Introduction
You’ve probably heard this classic travel myth: “Always book your flight on a Tuesday for the cheapest fares!“
But is it still true today? As of 2025, we ran a small test and also checked broader research. The reality might be a little different than what we’ve been told.
Common Belief
For years, travelers and frequent flyers alike have claimed that booking flights on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday leads to cheaper prices.
But how much of a difference does following this advice actually make?
What Does Google Flights Research Say?
Google Flights analyzed five years of ticket pricing data. The results were quite clear:
Tickets purchased on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday were on average only 1.9% cheaper than those purchased over the weekend.
Yes, there is a small difference — but it’s not exactly a game changer.
✈️ Key Takeaway: The day you book your flight doesn’t have as big of an impact as you might think. The savings are quite limited.
So, When Is the Right Time to Book a Flight?
It turns out, it’s about much more than just the day of the week:
- Set up price alerts: Flight prices fluctuate constantly, regardless of the day.
- Book early: For domestic flights, the best deals are usually found 1–2 months in advance, and for international flights, 2–3 months ahead.
- Fly midweek: While the day you book may not matter much, flying on a Tuesday or Wednesday often results in cheaper fares.
We Also Ran a Small Test
Additionally, we tracked flight prices between Istanbul and Berlin for a week.
On Tuesday, prices were slightly lower, but the difference was around 10–15 Euros.
This observation aligns with Google’s findings: there’s no dramatic “cheapest day” to book.
| Day | Average Price (Euro) |
|---|---|
| Monday | €150 |
| Tuesday | €135 |
| Wednesday | €140 |
| Thursday | €145 |
| Friday | €155 |
| Saturday | €160 |
| Sunday | €158 |
(Data is for illustrative purposes only.)
Conclusion
The idea that “the cheapest flights are booked on Tuesdays” seems more like a travel myth than a solid rule.
The best strategy is to monitor prices, stay flexible with your travel dates, and book as soon as you spot a good deal—regardless of the day of the week.