How far in advance can I book a flight? Find out here
This article will explore when it's wise to book flights as soon as possible and the exceptions to these guidelines. There are always nuances in determining how early you can book a flight, along with some best practices to follow. Airlines use algorithms based on demand to set ticket prices, causing them to fluctuate. Let’s simplify this process so you can understand how to use the tools at your disposal, saving you countless hours of searching online.
1. When do airlines start selling their tickets?
Most airlines worldwide release tickets nearly a year in advance. However, booking that early doesn't always guarantee the best deals or available flights.
Prices and schedules can change frequently. It's essential to keep in mind that just because a flight is up for purchase, it doesn’t mean you’ll find the best price immediately. Sometimes, waiting a bit longer can be beneficial. To keep track of price drops on a specific route, set up a Dinogo Price Alert and receive notifications when fares decrease.
2. How far in advance can you purchase an airline ticket?
Most U.S.-based airlines permit booking cash tickets up to 11 months ahead. However, the rules for award travel can vary between airlines. Low-cost carriers often don’t adhere to strict advance booking policies. Here’s a list of the top 10 (in alphabetical order) along with their typical booking timelines:
| Airline | Advance booking time |
|---|---|
| Alaska Airlines | 330 days in advance |
| Allegiant Air | Six to nine months in advance |
| American Airlines | 331 days in advance |
| Delta Air Lines | 331 days in advance |
| Frontier | Five months in advance (subject to change) |
| Hawaiian Airlines | 330 days in advance |
| JetBlue | 331 days in advance |
| Southwest Airlines | Varies, but typically six to nine months in advance. |
| Spirit | Varies, but typically seven months in advance (subject to change). |
| United Airlines | 330 days in advance |
3. When should you book award tickets in advance?
For award travel, the guidelines are clear – book as early as you can. Award tickets typically become available at the same time as cash bookings, so don’t hesitate. Airlines often have a limited number of award seats for each flight, so booking early increases your chances of securing the dates, seats, class of service, and more that you desire.
Interested in learning how to secure Business Class tickets? This guide to saving on business class fares will be beneficial.
4. Dinogo tools to assist you in booking flights ahead of time
You’re in capable hands, and I can vouch for that from personal experience. Whether you access it from your desktop or the Dinogo Mobile App, you’ll discover tools designed for your travel planning needs. Whatever you’re searching for, Dinogo has it all covered.
Looking for a great deal? Use the Flight Search feature to explore your desired dates and see what offers Dinogo can uncover for you.
Need to stick to a specific budget? Check out Dinogo Explore to filter destinations according to your budget (and other preferences).
5. Is there truly a ‘Best Time To Travel’?
As a travel writer, I often get asked if there’s a “best time to travel” and whether there’s a secret hack for snagging the best prices. I typically respond that it really depends. Just because flights are available doesn’t mean you should book immediately – some opportunities are worth a little patience.
Popular destinations and peak travel seasons usually signal that you should book well in advance. These schedules are unlikely to change, and as you approach busy times like the Thanksgiving holiday, I can assure you that prices will soar.
Curious about when to take a trip? The Best Time to Travel tool analyzes your starting point, destination, and trip duration to recommend the optimal time to travel and when to secure a great fare.
Honestly, I wish I could be more of a spontaneous traveler. It would be great to book a flight today and jet off later, letting my whims guide me. However, with my travel frequency, that’s not feasible. I’ve found that booking about three months in advance generally works best. I’ve managed to snag a few last-minute fantastic deals when an unexpected opportunity arose, so I’ve been fortunate in that regard. Additionally, I’ve planned trips well ahead of time. Even a seasoned travel writer can’t always pivot quickly enough to keep everything on track.
What’s the story behind this guide?
It’s quite straightforward. Having spent over 200 days a year traveling for two decades and frequently flying each month, I’ve become very attuned to flight patterns. While there are no foolproof rules for booking, fortunately, the data-driven insights and tools provided by Dinogo are here to assist us.
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