Since I spend so much time traveling to lead photo tours and workshops, I’m asked this question often: When is the best time to book flights?
It is a fair question, and the honest answer is that there is no single rule that works every time. Airfare has become increasingly unpredictable, and today there can be real advantages and disadvantages to both booking early and waiting a bit longer. Add in global instability, shifting fuel costs, and economic uncertainty, and the picture becomes even less straightforward.
That said, here is the general guidance my staff and I have found most useful:
Advantages of Booking Early
Booking earlier can offer a few clear benefits. First, there is the peace of mind that comes from having your flights secured and one more detail checked off your list. In some cases, booking early may also mean a better fare, particularly if prices continue to rise due to broader political or economic pressures. It also usually gives you the best selection of flight times, seat choices, and more efficient routing.
Disadvantages of Booking Early
At the same time, booking too far in advance is not always the best strategy. Data often shows that the lowest fares appear within a “golden window,” rather than many months ahead, so purchasing six or more months early can sometimes mean paying more than necessary.
There is also the possibility that prices will drop after you purchase, leaving you to track fare changes and negotiate with the airline for a credit or reimbursement. Early booking can also reduce flexibility if your plans shift, or if the airline changes its schedule. Flight times can move, aircraft can be swapped out, seating can change, and partner-airline connections may be affected, sometimes resulting in longer or less convenient itineraries.
The General “Sweet Spot”
As a rule of thumb, the timing that tends to work best is:
Domestic flights: about 1–3 months in advance
International flights: about 2–5 months in advance
The biggest exception is peak travel periods. If you are traveling during holidays, majo
r vacation seasons, or other especially busy times, it is usually wise to book well ahead.
Our Practical Take
Even with all the data, booking flights can still feel a bit like a gamble. Over the past year and a half, my team and I have spent so much time adjusting flights, or dealing with airline schedule changes, that any savings from booking very early have often been offset by the inconvenience.
Because of that, we have become more cautious about locking in flights too far ahead. These days, we often find ourselves booking in that 1–3 month window, depending on the destination and time of year.
In the end, there is no perfect formula, but a thoughtful balance of timing, flexibility, and tolerance for risk usually leads to the best outcome.