A common query by travelers is “how far ahead can I book a flight?” The answer is, most major airline companies book at a maximum of 330 days or approximately 11 months prior to the trip. But, just because you can make that early booking doesn’t mean you should. If you book too early, or too late, you will lose out financially. This guide includes airline booking windows, the best time to book and insider tips for saving money on your next flight.
How Far Ahead Can You Book?
Exactly how far ahead of time an airline will sell the tickets depends on the kind of ticket and the airline itself:
Regional U.S. carriers (Allegiant, AirTran, Allegiant Express, Skywest, Piedmont): 270 days in advance. Other major airlines (British Airways, KLM, Lufthansa, Alitalia, Air France, Air India, Air Malta, Air Serbia, China Southern Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, Etihad Airways, Cathay Pacific): 323–350 days in advance. Budget/low-cost carriers (Allegiant, Frontier, Spirit, Southwest): Usually 5 to 10 months ahead, with Southwest being the first to open 6 to 8 months prior. European low-cost airlines (Ryanair): Frequently issue tickets six to nine months ahead of time.
The rules are a little different if you’re booking award travel with points or miles. Award seats are generally offered towards the same time as cash bookings, but are restricted in number. If you’re on points, make your booking early when the schedule opens as the popular routes and business-class seats are going fast.
When Is It Optimal to Book?
It is possible to book almost a year ahead, but the best prices tend to be even closer to the date. Multiple studies have shown that there is a sweet spot for booking.
Domestic flights: The best time for booking travel within the U.S. is between 1–3 months in advance. Google Flights suggests that you book your flights 39 days ahead of time — 23 to 51 days before your trip. According to Expedia’s 2026 Air Hacks Report, 15–30 days before departure makes for the best time to book domestic economy, with prices averaging $130 less than those booked over six months out. Going.com also recommends 1–3 months in advance for the cheapest domestic tickets.
International flights: When traveling abroad, bookings are typically made further in advance. Expedia says that international flights booked 31–45 days in advance average $190 more than booking six months out. Going.com recommends 2–8 months ahead for overseas travel, and for long-haul flights the productive booking window is wider — about 8 to 20 weeks before take-off.
The Risk of Booking Too Early
Reservations made more than 6 months out may result in higher prices. Airlines have not yet begun competing for seats, and early fares reflect that uncertainty. People who reserved over six months ago paid on average $160 more for domestic travel and $190 more for international travel than those who booked in the ideal window, according to Expedia.
The Risk of Booking Too Late
Late is hardly always less expensive. There is a general rule that the price begins to rise approximately 3 weeks prior to a trip. Unless an airline is trying to fill an empty seat, tickets are higher in demand as departure approaches.
Seasonal Considerations
The best time to book also depends on when you travel. For spring break, book 43 days out (best window: 28–61 days). winter travel, book 21 days in advance (best window: 14–43 days). For Christmas, book 51–60 days out (best window: 32–106 days). Standard booking windows apply during non-peak seasons, with an additional 2 months recommended during peak seasons such as summer and the holidays.
The key to the best travel experiences: plan in the opposite season. If you are travelling during the summer, begin searching at Christmas and vice versa.
Cheapest Days and Months to Fly
As per data from Expedia’s 2026 reports, the cheapest day of the week to book and fly is Friday. The least expensive day to fly domestically is Tuesday, at 14% less than Sunday departures. August is the cheapest month to fly compared to December, coming in 29% lower. July is also among the lowest-priced months, often 20% cheaper than November flight prices.
Tips to Save More
Use Skyscanner or Google Flights to set price alerts. Be flexible with dates by using a “flexible dates” search to find the best month to go. Take into account the airport you are leaving from — some airports (such as Fort Lauderdale, Las Vegas, and Orlando) consistently offer lower rates. If you book early, go back and buy a refundable ticket if the price drops.
Final Verdict
Most major airlines allow bookings up to 11 months in advance. However, for the best prices: book domestic flights 1–3 months ahead (sweet spot: 15–30 days); book international flights 2–8 months ahead (sweet spot: 31–45 days); for award travel, book promptly after the schedule opens; and for peak seasons, aim to book about 2 months before or after the peak period.
Keep in mind that there’s no magic number that will always produce the lowest price. These insights into airline booking windows, combined with the data-backed recommendations above, will help you secure the best deal for your next flight. Happy travels!
