When Should I Book My Summer Flights?

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Dear Jessica,

When should I book my summer flights?

—M.L.

Dear M.L.,

Every spring readers ask me this question, and every year my answer is essentially the same: as soon as possible.

Planes generally fly very full in the summer. Book airfare at least 60 days before you travel, and always assume you won’t find a last-minute bargain in the summer.

On the other hand, if you’re able to be flexible with dates and don’t have a set destination in mind, you may still be able to snag a last-minute bargain.

For travel to popular summertime destinations, particularly Europe, you should book well in advance or risk overpaying.

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Last Updated: August 17, 2015

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