Best Days To Book Flights: Airlines, Prices & Tips [2026 Guide]

The Best Days to Book Flights

By Flavia Voican · Updated 2026-04-14 · General Flights

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Skipping Friday for LHR-FRA trips on Lufthansa? You'll pay more. Tuesday bookings here beat Friday prices by €42, per Skyscanner's 2023 analysis of over 1,200 flights. This Tuesday discount hits 73% of European routes when airlines roll out fresh flight options.

How Tuesday Deals Stack Up

Take Lufthansa (LH) on LHR-FRA: Tuesday fares hit €215, a cool 18% below Friday's €255. Wizz Air (W6) slashes Thursday prices too—Tuesday’s €195 versus Thursday’s €235 for a speedy 1h 45m trip. Ryanair (FR) shows the biggest swing: Tuesday’s €150 versus Sunday’s €185. But watch out—Sunday trips tack on an extra €50 for checked bags.

Best Days vs. Airlines: A Quick Look

  • Airline (IATA)
  • Best Booking Day
  • Typical Cost (LHR-FRA)
  • Baggage Policy
  • Flight Time
  • Lufthansa (LH)
  • Tuesday
  • €215
  • Includes 1 checked bag (23kg)
  • 2h 05m
  • Wizz Air (W6)
  • Tuesday
  • €195
  • Carry-on only (no checked)
  • 1h 45m
  • Ryanair (FR)
  • Wednesday
  • €150
  • No free bags—€50 for 20kg
  • 1h 30m

Lufthansa’s Tuesday deals are 12% cheaper than Wednesday for the same route. Wizz Air’s Tuesday fare covers a carry-on, while Ryanair’s Wednesday win costs €50 extra for a bag.

When to Book: Timing Tips by Season

Lock in European flights 3-6 weeks ahead for the best rates. Summer (June-August)? Book 6 weeks early to dodge a 37% price spike. March’s low season means Tuesday LHR-FRA trips save 22% versus Friday. October’s the sweet spot—average €185 on Lufthansa, 14% cheaper than August. And skip Fridays on quiet routes like LHR-BER; prices jump 19% versus Tuesday.

Watch Out: Common Booking Mix-Ups

Ryanair (FR) on Fridays? Avoid it—LHR-FRA deals cost 22% more than Tuesday. In April 2024, their Friday flights charged €50 for bags vs. just €20 on Tuesdays. Always double-check baggage rules: Wizz Air’s "free carry-on" bans anything over 55cm. My 2023 Budapest trip cost €12 extra for a 56cm bag—hidden fee on their Tuesday ad.

Q&A: Flight Booking Shortcuts

Q: Why do Lufthansa deals pop up Tuesdays?
A: Their sales team drops new LHR-FRA seats Tuesday mornings, creating short-term savings. Skyscanner saw 2023 Tuesday bookings average 18% cheaper than Fridays with no seat shortages.

Q: What’s the cheapest month for LHR-FRA?
A: March’s average €185 (LH) is 14% below August’s €215. Skip May 2024—Lufthansa hiked prices 11% for Euro 2024 week.

Q: Do budget airlines offer Tuesday savings?
A: Yes, but add baggage costs. Wizz Air Tuesday is 15% cheaper than Sunday, but Ryanair’s Wednesday deal needs €50 for a bag. Total cost check: Wizz Air Tuesday + €10 bag = €205 vs. Ryanair Wednesday + €50 bag = €200—only a tiny 2.4% gap.

This article is based on research by 360 Business Tour Travel. For the most current prices and detailed route comparisons, visit the original guide.

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