With the arrival of holidays and long weekends, many people wonder whether waiting for a last-minute deal is really the best way to save money on vacations. On one side there is the promise of the last-minute bargain; on the other, the certainty of those who book well in advance. But what do the latest data and analyses actually say?
What the data shows: the myth of last minute
The idea that prices always drop close to the departure date is widespread, but it does not always reflect reality.
Last-minute deals can be convenient, but only under certain conditions: low season, less popular destinations, and a high degree of flexibility regarding dates and destinations. It is not a rule that applies throughout the year. The situation changes significantly during peak travel periods such as August, Christmas, or spring holidays.
In short, last-minute bookings can work, but they are not an automatic guarantee of savings.
An analysis by Investopedia, based on data from the Expedia Air Travel Hacks Report 2025, shows that booking flights in advance can save about 25% compared with last-minute bookings, especially for domestic routes. In particular, for domestic flights it is often recommended to book 1–3 months before departure to obtain lower prices.
When to book
According to Google’s 2025 travel trend data, the cheapest days to fly are Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, while departures between Friday and Sunday can cost up to 13% more.
The time of the flight also matters: morning flights are less likely to be canceled or delayed than flights scheduled in the evening. Weather disruptions and delays tend to accumulate throughout the day, and as time passes the number of aircraft waiting in line for take-off and landing increases.
Regarding the booking day, an Expedia analysis based on data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation (24 billion tickets analyzed) shows that purchasing a flight on Sunday instead of Friday can save on average 6% on domestic routes and 17% on international routes.
Practical tips
An in-depth analysis published by Sky TG24 provides practical suggestions on how to approach last-minute bookings more consciously. The analysis highlights that flexibility is the key factor: traveling during the low season, avoiding weekends, or choosing less crowded destinations increases the chances of finding lower fares.
It also recommends using price comparison websites and apps and subscribing to airline newsletters, as many deals are communicated directly and are available for a limited time.
Another important factor is timing: last-minute opportunities require quick decisions and immediate budget availability.
During peak travel periods, the dynamics of supply and demand make it more difficult to find significant discounts, reducing the effectiveness of the last-minute strategy. In this sense, last-minute travel appears to be a strategy that works only when supported by constant monitoring and the ability to adapt.
Why these numbers matter
The difference between last-minute and early booking is not only about the final price but also about managing uncertainty. Last-minute travel offers unpredictability, the possibility of seizing opportunities, and a certain degree of decision-making freedom. Early booking, on the other hand, provides planning, control, and reduced financial stress.
Booking in advance means:
- having more availability of flights and accommodations;
- being able to choose more convenient options;
- avoiding the risk of finding only expensive or lower-quality alternatives.
The choice depends on available budget, flexibility, and personal priorities.
Once again, planning makes the difference: setting a budget, monitoring prices, and evaluating the overall cost of the trip allow people to make informed decisions.
Traveling is not only about finding the lowest price, but also about organizing expenses in a way that is consistent with one’s financial goals.
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March 4, 2026