When planning a vacation, the budget can quickly escalate, and before considering accommodation, meals, or activities, the cost of airfare often takes center stage. However, a recent study by eDreams reveals that timing your booking can lead to significant savings, allowing travelers to enjoy their trips without breaking the bank.
The research, documented in the Best Time to Book 2026 Report, sheds light on flight prices throughout the year based on bookings made between January 1 and December 31, 2025. This comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights into the optimal months, days, and times for securing affordable flights, making it a vital resource for planning travel in 2026.
The report highlighted that January and February emerged as the most cost-effective months for booking domestic flights from Italy, with average fares around 100 euros in January and 119 euros in February. For continental flights, January took the lead at 130 euros, followed closely by September at 139 euros and May at 152 euros. Interestingly, for long-haul international flights, September stood out as the best month, with fares averaging 400 euros, as noted by the editorial team at La Repubblica.
Several factors influenced airfare prices, particularly seasonal trends. During the early months of the year, flights to Italy averaged around 100 euros, making them more affordable than those heading to Spain (117 euros), the United Kingdom (135 euros), and France (148 euros). In spring and summer, travelers found great deals on flights from Italy to Croatia (127 euros in May), Austria (126 euros in June), and the United States (517 euros in August). Autumn also offered opportunities for savings, especially for flights to Spain (121 euros), Morocco (193 euros), and Tunisia (171 euros).
When it comes to the best days of the week to book flights, weekends—particularly the extended ones from Friday to Monday—proved to be advantageous. For trips to Africa, the lowest prices were observed on Fridays, averaging 317 euros. In contrast, Saturdays were the best days for European travel, with average fares of 146 euros. Sundays offered great deals for flights to America (687 euros) and Oceania (922 euros), while Mondays were ideal for Asian destinations, averaging 441 euros.
Timing can also make a big difference when it comes to booking hours. The most favorable rates for flights to Asia appeared at 2 AM, while those booking for Europe found great deals at 3 AM (138 euros) and for Oceania at the same hour (765 euros). The lowest average price for flights to Africa was recorded at 4 AM (285 euros), and for America, the best deals were available at 7 AM (636 euros).
When considering how far in advance to book, travelers seeking flights to America found the most favorable average rate (657 euros) when booking between 91 and 100 days before departure. For Oceania, the best prices (981 euros) were available more than 90 days prior to travel. Booking between 31 and 60 days before departure yielded the best fares for Europe (130 euros) and Asia (415 euros).
Lastly, last-minute deals were particularly advantageous for flights to Africa, with average prices around 298 euros for tickets purchased 16 to 30 days in advance—making it one of the most economical destinations for 2026.
With these insights, travelers can navigate the complexities of airfare pricing with ease and make informed decisions that enhance their travel experiences.
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Jason R. Parker is a curious and creative writer who excels at turning complex topics into simple, practical advice to improve everyday life. With extensive experience in writing lifestyle tips, he helps readers navigate daily challenges, from time management to mental health. He believes that every day is a new opportunity to learn and grow.
