Friday is now the cheapest day to fly and Tuesday is the quietest, according to data from Expedia.
The travel agency’s Air Hacks Report [https://www.expedia.co.uk/see/airhacks?brandcid=EXPEDIA-UK.COMMS.PR.AIRHACKS26.GENERIC] reveals this is the day to get away - with jetsetters saving an average of 18 per cent on Fridays compared to travelling on a Saturday.
Other hacks include booking on a Sunday to ensure getting the best deal, and also arranging flights in May, as this month was named the least expensive month to book.
While June is considered the most affordable month to fly, with flights 68 per cent cheaper on average than December – making an average saving of £250 per ticket.
The insights also revealed Tuesday as the quietest day of the week to fly - but most expensive to book.
And Friday is the busiest, yet the most cost-efficient.
Expedia launched the report as part of its yearly look into cheapest travel prices, after adding a ‘Flight Deals’ feature to its app, allowing users to find flights 20 per cent lower than the norm.
Melanie Fish, a spokesperson from the travel company, said: “We are very excited to release these new findings and share our top air hacks for 2026 to ensure holidaymakers get the best value for money, as well as an enjoyable travelling experience.
“New opportunities are opening up for leisure travellers due to those flying for business purposes heading home earlier in the week.
“My top tip? Choose smarter days to travel, like Friday for the best prices or Tuesday.”
The data also revealed the most affordable booking window for domestic economy flights is between 31 and 45 days before departure.
This tactic will also save people an average of £38 compared to bookings that are made more than six months out.
For international travel, adults can save £93, on average, by booking 15 to 30 days ahead of time – instead of six months – but purchasing tickets 31 to 45 days before can still make a saving of £85.
Belfast (£170 on average), Liverpool (£171 on average) and Bournemouth (£171 on average) are the cheapest airports to fly from.
London Heathrow (£533 on average), Humberside (£420 on average) and Manchester (£404 on average) are the most expensive airports to fly from.
International saver routes under £100 include Luton – Poznan, Stansted – Shannon and Liverpool to Bergamo.
The findings also delved into people’s general flying habits and what will be popular for the year ahead.
It found ‘extreme day trips’ will become a mainstream trend which involves people booking a roundtrip flight within 24-hours – with 20 per cent having already done so this year.
More than half (51 per cent) of international flyers are booking morning flights, and only 15 per cent opt for an evening flight.
A third of travellers now fly with a carry-on bag only, as 29 per cent admit they would wear extra layers to dodge baggage fees.
Melanie Fish added: “Planning a holiday can be overwhelming and expensive. By sharing some of our insights, we hope it helps those who are planning to get away this year.”
