Mountain View, California — As travel demands surge during peak seasons, efficient planning becomes essential for budget-conscious travelers. Google Flights has unveiled a comprehensive report leveraging four years of airfare data, offering insights into securing the best flight deals and optimal booking times.

The report indicates that flying on Tuesdays, and to a lesser extent Mondays and Wednesdays, tends to yield the most economical fares. Historical data suggests that travelers can save between 13% and 20% by choosing these midweek days over weekends, especially Sundays, which are identified as the priciest days to fly.

For many, choosing layover flights may prove to be a financially savvy decision. According to Google Flights analytics, opting for multi-stop itineraries can lead to savings of approximately 25% compared to direct flights, which tend to command higher prices.

While specific flying days may offer better fares, the report reveals booking timing is less straightforward. Although Tuesday is often cited as the most favorable day to purchase tickets, it offers only marginal savings—less than 2%—compared to Sunday, the day least likely to yield discounts.

Google’s findings also emphasize the advantages of early booking for both domestic and international travel. Domestic flights show their lowest prices when booked between 21 to 52 days before departure, with 38 days being particularly favorable. For international journeys, the sweet spot for the best rates is between 50 and 101 days prior to departure, reinforcing the idea that travelers should secure their tickets as soon as possible.

The report provides guidance for booking travel during various seasons. For instance, the optimal window for finding affordable domestic flights for spring break falls between 33 and 59 days before departure, with 44 days out being the average best time to book. Summer travelers should aim to book their flights within 13 to 43 days ahead, with a peak of savings observed at about 21 days prior.

When considering Thanksgiving travel, airlines typically offer the best deals 26 to 59 days in advance, particularly around 45 days out, suggesting early October as an ideal time for booking. During the holiday season, notably Christmas, travelers should plan for bookings between 36 to 72 days before their trip, ideally around 58 days out.

International travel to Europe often offers the best rates when booked at least 50 days in advance, with 94 days being the average price drop point. However, flights to Mexico and the Caribbean buck this trend, as prices reach their lowest between 26 and 68 days before departure, peaking at 44 days.

The report also highlights trending destinations for upcoming holidays. For Thanksgiving travel, popular searches include Orlando, Cancun, and New York, while the Christmas and New Year’s period sees heightened interest in cities like Tokyo and Miami.

As travel planning intensifies, these insights from Google Flights aim to arm travelers with strategic tools to navigate the complexities of booking flights, ultimately enhancing the enjoyment of their journeys while keeping costs manageable.