The optimal time to book international flights is generally between 3 to 6 months in advance of your travel date. Airlines usually release tickets about a year ahead, but prices tend to be highest when tickets first become available and rise again as the departure date nears due to demand
. More specifically, booking windows can vary by region:
- Europe: 120-160 days (about 4-5 months) ahead
- Asia: 90-120 days (3-4 months) ahead
- South America: 70-100 days (2-3 months) ahead
- Australia/New Zealand: 120-180 days (4-6 months) ahead
Seasonality also influences pricing. Peak travel seasons such as summer (June- August), winter holidays (December-January), and spring breaks usually have higher fares, so booking earlier (closer to 6 months) is advisable for these periods. Off-peak seasons (late winter and fall) may allow some flexibility or slightly later bookings
. Additional expert advice includes:
- Start monitoring prices about 6-7 months before departure to track fare trends and book within the 3-5 month window for best deals
- Flying midweek (Tuesday or Wednesday) can reduce costs
- For very popular travel times or long-haul flights (e.g., Asia or Oceania), booking 5-7 months ahead is recommended
- Booking too early (more than 9-12 months) or too late (within 1-2 months) often results in higher prices
In summary, plan to book your international flights 3 to 6 months in advance , adjusting for your destination and travel season to secure the best prices.
