When are Airline Tickets Cheapest?

Airline tickets are cheapest when booked 2 months before the travel date — this according to a formula by economist Makoto Wantanabe. Additionally, air fares are usually cheapest in the afternoon. There's anecdotal evidence that the best day of the week to buy airline tickets is Wednesday, especially between midnight and one in the morning, but some travel experts say it's just a myth.

More facts about airline tickets:

• According to the Bureau of Transportation Services, the average cost of US domestic airfare dropped about $100 US dollars (USD) between 2008 and 2009, when the airline industry, like many sectors of the economy, experienced a rough patch.


• The most expensive places to fly out of in the US are Huntsville, Alabama; Grand Rapids, Michigan; and Savannah, Georgia. Tickets from these airports can cost up to $150 USD more than similar flights from neighboring airports. Some of the cheapest airports are Atlantic City, New Jersey; Orlando, Florida; and Fort Lauderdale, Florida.


• One of the most expensive airline tickets costs $250,000 USD round trip. The exorbitant price purchases a "beyond first class" suite in Singapore Airlines' A380, complete with en suite bathroom and shower, turn down service, and a set of Givenchy pajamas and Ferragamo toiletries to take home.