Google says US domestic airfares bottom 39 days before departure
Google’s five-year Google Flights analysis found average lowest domestic fares 39 days before departure and international fares 89 days out. Monday departures with midweek returns saved about 14% versus weekend trips.
1. Fare timing patterns
Google’s analysis found domestic fares reached their average low 39 days before departure, while international fares bottomed 89 days out with limited further declines. Thanksgiving fares hit lows 34 days out, typically in October, and Christmas fares 56 days out, concentrated from late October to mid-November. Wednesday bookings saved about 1.4% versus Sunday in the latest data; Monday departures with midweek returns saved about 14% versus weekend trips.
