Expedia has released new data-backed insights to help travelers save on airfare in 2025, including the best times and days to book flights, the cheapest months to fly, and how to use the platform’s built-in tools to secure lower fares.
The findings come as travel searches increase between Labor Day and early December, with holiday season bookings already underway.
Key recommendations from Expedia’s latest Air Hacks Report include booking flights 1 to 3 months in advance and reserving tickets on Sundays to maximize savings. The report also highlights August as the cheapest month to fly and encourages flexible travel planning with tools such as calendar views, filters, multi-city search, and fare tracking via the Expedia app.
When and How to Book for Lower Fares
Expedia advises travelers to book at least one to three months ahead of their travel dates to get the best available fares. Sunday remains the cheapest day to book flights, offering up to 6% savings on domestic routes and up to 17% on international itineraries compared to other days of the week.
For actual travel dates, Saturday is typically the cheapest day for domestic flights, while Thursday is best for international travel. Sundays continue to be the most expensive day to fly, according to the data drawn from Expedia and the Airline Reporting Corporation’s sales database.
Best Months and Routes for 2025 Savings
| Category | Best Time | Estimated Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Best time to book | 1–3 months in advance | Varies |
| Best day to book | Sunday | Up to 6% (domestic), 17% (international) |
| Cheapest day to fly | Saturday (domestic), Thursday (international) | Varies |
| Most expensive day to fly | Sunday | — |
| Cheapest month to fly | August | Up to 12% (domestic), 7% (international) |
| Best shoulder seasons | April, October | Lower airfare and accommodation rates |
Top Destinations with Lower Fares in 2025
| Country | City Examples | Estimated Fare Drop |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico | Mazatlán, Culiacán, Mexico City | Up to 25% |
| Vietnam | Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang | Up to 20% |
| Italy | Rome, Milan, Florence | Up to 15% |
| Brazil | Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo | Up to 15% |
| Japan | Tokyo, Osaka | Up to 5% |
| United States | Seattle, San Francisco | Up to 5% |
Expedia Tools to Maximize Savings
| Tool or Feature | Function |
|---|---|
| Price Drop Protection | Refunds fare difference if price drops after booking (on select flights, for a fee) |
| Flight Deals | Highlights fares up to 20% below predicted average on select routes |
| Price Tracking | Sends fare alerts when flight prices change on watched routes |
| Calendar View & Filters | Helps compare monthly prices, filter by stopovers, airports, time of day |
| Multi-city & Open-jaw Search | Optimizes pricing for complex or flexible itineraries |
With international and domestic travel volumes expected to remain strong in 2025, Expedia’s latest guidance offers practical strategies to secure competitive fares and avoid common booking pitfalls. The company continues to invest in predictive technologies and user-friendly features to support travelers planning future trips.
