News & Trending Travel News

These Are the Best Times to Purchase International Flights

When you’re planning a vacation, the day you pay and how far in advance can help your budget.

By Cat Lafuente

Edited by Ellen Cannon

Updated Dec. 17, 2024

Two passengers sitting next to each other on a flight likely paid different prices for their seats, depending on when they booked their tickets. No one wants to be the person who shelled out more.

And if you want to step up your travel game and visit places around the world, you will want to pay less for airfare.

To that end, the analysts at CheapAir.com studied flights from the U.S. to most of the world’s regions to find the best time to book your international flight. And the verdict? It’s a lot different than it was last year.

If you’re over 50, take advantage of massive travel discounts and trip-planning resources

Over 50 and love traveling? Join AARP today — because if you’re not a member, you could be missing out on huge travel perks. When you start your membership today, you can get discounts on hotels and resorts, airfare, cruises, car rentals, and more.

How to become a member today:

Go here, select your free gift, and click “Join Today”
Create your account (important!) by answering a few simple questions
Start enjoying your discounts and perks!

An AARP membership not only unlocks discounts that could save you hundreds on your next trip, but you’ll also have access to deals on vacation packages, guided tours, and exclusive content to help plan your next getaway.

Important: Start your membership by creating an account here and filling in all of the information (do not skip this step!). Doing so will allow you to take up to 25% off your AARP membership, making it just $12 per year with auto-renewal.

Become an AARP member now

Africa

A trip to the African continent is pricey, so booking as early as possible — 320 days or 10.5 months ahead — is your best bet. February and March are the best months to make your trek, with the average fare at $1,429

CheapAir.com says Tuesday is the best day to book, though Hopper experts argue that the day doesn’t matter. Bear this in mind for all international travel on this list.

Who really has the cheapest auto insurance in your area? Check your zip code here.

Asia

The average ticket price to Asia is $2,293, which is all the reason you need to try to save as much as possible. So, book your ticket 71 days or 2.5 months before your departure date.

Wednesday is likely the best day to book, with the cheapest months to travel being November and December. Aim to fly internationally midweek to all destinations for maximum savings.

Canada

Heading to Canada? Eighty-one days before takeoff appears to be the best time to purchase your ticket. However, that’s flexible, as CheapAir.com says you might find deals just as good one to six months before travel. Other experts suggest booking no later than three months beforehand.

Not surprisingly, January and February (brrr!) are the cheapest months to head north. The average fare is $517. Book on a Tuesday.

Earn a $250 travel bonus with this incredible card

There's a credit card that's making waves with its amazing bonus and benefits. The Bank of America^® Travel Rewards credit card has no annual fee and you can earn 25,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

You can earn additional points just by using this card for your everyday purchases — unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases. The 25,000 bonus points can be redeemed for a $250 statement credit toward travel or dining purchases.

If you want to travel and dine out more, the Travel Rewards card can help you get where you want to go.

The best part? There's no annual fee.

Click here to apply now.

Caribbean

You’re on island time now, as you can get the best deals to the Caribbean a mere 29 days before departure, with the broader window being three weeks to 2.5 months. Travel & Leisure suggests anywhere from two to 10 months. The average fare is $591.

Wednesday is the day to book. Summer and early fall are the cheapest months, but bear in mind that’s peak hurricane season.

Central America

Got Costa Rica or Belize on the brain? Finalize that ticket purchase 50 days before your trip for the best price; the average fare is $616. Similar to traveling to the Caribbean, you could be rewarded with a cheap find by booking three weeks to 2.5 months, and Wednesday is the ideal day to commit.

Travel & Leisure again has a broader booking window, this one three to 10 months, so your mileage may vary.

Europe

Thanks to super high demand, book super early — 320 days, or 10.5 months out — if you’re heading to Europe. The average ticket will set you back $1,112; book on a Tuesday and travel in December or February if possible.

A good rule of thumb for all international travel, including Europe, is to snag the first flight of the day for the best price, per Hopper experts.

Earn Points and Miles: Find the best travel credit card for nearly free travel

Mexico

Whether you’re heading to Tulum, Cancun, Mexico City, or elsewhere, perennially popular Mexico is for booking. The average ticket costs $542 and should be purchased 67 days prior or two months out (but snag your ticket sooner if the price is right).

January and February are the cheapest months to travel, and CheapAir.com recommends booking on a Tuesday.

Middle East

CheapAir.com says booking early is your best bet if you’re headed to the Middle East — 256 days before takeoff, to be specific — though other experts say no later than 2.5 months might be fine. We suspect the earlier, the better, though.

The average ticket cost is $1,194, and February and December are the best months to go. As for the day to purchase, it’s Tuesday, again.

South America

Dreaming of dancing the tango in Argentina or finally seeing Iguazu Falls in person? While a ticket to South America may be pricier this year, you might find the best price 50 days before your trip. However, if you see a ticket for the average $867 or less, book it anytime.

Tuesday is the day to jump on it, with the best travel months being May and December.

Unlock exclusive entertainment deals and VIP perks (without a credit card)

Ready to take your entertainment and travels to the next level? Experience the finer things in life with the SELECT card.

No, it's not a credit card, it’s an exclusive membership — and your passport to a world of elite benefits and unforgettable moments.

Imagine sipping complimentary cocktails in downtown Manhattan at KYU NYC or saving 20% on the best sushi in Hollywood Hills at Yamashiro.

Like to shop? Members receive VIP discounts like 15% off at Brooks Brothers, and up to 60% off at Tumi.

Enjoy special offers at luxury hotels like the Four Seasons and Omni Select. For example, you get 15% off at Hyatt Hotels worldwide.

But it’s not just about the hundreds (or thousands) you could save. There are so many features that make you feel like a VIP every day. Like SELECT’s white-glove concierge that assists with bookings, recommendations, or anything you need. And priority access to reservations to some of the year’s hottest events (many not open to the public).

Apply for the SELECT card today

South Pacific

Good news! A voyage to the dreamy South Pacific is much cheaper in 2024 than it was in 2023. The average ticket cost is $1,917. Book 241 days or eight months before you go. However, 1.5 months may also be fine, per some experts.

Save $100 by booking on a Tuesday as opposed to a Saturday, and go in February or March.

Bottom line

International travel is a bucket list activity for all ages. Ideally, you can book your dream trip for less by following this data-driven travel advice.

Bear in mind there may be different rules if you’re booking with points.

Pro tip: Use the best travel credit card if that’s your approach to maximize your rewards and benefits.

More from FinanceBuzz:

Benefits

Card Details

$0 annual fee
Simple, flat-rate rewards
Flexible redemption options
Up to 75% preferred Rewards bonus potential
Apply Now

Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.49% - 28.49% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87-2.62 points for every $1 you spend on purchases.
Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.

Bank of <span class='whitespace-nowrap'>America<sup>®</sup></span> Travel Rewards credit card

4.1

Apply Now

on Bank of America’s secure website

Read Card Review

Intro Offer

Earn 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases

Annual Fee

Why we like it