Here’s KAYAK’s latest data on when to book flights and the cheapest days to fly, looking at one-way and round-trip tickets.While there’s no single best day to book flights, when you book and the days you fly can have quite an impact.
Although there is no specific cheapest day to book, there are some data-backed trends to help you get cheaper flights. Rather than focus on the day, focus on the timing:
Trip type
Best time to book
Within the UK
30 days before departure
Within Europe
30–36 days before departure
Long-haul international
14–30 days before departure
Overall, according to KAYAK search data, booking flights around a month in advance seems to be the sweet spot.
What about during busy travel periods?
Popular travel periods tend to mean higher fares. Book flights early, when you can, for:
Bank holiday weekends (May bank holiday weekends etc.)
What are the cheapest days to fly within the UK?
Cheapest day to fly out: Wednesday (~£70)
Cheapest day to return: Wednesday (~£58)
In general, flying midweek around the UK is the cheapest option. Unsurprisingly, the weekend (Friday – Sunday) is the most expensive time to fly. Sunday was the most expensive day for returns, with average ticket prices of around £93.
What are the cheapest days to fly within Europe?
Cheapest day to fly out: Tuesday (~£133)
Cheapest day to return: Wednesday (~£109)
For flights within Europe, KAYAK data recommends flying out on Tuesday and returning on Wednesday. If a one-night trip seems hasty, Thursday is the next cheapest option.
Much like travel in the UK, or long-haul, weekend travel is consistently the most expensive.
What are the cheapest days to fly internationally?
Cheapest day to fly out: Wednesday (~£605)
Cheapest day to return: Wednesday (~£539)
Long-haul international flights shared some similarities with domestic flights. There is a midweek dip in prices, while the weekend is the most expensive time to fly. Friday–Saturday departure specifically.
In theory, this means you are most likely to get the lowest price for a week-long international return flight if you fly Wednesday-to-Wednesday. For oneway flights, Tuesday is the chepeast – but only just.
What else should I know about the best time to fly?
Airfares fluctuate for all kinds of reasons, and KAYAK’s data is merely a reflection of overall trends. That said, no matter when you fly, KAYAK can help you fin the best deals. As an award winning metsearch engine, KAYAK does the work for you.
So even if your travel plans don’t always allow you to book on days with the lowest airfares, KAYAK can help you find an airfare that’s affordable for you, whether you’re looking to explore the UK or see the rest of the world.
Related
Best priced flight routes from your home airport in April.
KAYAK
|
4 min read
in Related category, by KAYAK
KAYAK tools to help you find the cheapest time to book and fly.
KAYAK offers a variety of Flight Filters to customise your search, including a price filter to keep your budget in line. That’s not enough to determine the cheapest time to buy flights, though, so there are plenty more free tools to help you get there.
KAYAK Price Alerts: Set alerts for specific routes and receive email notifications when prices drop. Run a flight search and try it now.
KAYAK Price Forecast: Find this tool when you run a flight search on KAYAK. Price Forecast analyses historical data to predict whether prices on your route are likely to rise or fall, helping you decide whether to book now or wait.
Flexible date search: Use KAYAK’s flight search calendar to compare prices ±3 days from your selected travel dates, full weekends, or entire months. Green indicates cheaper.
KAYAK Explore: See where you can fly for the lowest fares from your home airport using KAYAK Explore.
For best results, set any alerts 2-4 months before your intended travel dates. When you see a price that meets your budget, book it – waiting for a lower fare that may never come can backfire.
Every airline’s goal is to get the most money possible for each seat sold, which means airfare pricing is one of the purest examples of supply and demand in action. To do this, popular leisure routes and cabins (economy) are priced highly further in advance, which is when holiday travellers tend to book.
These seats tend to go down over time as the airline seeks to fill the plane before take-off. Business routes and cabins (business/first) are priced lower upfront to fill minimum quotas, then increased over time, as short-notice corporate travellers scramble to get a remaining seat.
This is more common in economy class cabins and on leisure travel routes (i.e., holiday destinations). For business-class and first-class seats, the reverse is more often true: prices increase as the departure date approaches.
These seats tend to go down over time as the airline seeks to fill the plane before take-off. Business routes and cabins (business/first) are priced lower upfront to fill minimum quotas, then increase over time as short-notice corporate travellers scramble to secure a remaining seat.
Flight prices may change frequently. As flights fill or don’t, airlines will continuously adjust prices to maximise profits, so fares can change multiple times throughout the day. Flight prices vary depending on the season, too, the seats you want to book, and the balance between supply and demand of seats.
Sometimes. Airfare prices change regularly based on supply and demand and the airline’s resulting prediction of how it can maximise income on remaining seats. Computer software is often responsible for analysing this and updating fares. This can certainly happen at night, but it is equally likely to happen any time of day, any day of the week.
Average flight prices of economy class per day of the week and for each 7 – 183 search days ahead of departure in 2026 for round-trips broken down by departures and returns aggregated for domestic and international routes, respectively. KAYAK analyzed search data conducted on kayak.co.uk between 01/01/2025 – 18/03/2026 for traveling anytime until 30/06/2026
<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/a-woman-poses-with-churros-and-smiles-at-quebec-s-german-christmas-market-right-a-glowing-float-at-the-quebec-city-german-chri.jpg?id=54185919&width=1200&height=600&coordinates=0%2C36%2C0%2C36"/><br/><br/><p>If you're craving a slice of Europe for the holidays but can't afford a plane ticket, this cozy <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/quebec/one-of-the-most-magical-christmas-markets-in-quebec-city-confirmed-itll-be-back-this-year">German Christmas Market</a> is probably the next best thing. </p><p>Just a three-hour drive from Montreal, this <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/enchanted-alley-montreal-european-christmas-vibes">winter wonderland</a> will make you feel like you've been whisked straight to Europe, right down to the smell of mulled wine and fresh gingerbread. </p><p>Nestled in the heart of <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/quebec-city-best-christmas-vacation-spot">Old Quebec</a>, the market sprawls across five sites, each one dressed up with lights, wooden kiosks, and all the festive trimmings that make <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/quaint-village-european-christmas-market-close-to-montreal">European Christmas markets</a> so dreamy. </p><p>This, combined with <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/visit-quebec-city-from-montreal-during-fall">Quebec City's classic cobblestone streets</a>, historic buildings, and (hopefully!) a dusting of snow, are all the ingredients you need to be transported to Germany—no plane ticket is required!</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C0XuHEbLWu0/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:8px;">
<div style="background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;">
<div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;">
</div>
</div>
<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C0XuHEbLWu0/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top" rel="noopener">See on Instagram</a>
</p>
</div>
</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>This year, the <a href="https://www.mnaq.ca/en/">Quebec City German Christmas markets</a> , also known as Le Marché de Noël allemand de Québec, will begin on November 21 and run until December 23. They're open weekly from Thursday to Sunday. The market's opening hours are 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Sunday.</p><p>The market goes all out to give visitors that authentic German Christmas experience, from rustic wooden kiosks filled with German handcrafted ornaments to carved wooden Santas and beautifully decorated Christmas pyramids imported from Germany itself. </p><p>Local <a href="https://www.mnaq.ca/en/exhibitors/">artisans</a> add their own Quebec twist to gifts, ranging from cozy knitwear to unique art pieces, making it the perfect spot to pick up something special for those on your holiday list.</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C0pVBJIJ0X3/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:8px;">
<div style="background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;">
<div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;">
</div>
</div>
<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C0pVBJIJ0X3/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top" rel="noopener">See on Instagram</a>
</p>
</div>
</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>If you're a foodie, you're in for a treat because this "<a href="https://www.quebec-cite.com/en/what-to-do-quebec-city/events/german-christmas-market">enchanting Christmas village</a>" is packed with delicious snacks that'll instantly transport your taste buds to Europe. </p><p>From traditional German bratwurst and gingerbread to giant pretzels and stollen—a rich, fruit-filled cake that's a holiday tradition in Germany—you can nibble your way around Barvaria without even leaving Quebec. </p><p>For drinks, swing by one of the market's themed bars, like the GlühweinBar, for a warm cup of spiced mulled wine. There's also the AlpenBar, the WinterBar, and the SchokoKaffeeBar, where you can sip on everything from hot chocolate to schnapps while soaking up the authentic European atmosphere.</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C2PlOFJrwJt/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:8px;">
<div style="background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;">
<div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;">
</div>
</div>
<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C2PlOFJrwJt/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top" rel="noopener">See on Instagram</a>
</p>
</div>
</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>When it comes to <a href="https://www.quebec-cite.com/en/what-to-do-quebec-city/why-visit-german-christmas-market">performances and holiday traditions</a>, you can catch choirs singing traditional carols, alphorn players playing tunes, and the market's iconic giant puppets parading through the streets.</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CJgNXtvMlZa/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:8px;">
<div style="background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;">
<div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;">
</div>
</div>
<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CJgNXtvMlZa/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top" rel="noopener">See on Instagram</a>
</p>
</div>
</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>The market is also packed with family-friendly activities, tons of eye-catching decorations, and the opportunity for little ones to meet the big man in red himself.</p><h3>Quebec City's German Christmas market</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/ClY_aBVrrc5/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:8px;">
<div style="background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;">
<div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;">
</div>
</div>
<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/ClY_aBVrrc5/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top" rel="noopener">See on Instagram</a>
</p>
</div>
</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Price: Free entry</p><p>When: November 21 until December 23, 2024</p><p>Address: <a href="https://www.mnaq.ca/en/how-to-get-there/">Various locations</a> around Quebec City</p><p>Why You Need To Go: From Quebec City's natural charm and the festive cheer of the German Christmas market, to the incredible food and drinks to keep you warm, this is a little taste of Europe that's close enough to do on a weekend.</p><p><a href="https://www.mnaq.ca/en/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Quebec City's German Christmas market website</a></p><p><em>Before you get going, check out our <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/responsible-travel-guidelines" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Responsible Travel Guide</a> so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your trip.</em></p>
In recent days, Donald Trump has signaled eagerness to reach a trade agreement with China. The president said Tuesday that his 145 percent tariffs on Chinese imports will “come down substantially” in the near future. On Thursday, Trump said that his administration is already negotiating with China over trade, saying, “They had a meeting this […]
Afrobeats singer and songwriter Wizkid has released his much-anticipated extended playlist, “Soundman Vol. 2.” The four-track EP features collaborative efforts with Wande Coal and Zlatan…
