Every traveler has heard the common airfare myths—book months in advance, never fly during summer, or avoid premium tickets because they are always overpriced. But how many of these actually hold up? The Expedia 2025 Air Hacks Report, in partnership with the Airlines Reporting Corporation, has released surprising data-backed insights to help you save big on flights this year.
Myth 1: "Summer is the most expensive time to travel."
Busted: August is the cheapest month to fly, while February and March see the highest fares.
If you are planning a trip this year, consider scheduling it for August instead of February. Domestic flights in August are, on average, 12% cheaper than in February, while international travel in August can save you 7% compared to March. Peak travel periods often coincide with school vacations, but late summer offers an unexpected price drop, making it the ideal time for budget-friendly getaways.
Myth 2: "There's no best day of the week to book flights."
Busted: Sundays offer the lowest fares.
For the third consecutive year, Sunday has been crowned the best day to book flights. If you are booking a domestic flight, purchasing your ticket on a Sunday can save you 6%, while international travelers can pocket up to 17% in savings compared to booking on a Monday or Friday.
Myth 3: "The day of the week I travel doesn’t affect the cost."
Busted: Flying on Saturday (domestic) or Thursday (international) is the cheapest option.
While most travelers prefer to fly on weekends, the smartest way to save is by choosing your departure day strategically. Flying on Saturday instead of Sunday can save domestic travelers 17%, while Thursday is the cheapest day for international flights, offering savings of 15% compared to Sunday departures.
Myth 4: "The further ahead you book, the cheaper it will be."
Busted: The best time to book is closer to your departure date than you think.
- Domestic Flights: Book 1 to 3 months in advance to save 25% compared to last-minute fares.
- International Flights: Book 18 to 29 days before departure and save up to 17% over booking three months out.
While last-minute deals can occasionally pop up, they come with risks—longer layovers, sold-out flights, or price spikes.
Myth 5: "Airfare goes up every year."
Busted: Ticket prices are actually dropping.
Despite inflation and fluctuating fuel costs, domestic airfare is down by 1% compared to last year, while international economy tickets are 4% cheaper. The average ticket price in 2024 was $462 for domestic flights and $849 for international travel, both slightly lower than in 2023.
Myth 6: "Premium tickets are always too expensive."
Busted: The gap between economy and premium fares has narrowed.
Luxury travelers, rejoice! The price difference between premium and economy seats has dropped by 10% compared to 2019. With more airlines introducing premium economy options, upgrading your seat may now be within reach without breaking the bank.
Myth 7: "Every flight I take is full."
Busted: Avoid crowds by traveling on Tuesdays or in February.
Looking for a more peaceful airport experience? Tuesday is statistically the least crowded day to fly, and February sees 65% fewer flights than peak summer months like July. Choosing off-peak travel times can mean fewer delays, faster security lines, and a more enjoyable trip overall.
Myth 8: "There's nothing I can do about flight delays and cancellations."
Busted: Morning flights experience fewer cancellations.
- Flights departing after 9 p.m. have a 57% higher chance of being canceled than morning flights.
- Flights leaving between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. face the lowest cancellation rates.
- August and September have the lowest cancellation rates (1.2%), making them the best months for smooth travel.
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