If you've been daydreaming about your summer vacation for months, but are too nervous to pull the trigger and book your flight already we feel your pain. Airfares change so often it's hard to figure out when the best time to buy a ticket actually is.
Thankfully CheapAir.com crunched 921 million airfares to give us some answers. According to their 2017 Annual Airfare Study, the best time to buy a flight within the continental U.S. or Canada is 54 days in advance, on average. So if you've been meaning to book a flight to visit your BFF in L.A. over Memorial Day weekend, the time to book your ticket is now.
Looking to head somewhere more tropical this summer? You'll want to plan a little bit further ahead since you'll want to book your flight to Hawaii, the Caribbean or Mexico 79, 76 and 61 days in advance, respectively.
You'll need even more time to book a flight to Europe (99 days in advance), South America (81 days) or Asia (90 days). While flights to Africa and the Middle East should be booked almost four months in advance (119 days on average), if you're planning a trip to the South Pacific you should look for fares about three months ahead of time.
Keep in mind that these numbers are just averages, however. CheapAir.com recommends searching for airfares with a date range in mind. You're more likely to find the sweet spot in what they call the "Prime Booking Window" which occurs anywhere between three weeks to 3.5 months before your trip. If you book too early, you might miss a significant dip in prices. But if you wait too long, many flights will be sold out leaving you with an extra-expensive ticket.
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Lyndsey Matthews is the Destination News Editor for AFAR; previously she was a Lifestyle Editor across all of Hearst Digital Media's brands, and a digital editor at Martha Stewart Weddings and Travel + Leisure.
-
Le Labo’s New Lavande 31 Eau de Parfum Redefines Lavender Fragrance
It’s an entirely fresh take on lavender.
By Samantha Holender Published
-
The Best Hair Straighteners Add Instant Shine to Your Style
These picks are coming in hot.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
-
32 Beauty Products That Are Just So Good
Sponsor Content Created With Walmart
By Caitie Schlisserman Published
-
The 10 Best Health Spa Resorts in the U.S.
It’s pampering time.
By Michelle Stansbury Published
-
The Fashion Editor’s Guide to Saint-Germain-des-Prés
The most stylish things to see and do in the creative hub of Paris, the 6th arrondissement.
By Sara Holzman Published
-
The Ultimate Guide to Copenhagen
Explore one of the happiest cities in the world.
By Emma Childs Published
-
The Ultimate Guide to Paris
Where to stay and what to do in the City of Lights.
By Sara Holzman Published
-
The 17 Best Luggage Sets of 2023
BRB, setting my "out of office" message.
By Emma Childs Published
-
The 11 Best Weekender Bags for Women, According to Editors and Experts
In case you needed another reason to be pumped about your trip.
By Julia Marzovilla Last updated
-
Weekend Guide to the North Fork: Where To Stay, Eat, & Drink
Wine, oysters, and more wine please.
By Sara Holzman Last updated
-
Romantic Weekend Getaways For Every Kind of Couple
Find love in all the right places.
By Sara Holzman Last updated