The Longwoods American Traveler Sentiment Study finds 92% of Americans plan to travel within the next six months. However, inflation could affect their decision on when and where to go.
If you choose wisely, you can save hundreds of dollars, based on when you buy a plane ticket. However, recent research reveals the summer of 2024’s “cheap flight window” could depart from the predictable patterns of 2023, adding a bit of a challenge for budget-savvy travelers.
A 2024 International Airfare Study conducted by CheapAir.com indicates the best time to buy airfare depends on where you plan to go. Some vacation spots will be remarkably cheaper than others, so budget travelers may want to consider the price before considering the destination.
It’s not uncommon for some to choose their destination based on the cost of a plane ticket, and doing so can save a lot.
Alicia at Travels With The Crew says, “I always pick vacation dates but not locations. That way, I can find the cheapest places to visit. It saves me thousands of dollars a year.”
Africa
Whether travelers dream of safaris or traversing ancient tombs, Africa and its 54 countries — including Egypt, Morocco, Kenya, Senegal, and Malawi — promise mystery and adventure.
Purchase Window: Approximately 10½ months before trip.
Cheapest months to fly: February and March
Most Expensive Month To Fly: July and August
Cheapest Day To Fly: Tuesday
Most Expensive Day To Fly: Friday.
Asia
While traveling to Asia can be cost-prohibitive, meticulous budgeting and planning can bring travelers of varying budgets to the continent’s many bucket list destinations.
Purchase Window: Between 1½ to 4 months ahead of departure,
Best Time To Buy Tickets: About 2½ months before departure date.
Cheapest Months to Fly: November and December .
Most Expensive Month To Fly: August and September.
Cheapest Day To Fly: Wednesday
Most Expensive Day To Fly: Friday.
Central America
From Costa Rica to Guatemala, Central America’s numerous awe-inspiring sights and spots offer all voyagers the trip of a lifetime. Low airfare costs make this region perfect for travelers with tight budgets.
Purchase Window: Three weeks to 2½ months before travel date.
Best Time To Buy Tickets: About 1½ months ahead of departure date.
Cheapest Months to Fly: January and February.
Most Expensive Month To Fly: June and July
Cheapest Day To Fly: Wednesday
Most Expensive Day To Fly: Sunday.
South America
Whether celebrating Carnival in Brazil or sunbathing on Aruban beaches, Central America offers extravagance and elevated experiences for all guests. Although more expensive than Central America, South American travel remains ideal for frugal travelers.
Purchase Window: About one month before travel date, up to departure date.
Best Time To Buy Tickets: About 1 ½ months before departure date.
Cheapest Months to Fly: December and May.
Most Expensive Month To Fly: June and July.
Cheapest Day To Fly: Tuesday
Most Expensive Day To Fly: Saturday.
Mexico
Try tasty tacos and savor cervezas on Mexico’s lovely beaches. Thanks to its proximity to the United States, a Mexican vacation boasts relative affordability and trimmed travel times.
Purchase Window: About 1½ to 10 months before the date you want to fly
Best Time To Buy Tickets: The best prices will be about two months before your travel date.
Cheapest Months to Fly: January and February.
Most Expensive Month To Fly: June and July.
Cheapest Day To Fly: Tuesday.
Most Expensive Day To Fly: Sunday.
Caribbean
From Puerto Rico to Jamaica, island life awaits you in the Caribbean. But choose your flights carefully, not just for the price but also for the weather, which can be severe at certain times of year.
Purchase Window: About three weeks to two and a half months before your departure date.
Best Time To Buy Tickets: The best prices will be about one month before travel.
Cheapest Months to Fly: January and February.
Most Expensive Month To Fly: Summer and early fall.
Cheapest Day To Fly: Wednesday.
Most Expensive Day To Fly: Sunday.
Canada
Walk the quaint cobblestone streets of Quebec, enjoy the seaside towns in Nova Scotia, or observe the awe-inspiring aurora borealis. Regardless of itineraries, Canada’s beauty appeals to visitors of all ages and backgrounds.
Purchase Window: About three weeks to two and a half months before your departure date.
Best Time To Buy Tickets: Approximately 2½ months before you want to fly.
Cheapest Months to Fly: January and February.
Most Expensive Month To Fly: June and July.
Cheapest Day To Fly: Tuesday.
Most Expensive Day To Fly: Sunday.
Europe
Where you fly in Europe will make a massive difference in the cost of your ticket. But with so many unique places to choose from, everyone can find something in their budget.
Purchase Window: Europe has no actual window due to its popularity.
Best Time To Buy Tickets: 10½ months before you want to fly.
Cheapest Months to Fly: December and February.
Most Expensive Month To Fly: June and July.
Cheapest Day To Fly: Tuesday.
Most Expensive Day To Fly: Saturday.
South Pacific
The South Pacific region encompasses alluring spots like Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Hawaii, French Polynesia, and Samoa. Voyagers in search of a tropical vibe should take advantage of the area’s numerous luxurious locales.
Purchase Window: About 1½ to 8 months before you fly
Best Time To Buy Tickets: About eight months before you go
Cheapest Months to Fly: February and March.
Most Expensive Month To Fly: June and July.
Cheapest Day To Fly: Tuesday.
Most Expensive Day To Fly: Friday.
Middle East
From Turkey to the United Arab Emirates, the Middle East is rich with culture, architecture, and adventure. History buffs will thrive amid storied sights and engaging activities.
Purchase Window: About 6 to 8 months before your travel date.
Best Time To Buy Tickets: About eight months before you go
Cheapest Months to Fly: December and February.
Most Expensive Month To Fly: June and July.
Cheapest Day To Fly: Tuesday.
Most Expensive Day To Fly: Sunday.
Strategic travel plans can mean the difference between splurging on last-minute plane tickets or having more money for your vacation. Buy your tickets within the right time frame, fly at the right time of year and on the right day, and you might have more to spend on the vacation than you realize.
