According to Expedia’s 2026 Air Hacks Report, Fridays are becoming the most cost-effective day of the week to book and fly, a notable shift from traditional beliefs that mid-week days were ideal for lowering airfare. This new data shows that as business travel demand declines later in the week, average ticket prices tend to drop, making Fridays an attractive option for leisure travelers.
Historically, experts recommended booking flights on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, as airlines often adjusted pricing based on travel patterns dominated by business commuters. However, current trends indicate that Fridays could offer significant savings, particularly for travelers who plan their trips for the latter part of the week.
Melanie Fish, head of public relations at Expedia Group Brands, noted that changing travel habits now present new opportunities for budget-conscious flyers. With business travelers generally returning home earlier in the week, Fridays allow leisure travelers to take advantage of lower fares. In fact, flying on a Friday can save passengers up to eight percent compared to packing flights on peak weekend days like Sundays.
Despite the savings potential, Fridays are also the busiest travel day, while Tuesdays remain the least crowded day to fly, typically offering lower average prices—about 14 percent less than flights on Sundays.
Expedia’s analysis points out that the timing of bookings is crucial. For domestic flights, booking 15 to 30 days before departure generally yields prices that are $130 lower compared to bookings made over six months in advance. For international routes, the optimal booking window is 31 to 45 days ahead, saving about $190. Last-minute travelers can find substantial savings by booking eight to 15 days before their trip, averaging a $225 reduction.
Travelers can further maximize savings by considering off-peak months; August tends to be particularly economical, with prices averaging 29 percent lower than December. January is noted as the most affordable month for domestic travel because of the post-holiday drop in demand.
In summary, while Fridays are highlighted as a prime booking day, flexibility, strategic timing, and being aware of travel trends can lead to even greater savings for travelers looking to minimize costs.