes, shows cheapest days
- Hopper – Predicts the best time to book with AI
- Kayak Price Alert – Tracks changes and predicts trends
Turn notifications ON – they’ll do the hard work for you.
Pro Tips to Score the Best Flight Deals
Now that you know the when, here’s how to maximize those savings:
1. Be Flexible With Dates
A difference of just one day can slash your fare by 20–30%. Use the “flexible dates” view on flight search sites to compare prices across a week or month.
2. Use Incognito Mode or Clear Cookies
Ever noticed prices rising the more you check? Airlines and OTAs (Online Travel Agencies) use cookies to track your behavior. Go incognito or clear cookies for unbiased results.
3. Set Price Alerts & Wait (Smartly)
If your trip isn’t urgent, set alerts and wait for price dips. But don’t wait too long. Domestic flights usually hit rock-bottom 3–4 weeks out.
4. Book Early Morning or Red-Eye Flights
Not glamorous, but early morning or late-night flights are cheaper. Plus, airports are quieter and there’s less chance of delays!
5. Use Coupon Codes from 99CashDeals
Here’s a game-changer – don’t just rely on flight websites for discounts. Always visit 99CashDeals to get verified promo codes for:
- Airlines like Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet
- Travel sites like MakeMyTrip, Yatra, Goibibo, and more.
Just copy a coupon, paste it at checkout, and watch the fare drop. Some codes even give you cashback or flat discounts during sales!
Common Questions About Booking Flight
Is It Cheaper to Book Flights Last Minute?
Not really. While rare last-minute sales exist, 90% of the time prices go up closer to the departure date. Booking early = best bet.
Are Flight Prices Lower at Midnight?
There’s some truth to this. Airlines may refresh inventory around midnight, but there’s no guaranteed discount window. It’s more about demand than the clock.
Should I Book Direct With Airlines or Through Travel Sites?
Pros of airline websites:
- More transparent refund policies
- Easier cancellations
Pros of OTAs (travel sites):
- Bundled deals (flight + hotel)
- Extra discounts via promo codes (especially from 99CashDeals)
- Use both – compare, then book smart.
Travel Smart with 99CashDeals – Your Pocket-Sized Flight Discount Buddy
Let’s say you followed all the tips – booked mid-week, 3 weeks out, found the perfect red-eye flight. But you’re still missing one thing – the final discount.
That’s where 99CashDeals comes in.
Your Flight Savings Plan – Summed Up
- Plan in advance but not too early
- Avoid weekends for both booking & travel
- Be flexible with dates and times
- Use flight trackers like Google Flights & Skyscanner
- Always check 99CashDeals before clicking “Pay”
Following these tips ensures you always hit the best time to book flights, save money, and travel smarter. Booking flights doesn’t need to feel like a gamble. With the right timing and a little coupon power, you can save big – every time you fly. Ready to take off without burning a hole in your pocket? Your next flight deal is just one click away at 99CashDeals.com.
