The Best Days to Book Your Flights

Ever wondered if there's a trick to snagging cheaper airfares? Good news — there is. Whether you're planning a quick getaway to Bangkok or a long-haul adventure to Paris, knowing the best time to book a flight and the cheapest day to fly out can make a big difference.

Let’s unpack how you can save more on flights just by planning smarter.

» Learn more: Check out these travel hacks to save some serious cash

When it comes to the best day to book a flight, Sundays come out on top. According to travel data, flights booked on Sundays tend to be cheaper than those booked on Fridays. Why? Airlines often release promotions and adjust fares during the weekend when fewer business travellers are booking.

That said, prices fluctuate. For example, you might find a round-trip to Tokyo for S$450 on Sunday, while the same route costs S$600 if booked on a Friday.

Tuesday: Skip the crowds and save 

Mondays are peak days for business travel. Flying out on Tuesday means skipping the Monday chaos and scoring cheaper seats — especially for regional flights to Kuala Lumpur, Bali, or Ho Chi Minh City.

Wednesday & Sunday: Score better deals on international routes

Mid-week flights tend to be the cheapest, especially on long-haul routes. Planning a holiday to Australia or Japan? Try searching for flights that depart mid-week — it’s often the cheapest day to fly for international travel.

For instance, flying from Singapore to Seoul on a Wednesday could cost S$200 less than flying on a Sunday.

» More: Find out which websites offer the cheapest flights from Singapore

Fly on public holidays for longer getaways

Airfares skyrocket just before major holidays like Chinese New Year, Deepavali, or Christmas. But if you're willing to fly on the holiday itself (e.g. Christmas Day), prices tend to dip — fewer people want to be in transit then.

Plan around peak periods using our Singapore public holidays and long weekends 2025 guide.

Here are some public holidays to look out for: 

• Labour Day (1 May)

• Vesak Day long weekend (20 May)

• Hari Raya Haji (7 June)

• National Day (9 August)

• Deepavali long weekend (20 October)

• Christmas (25 December)

Flights within Asia

For regional destinations like Bangkok, Jakarta, or Hanoi, the best time to book a flight is around 30 to 90 days ahead. Airlines like Scoot and AirAsia often release their best fares early, so don’t wait too long.

Flights beyond Asia

Heading to Europe, the US, or Japan? Booking two to eight months ahead gives you the best shot at securing lower fares.

Google Flights data shows that booking around 60 to 90 days before departure often results in the lowest average fares.

If you haven’t decided on your departure date, compare flight prices across the week on sites like Google Flights to find the best deal.

Keep your eyes on the price 

Tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner, Traveloka, or Cheapflights let you set fare alerts. Simply input your desired route and dates — and let the deals come to you. Plus you won’t have to worry about monitoring the prices daily, you’ll get an alert once the prices drop.

If you spot a better deal, just rebook

Have you booked a flight but then found a lower price? Some airlines like Singapore Airlines or Cathay Pacific offer free cancellations or rebooking within a limited window for selected flights. 

Cancellations should be granted on all types of tickets, from economy to first class, although this is ultimately up to the airlines. Always read the fare terms and use a flexible credit card that covers rebooking or cancellation fees.

Be flexible with your plans 

Flexibility = savings. Instead of Changi Airport, consider flying from nearby Senai International Airport in Johor.

If your schedule is flexible, shifting your flight by just a day earlier or later could save you $100 to $200 — especially during off-peak periods. Adhere to the golden rule of flexibility and enjoy some sweet savings.

Maximise your rewards and enjoy the perfect vacation 

Looking to get even more out of your travel bookings? Here’s how you can make your money work for you with these travel credit cards:

• Flexibility: UOB PRVI Miles Visa credit card

• Flat-rate travel rewards & no annual fee: Standard Chartered Simply Cash credit card

• Bonus travel rewards: HSBC Advance credit card

• Luxury perks: AMEX KrisFlyer Ascend credit card

• Business travellers: Citi PremierMiles credit card

Check out our full list of the best travel credit cards in Singapore and find the one that matches your travel needs.