Flight prices can be unpredictable. One day it's a good deal, the next it’s jumped. If you’ve ever felt confused by the timing of it all, you're not alone. This guide explains when prices are more likely to drop and how to improve your chances of finding a fare that suits your budget.
When is the cheapest day to book flights?
Prices can shift at any time — here’s how to stay ahead
Flight pricing changes constantly based on demand, season and route. There’s no fixed “cheapest day” to book but with the right tools, you can stay informed.
Historically, Skyscanner pricing trends have shown that some airlines release deals late on Mondays, which may lead to lower fares early in the week. Prices tend to rise again as the week progresses and demand increases.
Our Price Alert feature tracks your route and notify you when prices rise or fall.
When do flight prices drop?
Flight prices change frequently. Here's when you might see a reduction
Airlines use dynamic pricing software. This reacts to factors like demand, booking patterns and cancellations. That’s why you might see a fare fall suddenly, or rise without warning.
Some common triggers for price drops include:
Lower demand periods – If a flight isn’t selling well, fares may be reduced to fill seats.
Cancellations – When travellers cancel, some seats may be re-released at a lower price.
Sales windows – Airlines may offer short-term promotions, especially for quieter travel periods.
Use our ‘Whole Month’ view to see how fares vary by day. This makes it easier to spot patterns and outliers.
Do flights get cheaper closer to the date?
Sometimes, but not always
On quieter routes or off-peak travel days, prices may drop as the departure date approaches. But on popular routes or peak dates, fares often increase as the flight fills up.
You may have more luck finding a last-minute fare if:
You’re flexible on your travel dates and times
You avoid peak days like Fridays and Sundays
You monitor fares regularly with a Price Alert
Check our last-minute flight deals page to see if a destination you’ve been curious about is on offer. These are updated regularly.
When is the cheapest day to fly — and the best days of the week to travel
Some days offer better value. Here’s how to find them
Flight prices can vary widely by day. Rather than guessing, use Skyscanner’s calendar view to compare fares across the month.
Skyscanner’s historic search data shows Tuesdays and Wednesdays often offer lower fares, likely due to reduced midweek demand. Flights on Fridays, Sundays and Mondays are often more expensive due to business and weekend travel demand.
Extra ways to find cheap flights from the UK
Use our traveller tools to search with confidence
‘Everywhere’ search – Not sure where to go? Enter ‘Everywhere’ as your destination to see the lowest fares from your chosen airport.
Flexible dates – If you’re not fixed on when to travel, use flexible date filters to explore better-value options.
Sales and offers – Some airlines run seasonal sales with limited seats. When you see a fare that fits, it’s worth booking soon.
Best time to book – For more guidance, check out the Skyscanner Savings Generator to find the best time to book for your route.
FAQs: When do flight prices drop — and what’s the cheapest day to fly?
Book smarter and travel for less
With the right timing, flexibility, and tools, you can catch the best flight prices with confidence
Whether you’re booking early or watching for a deal, make it easy to track, compare and book at the right time with Price Alert, ‘Whole Month’ and ‘Everywhere’ search.
