The travel experts at Booking.com have provided key tips for finding the best time to book a flight for the greatest possible savings. Whether you’re planning a quick getaway or a long-haul adventure, these hacks will ensure you get the best deals possible.

Here are 5 top tips for booking affordable flights:

Set up price alerts

Stay ahead of price fluctuations by setting up alerts on your booking site. This real-time strategy ensures you catch fare drops as soon as they happen, helping you lock in the lowest rates.

I’m a travel expert, and here’s how you can save up to 40% on flights

Fly midweek

Adjusting your travel dates can significantly impact costs. Nikolett Daru, travel expert, commented: “Booking midweek flights can be cheaper than booking over the weekend. Midweek flights, especially on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, are often cheaper than weekend flights, as these days see lower demand.” This small shift can lead to big savings.

Book in advance

It’s a well-known fact that booking early secures better deals, but it also opens up more choices for accommodation, flight times and routes, especially when considering international trips. For international trips, booking 3 to 6 months in advance can save you between 15-40%, especially during peak travel seasons. For domestic flights, booking 1 to 3 months in advance is recommended to avoid the last-minute price hike.

I’m a travel expert, and here’s how you can save up to 40% on flights

Choose unsociable hours

Early-morning or late-night flights are often less expensive. If you’re flexible, flying at these times can significantly cut costs.

Nikolett Daru added: “It might be cheaper to go for a 6am flight, but ensure you work out whether you’d be able to get to the airport in time. Public transport might not be running, and the chances of you getting a lift are slim. After all, you don’t want to save £50 on flights only to be forced to spend more on a taxi to the airport.”

I’m a travel expert, and here’s how you can save up to 40% on flights

Be flexible

Flexibility is key when hunting for the best deals. Use search tools to compare different flight schedules.

I’m a travel expert, and here’s how you can save up to 40% on flights

Nikolett Daru summarized: “Building flexibility into your travel itinerary is key to unlocking the best deals on cheap flights. Use filters to widen your search across multiple airports, several dates, all times of day, all airlines and direct and indirect flights will help you find the best deals”

By following these expert tips, you can maximize your travel budget and secure the best deals on flights. You can view Booking.com’s expert tips on the best times to book flights here.