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Psst, you want to know a secret? Booking flights on a Sunday is one of the easiest ways to make the most of a travel budget. According to Expedia’s 2025 Air Hacks Report, travelers can save around 6% on domestic flights and up to 17% on international ones just by choosing the right day to book.
That’s extra money for unforgettable experiences, incredible meals, or even an extra night in paradise. After all, travel isn’t just an expense. It’s an investment in memories that last a lifetime.
Here’s how you can save by booking your travel on Sunday.
Why Sunday?
Airfare pricing can be complex, with airlines regularly adjusting fares based on factors like demand, competition and their strategies. According to a recent report that analyzed millions of bookings, Sunday stands out as the best day to find cheaper flights. Airlines typically launch fare sales at the start of the week and by Sunday, the lower prices are still available before they gradually rise again.
How Much Can Be Saved?
The savings vary depending on the destination, time of year and how far in advance the flight is booked. On average, booking a flight on Sunday can lead to about 6% savings on domestic flights and up to 17% on international trips. That could mean paying $282 for a round-trip domestic ticket instead of $300, or saving $100 or more on an international flight. For families or frequent flyers, those savings can really add up.
For example, a quick search on Expedia for a round-trip flight from New York (JFK) to Los Angeles (LAX) in late May shows that flights booked on a Sunday could cost around $282, while flights booked on a Friday might be priced closer to $300. It’s not a huge difference, but it’s still a savings of around 6%. These savings could be even more substantial when flying internationally.
Another example: searching for a flight from New York (JFK) to Paris (CDG) on Google Flights for a late spring departure shows that a Sunday booking might result in ticket prices around $450, compared to $525 if booked on a Friday. That’s nearly 17% in savings and that extra $75 could be put toward enjoying a meal or booking an extra activity in Paris.
That’s extra money that can be used for the fun stuff, whether it’s exploring a new city, eating at a pricier restaurant, shopping or attending a play or concert.
Timing Matters
While Sunday is a great day to book, it’s not the only factor that affects flight prices. The time of day and day of the week can make a big difference. For example, flying midweek — especially on a Wednesday — can often be cheaper than flying on Fridays or Sundays. It’s all about avoiding peak travel days when demand is higher.
Booking in advance is another way to save. For domestic flights, booking around a month ahead of time is generally the sweet spot for lower fares. For international trips, booking about six months in advance can help lock in better prices. The earlier the booking, the better the chance to find those budget-friendly tickets.
Other Money-Saving Travel Hacks
Setting up price alerts on sites like Google Flights or Hopper helps track fluctuating fares and notifies you when prices drop. Flying into or out of smaller airports near the destination can also lead to cheaper options. Being flexible with travel dates often results in better deals. Sometimes, just changing the departure or return by a day or two is enough to find a lower price. The more flexible the plans, the better the chances of finding a bargain.
Bundle deals also offer great savings by combining flights, hotels and car rentals.
Airfare prices can be influenced by search history, cookies and cached data, as airlines track browsing activity to adjust prices. Clearing cookies or using an incognito window can help you avoid price hikes and lead to more consistent fares.
Additionally, using points and miles can offer savings. Many credit cards and frequent flyer programs allow travelers to redeem points for discounts or even free flights.
