Google Flights' Top Tip: Always Stay Flexible to Secure Affordable Tickets

Ensuring an affordable plane ticket can sometimes seem as elusive as finding a satisfying bite to eat on a flight.

Travel specialists widely endorse one predominant strategy for obtaining cost-effective airfare: staying adaptable.

James Byers, the leader of Google Flights' product team, states, "Our number one piece of advice for deal seekers is consistently this: Embrace flexibility."

Why Flexibility Matters

Flexibility might involve opting for a midweek flight instead of a weekend one, or choosing to visit a destination outside its peak travel times.

Byers emphasized, “Avoid committing to very specific travel dates.” Shifting your trip by just a day or two can lead to significant savings.

Best Days to Book Cheaper Flights

Flying on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays generally provides the best value, with fares approximately 13% cheaper than weekend flights, according to recent Google Flights statistics.

An analysis of average airfares from January 2021 to August 2025, covering four to sixteen-day trips from the top 4,000 U.S. markets, indicates substantial savings with midweek departures.

For instance, by departing midweek instead of during the weekend, one can save around $42 or 14% on domestic flights on average, as per Hopper's 2025 travel tips.

Sundays tend to be the priciest due to high demand as travelers conclude their trips, explains Hayley Berg, Hopper’s chief economist.

For those considering a weekend getaway, significant cost reductions can be realized by returning on Saturday or Monday rather than Sunday, Berg notes.

Challenges During Holiday Seasons

Holidays often disrupt these general guidelines. For example, flying on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving is exceedingly costly, as explained by Sally French, a travel analyst with NerdWallet.

Moreover, dodging weekend accommodations can greatly enhance savings, with hotel check-ins on Fridays or Saturdays demanding premiums over 20%, compared to cheaper midweek entries.

Debunking a Common Booking Myth

A prevalent misconception among travelers is that the day of booking significantly influences price, which, according to French, simply isn't true.

“It’s not when you book that saves money; it's when you fly,” she clarifies. Google Flights' studies reveal that Tuesday bookings are just marginally less expensive than Sunday ones.

Seasonal Travel Adjustments

On a broader scale, being flexible with travel periods can also reduce costs, says French. Opting for less crowded times, such as a location's shoulder season, often pays off.

Typically, airfares peak mid-summer and then decline approaching fall. Berg mentions that domestic travelers in 2024 saved an average of 40%, around $150, by switching from summer vacations to September or October trips.

Constraints on Flexibility

Certain groups, like families restricted by school vacations or professionals with limited leave options, may face challenges with flexibility.

Moreover, fixed schedules for tours or cruises can hinder financial benefits from extended stays, as outlined by French.

Additional Tips for Saving on Flights

There are other avenues to save money on air travel, and one such strategy is considering layovers, which often lead to a 22% discount compared to nonstop flights.

However, it's crucial to pack essentials in carry-on personal bags in case your checked luggage doesn't make the connection, advises French.

Planning in advance typically leads to savings, with the best prices emerging 39 days before a domestic and 49 days before an international flight, as identified by Google Flights.