As Britons start planning their holidays for 2026, a clear warning has been issued by travel professionals: booking your flights on one specific weekday could see you paying significantly more. Experts caution that this day typically brings higher demand, leading to steeper prices and intense competition for the most desirable seats.
The Worst Day to Book Your Getaway
The advice, which applies to everything from short city breaks to long-haul international journeys, singles out Friday as the day to avoid when making flight reservations. Travel specialists at the company Ski Vertigo have highlighted that Fridays often see a surge in booking activity, which in turn drives up fares and reduces seat availability on popular routes.
A spokesperson for Ski Vertigo explained the simple logic behind the tip. "The day you choose to book your flight can genuinely impact the final cost," they said. "Fridays tend to be exceptionally busy, and that high demand can push prices upward. Travellers who opt to make their reservation a few days earlier in the week frequently discover better deals."
The Midweek Advantage for Savvy Travellers
So, when should you book? The consensus points toward the middle of the week. Tuesday and Wednesday are generally quieter periods for flight bookings, according to industry analysis. Securing your tickets during these days may offer greater availability and help you avoid the peak booking rush, though prices can still vary based on the airline and specific route.
"Even small adjustments in your booking timing can lead to savings," the Ski Vertigo spokesperson added. The benefits of a midweek booking strategy are clear:
- Lower potential prices: Flights reserved on less busy days can be cheaper.
- Wider choice: You'll often have access to a broader selection of airlines, departure times, and seat options.
- Simpler planning: Without the pressure of peak demand, it's easier to compare options and find flights that suit both your schedule and your budget.
This insight is particularly valuable for families, solo travellers, and large groups who need to balance cost against availability. Knowing when booking activity peaks can prevent overspending and make organising a holiday much smoother.
Finding the 'Golden Window' for Advance Bookings
Beyond the day of the week, how far in advance you book is equally critical. Research from Expedia identifies a prime booking period, or "golden window," when airfares typically dip. For many routes, this sweet spot falls approximately one to three months before departure.
Contrary to some beliefs, booking almost a year ahead rarely secures the best price, while genuinely last-minute bookings can be even more expensive, especially on sought-after routes. Recent data from Skyscanner supports this, recommending booking one to three months ahead for short-haul trips and two to six months for many long-haul journeys.
The optimal timing does depend on your destination and travel dates, but the overall trend indicates a broad timeframe for competitive pricing rather than one perfect date. For peak travel seasons like Christmas, New Year, and the February half-term, Ski Vertigo experts stress that advance booking remains the most reliable method, as flights and accommodation sell out quickly and prices soar when availability drops.
What About Your Day of Departure?
While the best day to *book* might be midweek, the day you actually *fly* also heavily influences cost. Expedia's analysis suggests that Saturday departures often offer the cheapest domestic fares, while Thursday is a strong contender for international trips.
This follows a fundamental rule of travel: prices rise when everyone wants to fly. High-demand periods, like Friday evenings after work or Sunday evenings before the new week, command premium fares. When demand falls, prices usually follow.
The spokesperson for Ski Vertigo concluded with some final advice for cost-conscious holidaymakers. "Airline pricing is complex, but tweaking when you book is a straightforward way to get better value. Paying attention to timing helps travellers maximise their budget without having to sacrifice their travel options." For those with flexible dates and a willingness to consider alternative airports, last-minute deals can sometimes offer savings, but for guaranteed value, planning ahead and avoiding Friday bookings is the expert-recommended path.
