Booking a flight can feel like a gamble. Prices fluctuate daily, often leaving travelers wondering if they secured the best deal or if they paid too much. United Airlines, like many major carriers including Delta Airlines, adjusts fares based on complex algorithms. But the good news is: there are proven patterns to when flights are cheapest to book.
Generally, Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to be the cheapest days to book United flights. Timing, flexibility, and smart search strategies are your best tools. Keep reading to find out why these days matter and how you can use this knowledge to your advantage for both domestic and international travel.
When it comes to travel, your timing doesn't just affect your itinerary it affects your wallet.
According to travel industry studies, airfare prices can vary by as much as 20-30% depending on the day of the week you book, and even more depending on when you plan to fly. Whether you're flying with United Airlines or another major carrier like Delta Airlines, understanding these trends can mean hundreds in savings.
Most travelers don't realize:
Airlines use dynamic pricing.
Fare changes can happen several times a day.
Booking too early or too late can lead to higher prices.
Key Insight: Booking your flight on the right day particularly Tuesday or Wednesday can offer consistently lower fares across both domestic and international routes.
Historically, Tuesday at 3 p.m. EST is often cited as the best time to find deals. Why? That’s when airlines typically launch fare sales, and competitors begin matching prices. Here's why Tuesday and Wednesday are winners:
Airfare Wars Begin on Monday Nights: By Tuesday morning, most airlines have matched their competitors’ prices.
Less Business Travel: Corporate travelers tend to book later in the week, allowing airlines to lower prices mid-week for casual travelers.
More Data, More Discounts: Airlines analyze weekend booking data and adjust pricing accordingly on Mondays or Tuesdays.
If you're booking a United Airlines ticket for a vacation, business trip, or last-minute getaway, aim to browse and book between Tuesday morning and Wednesday evening for the best chance at a deal.
Not always—but usually.
Sunday bookings can occasionally offer discounts, especially for international travel.
However, Friday and Saturday are among the most expensive days to book flights, especially for departures on the same weekend.
Action Tip: Set fare alerts early in the week and book if you see a price drop on Tuesday or Wednesday.
Let’s not confuse the best day to fly with the best day to book—they’re different.
If you’re flying on United, the cheapest days to actually depart and return are usually:
Tuesday
Wednesday
Saturday
These days have lower demand compared to business-heavy Mondays and leisure-heavy Fridays or Sundays.
Pro Insight: Booking a Tuesday-to-Tuesday or Wednesday-to-Wednesday trip can result in the most cost-effective round-trip fare.
Fridays and Sundays: Most expensive due to demand from business and weekend travelers.
Holidays: Book well in advance for Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Year’s to avoid surge pricing.
Finding the cheapest booking day is just one strategy. Here are additional proven techniques to help you score the lowest fare.
Websites and apps like:
Google Flights
Skyscanner
Kayak
Hopper
These tools show you calendar-based pricing and suggest the cheapest days to book or fly. You can set price alerts for United and Delta Airlines to catch fare drops.
Even a one-day change in your itinerary can mean significant savings. Try:
Flying into or out of alternate airports
Shifting your travel window by 1-2 days
Flying during off-peak hours (early morning or late night)
For domestic United flights:
1 to 3 months in advance is the sweet spot.
Booking too early can result in higher prices due to lack of competition.
For international travel:
2 to 8 months in advance is ideal.
Certain destinations may offer flash sales, so remain flexible and vigilant.
Earn points, get early access to deals, and sometimes even receive upgrade offers. Also, check with Delta Airlines' SkyMiles if you're comparing both airlines.
Still confused or need help finding the best United flight? Speak directly with a travel agent by calling +1-833-654-7126 or +1 888-80-31-162. Experts can help you navigate discounts, loyalty programs, and multi-city routes for maximum savings.
It’s natural to compare United Airlines and Delta Airlines when searching for flight booking savings. Both carriers are part of the Big Three U.S. airlines and have competitive pricing strategies.
Bottom Line: Both airlines follow similar pricing patterns. Booking mid-week and remaining flexible with travel plans remains the best way to unlock low fares on either carrier.
Typically, Tuesdays and Wednesdays offer the lowest fares. Airlines often release discounts early in the week, and competitors adjust pricing to match.
Generally, booking online is cheaper due to access to promo codes and fare comparison tools. However, calling +1-833-654-7126 or +1 888-80-31-162 can help you find hidden deals, especially for complex itineraries.
Both airlines use dynamic pricing models and offer similar deals on Tuesday/Wednesday. The choice often depends on your destination, preferred loyalty program, and travel dates.
Domestic: 1–3 months ahead
International: 2–8 months ahead
Booking too early or too late can cost more due to pricing algorithms.
Flying on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Saturdays usually results in the lowest ticket prices.
Booking smart isn’t about luck it’s about strategy. When flying with United Airlines (or even Delta Airlines), knowing the cheapest days to book Tuesdays and Wednesdays can save you hundreds on your next trip. Combine that with flexible dates, early planning, and smart tools, and you’ve got a formula for cost-effective travel.
If you’re ready to book your next United Airlines flight but want help navigating the best dates and routes, speak directly with an agent by calling +1-833-654-7126 or +1 888-80-31-162 today. Your next travel deal could be just a call or a Tuesday away.