Still booking flights on Tuesday? That’s so early 2000s… Here’s what actually works now

If you’ve been hanging onto the old “book on Tuesday for the cheapest flights” myth, it’s time to let it go. Seriously. That trick belongs in the same box as your iPod shuffle and low-rise jeans. The truth is, airlines have evolved, algorithms have become sneakier, and we travellers need sharper tools to outsmart them.

I’ve spent over a decade zigzagging across continents, trying every travel hack in the book – from booking at midnight on odd weekdays to hunting down secret discount codes. And while some tips are pure nonsense, others still hold golden value in 2025. If you want to know the real insider strategies to find affordable flights this year, buckle up – because I’m about to spill them.

1. Fly midweek, save big

Weekends may feel like the natural time to fly, but they’re also when airlines know demand spikes. Families, nine-to-fivers, and spontaneous city breakers all crowd in, which means higher prices. Instead, aim for Wednesday or Thursday flights. You can often save 10–25% off your ticket compared to Friday or Saturday departures.

Think about it: fewer stag parties, fewer screaming toddlers and fewer queues at security. It’s cheaper and calmer – that’s a win-win in my book.

2. Hit the sweet spot when booking

Timing is everything. Book too early and you’re overpaying for the privilege of being “organised”. Book too late and you’re at the mercy of last-minute panic prices. For international flights, the magic window is 6–8 weeks before departure.

I once booked a London–Bangkok flight three months out for nearly £700. My friend booked six weeks before and smugly waved her £450 ticket at me. Painful lesson learnt. Don’t let it happen to you.

3. Use a VPN like a travel ninja

Here’s where things get a little James Bond. Airlines sometimes adjust fares based on your IP address. For example, logging in from the UK may show one price, but if you switch your VPN to the airline’s home country, you might see a cheaper fare.

I once saved £60 on a Tokyo flight simply by switching my location to Japan before booking. A small change, a big win.

4. Search in private mode

Ever felt like flight prices magically rise after you’ve checked the same route a few times? That’s cookies at work. Airlines can track your searches and subtly nudge prices up to push you into booking “before it gets more expensive”.

The fix? Incognito mode or private browsing. Wipe the digital slate clean and search like a ghost.

5. Best day to book, not fly

Forget Tuesday. In 2025, data shows the cheapest time to book flights is usually Sunday night or Monday morning. Airlines quietly release new deals at the start of the week, and by midweek, prices can creep up again.

So instead of scrolling through Netflix on a Sunday evening, open up your flight search tabs. Future you (and your bank balance) will thank you.

6. Travel in shoulder season

Peak summer is chaos – crowds, inflated prices, sunburnt tourists fighting over deckchairs. But if you fly just before or after the high season, you’ll hit the shoulder season jackpot. Think April, May, September, or October.

Not only are flights cheaper, but hotels, attractions, and even restaurants often drop their prices too. Plus, fewer kids, shorter queues, and a more relaxed vibe. I always say, 'Shoulder season = smarter season.'

7. Don’t ignore smaller airports

When searching for flights, always tick that little “nearby airports” box. Sometimes the best deals are just outside the main city hub.

Flying into Milan Bergamo instead of Malpensa once saved me nearly £100 – and the bus ride into town was only an hour. A little detour for a big saving.

8. Mix and match one-way tickets

Return tickets aren’t always the bargain they claim to be. In fact, booking two one-way flights on different airlines can often save you serious money.

I once pieced together a London–Lisbon and Lisbon–Bristol combo for £90 less than the cheapest return option. It felt like building Lego with flights – a bit fiddly, but oddly satisfying.

9. Switch to local currency

Another sneaky trick: check the price in the airline’s home currency. Sometimes booking in sterling adds hidden fees or poor conversion rates. Switching to euros, yen, or dollars at checkout can unlock a better deal. Just use a fee-free card so your bank doesn’t eat up the savings.

Final boarding call

So, let’s bury the Tuesday myth once and for all. Finding the cheapest flights in 2025 isn’t about one secret day or time – it’s about playing smart, using tools like VPNs and private browsing, and being flexible with your dates, airports, and booking strategies.

Travel doesn’t have to drain your wallet. With these tips, you’ll not only save money but also travel smoother, smarter, and maybe even smugger (in the best way).

After all, every pound saved on flights is another pound to spend on gelato in Rome, street food in Bangkok, or tapas in Barcelona. And isn’t that what travel is really about?

✈️ Happy flying, friends. And remember: the world is waiting – don’t let overpriced flights hold you back.