Winter is the bargain season to travel, and you can also wait longer to purchase your airline tickets than in any other season. If you like, in the winter months you can wait up to 26 days before departure to get a good flight deal. The spring and fall shoulder seasons offer the next lowest prices for travelers.

Generally, the cheapest time to fly is during the "dead zones" or off-peak seasons, which for most of the northern hemisphere fall in late January, February, and early November. These periods see a significant drop in leisure travel after the major holiday rushes of Christmas and New Year's. For European destinations, the "shoulder seasons" of late September and October also offer a great balance of lower fares and pleasant weather. Conversely, the most expensive times are typically during the peak summer months of July and August and the mid-December holiday period. To snag the absolute lowest fares, aim for mid-week departures (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) and avoid flying around major regional holidays like Easter, Thanksgiving, or school half-term breaks.