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.
RELATED: Secrets to Booking the Cheapest Summer Europe Flight Ever
For travel to popular summertime destinations, particularly Europe, you should book well in advance or risk overpaying.
More from SmarterTravel
- 10 Incredibly Useful Travel Products for Summer Trips
- 10 New Tricks for Saving on Summer Airfare
- When Should I Buy My Flight?
Last Updated: August 17, 2015
We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
Related
Top Fares From
Today's Top Travel Deals
Brought to you by ShermansTravel
11-Nt Ireland Tour, Incl. Dublin, Belfast,...
smarTours
vacation $3870+Amsterdam to Copenhagen: Luxe, 18-Night Northern...
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Ohio: Daily Car Rentals from Cincinnati
85OFF.com