Is there a cheapest month to fly? If you're looking for a bargain month to travel, February is your best bet. Flights in January closely follow February for being most affordable. At the other end of the spectrum, December and July are the first and second most expensive months to travel, on average.

In 2026, the cheapest months to fly are typically January, February, and September. These "shoulder seasons" follow the expensive holiday rushes of December and the peak summer travel of June through August. For domestic U.S. and European flights, late January is often the absolute low point for pricing, as demand plummeted after the New Year. September is another "budget goldmine" because schools return to session, causing airlines to drop fares to fill seats that would otherwise stay empty. To find the best deals, experts recommend booking at least 1–3 months in advance for domestic trips and 4–6 months for international travel. Flying on a Tuesday or Wednesday during these months further reduces costs, as mid-week demand is significantly lower than weekend demand. Conversely, the most expensive months remain December (holidays), July (summer break), and March/April (spring break), when increased competition for seats drives prices to their annual peaks.