Finding the Best Days to Book Cheap Delta Flights

Scoring a great deal on airline tickets is a bit of an art form. With fluctuating prices and varying availability, it can be tricky to pinpoint the ideal time to book Delta flights to get the lowest fares. But with some research and flexibility, you can maximize your chances of snagging those budget-friendly flights.

This comprehensive guide will explore the best days and times to book Delta flights for domestic and international travel. We’ll look at trends, expert advice, and real data to help you plan your next trip without breaking the bank. Let’s dive in!

Why Some Days are Cheaper Than Others

Airlines like Delta use complex algorithms and demand forecasting to strategically price their flights. They aim to fill as many seats as possible at the highest fares. As flights fill up closer to the departure date, prices tend to rise accordingly.

However, there are certain days and times when demand is naturally lower, so airlines drop fares in an attempt to fill those remaining seats. This creates windows of opportunity for savvy travelers to snag cheaper tickets by booking on those less popular days and times.

The Best Days to Book Domestic Delta Flights

According to multiple studies and travel experts, the cheapest days to book domestic Delta flights in the U.S. are:

• Tuesdays [, , , ]
• Wednesdays [, ]
• Saturdays [, ]

Tuesday tends to be the overall best day, with the lowest average fares. Wednesdays are a close second, while Saturdays can also yield cheaper weekend rates.

Why Tuesdays are Prime for Booking

So what makes Tuesdays such a sweet spot for Delta flight deals? A few key factors:

• Airlines often launch sales and lower fares on Mondays to incentivize bookings early in the week .
• Fewer business travelers book flights mid-week, lowering demand .
• Tuesday is far enough from the weekend to avoid inflated weekend fares.

As a result, searching for flights on Tuesday mornings or nights can often reveal lower prices as other airlines match the initial Monday night sale fares.

Days to Avoid Booking Delta Flights

Conversely, there are certain days when you’ll want to avoid booking if you’re looking for the cheapest Delta tickets:

• Fridays
• Sundays
• Mondays

Friday tends to be the most expensive day overall due to higher demand from business and leisure travelers. Prices also spike on Sundays as many travelers book returns from weekend trips. And while Monday deals occur, the cheapest fares are usually gone by mid-day.

The Best Time of Day to Book

While days certainly matter, the specific time of day you book can also impact fares on Delta and other airlines. Most experts recommend:

• Early morning hours (approx. 6 AM to 8 AM local time)
• Late night/overnight (after midnight)

Airlines commonly release new discounts and price changes overnight when booking traffic is low. So checking Delta’s website first thing in the morning or after midnight can allow you to snag those freshly discounted fares before they sell out.

Tips for Booking International Delta Flights

For international travel on Delta, the booking window and days get a bit trickier. Here are some tips:

• Book roughly 2-8 months in advance for the lowest fares
• Aim for a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday booking if possible
• Avoid holiday travel dates when fares skyrocket
• Use Delta’s price tracking tools to get notified of fare drops

Unlike domestic flights where the cheapest days are more defined, international dates can vary. But sticking to the 2-8 month booking window and tracking prices can help identify Delta’s periodic sale dates.

Flexibility is Key for Finding Delta Deals

While Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays are generally the best days to book Delta flights, the single most important factor is flexibility. Being able to shift your travel dates by a day or two can reveal tremendous savings.

Delta’s Low Fare Calendar and Price Traffic Tracker tools are immensely helpful for quickly comparing rates across a range of dates. Don’t get fixated on specific dates if low fares exist nearby.

It’s also wise to be flexible with airports if possible. Checking fares from nearby airports can sometimes yield significant savings. Using Delta’s Deals page to browse discount offers by destination is another great tactic.

When to Forget the “Best” Days and Times

Of course, there are times when prioritizing travel dates trumps finding the absolute lowest fare. If you’re attending a wedding, business meeting or other event on a fixed date, you may have little choice but to book on a pricier day.

During peak holiday periods like Thanksgiving and Christmas, the conventional “best days” often go out the window as demand soars. Your best option is typically booking as early as Delta’s schedule allows to get lower rates.

And while Tuesday consistently ranks as a top booking day, airline sales and mistake fares can pop up any time. Being ready to pull the trigger when an unusually low fare appears is sometimes more valuable than stubbornly waiting for Tuesday.

Don’t Forget About Budgeting Tools

Finding the cheapest days and times to book is crucial, but it’s just one part of the cost-saving equation. Be sure to leverage these other tactics and tools from Delta as well:

• Flexible Date Calendar – Quickly see the lowest fares across a range of dates
• Low Fare Forecasts – Get fare projections to time your purchase optimally
• Delta SkyMiles – Earn and redeem miles to offset ticket costs
• Student/Military Fares – Take advantage of special discounted rates
• Bundle and Save – Book hotels and rental cars together for package savings

The more of these Delta tools and discounts you combine, the greater your overall savings can be. A holistic, proactive approach will maximize your chance at the cheapest flights.

Bonus: Tracking Delta Ticket Prices

Even after booking, it pays to continue tracking your Delta reservation. If the fare drops below what you paid, you can request a voucher or travel credit for the difference.

Delta’s Best Fare Checker and automated rebooking emails make it easy to monitor price changes without the manual effort. With a little luck, you could end up with an additional voucher to use toward your next trip!

Conclusion

While there’s no definitive “best day” that will guarantee the cheapest Delta fares 100% of the time, certain days and times are empirically better for scoring deals. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays consistently top the list, along with early morning and overnight booking hours.

But ultimately, flexibility with dates and a tactical approach like leveraging Delta’s tools and deals are what will yield maximum savings. Finding that sweet spot between your preferred dates and Delta’s lowest fares just takes diligence and preparation.

With the tips and trends outlined here, you’ll be an expert at pinpointing those elusive Delta deals in no time! Enjoy your future trips and happy, money-saving travels!

FAQs

1. How far in advance should I book Delta flights?

For domestic Delta flights, the “prime booking window” is generally 1-3 months prior to travel. For international flights, aim to book 2-8 months out. Booking too early can mean missing out on future sales.

2. Does Delta have a best day to release award seat availability?

While normal paid fares may fluctuate, Delta doesn’t have a specific “best day” for releasing award seat inventory. Award availability can shift daily based on demand.

3. How can I check Delta’s lowest fares across multiple dates?

Use Delta’s Flexible Dates calendar to quickly compare rates across a range of dates from your preferred airports. This handy tool highlights the cheapest departure and return combinations.

4. Are Delta flight prices the same across all booking sites?

Delta airfares are typically the same regardless of whether you book directly on Delta.com or through an online travel agency. However, OTAs may sometimes have exclusive package deals that can save you money.

5. What if I find a lower Delta fare after booking?

If Delta’s fare drops below what you originally paid after booking, you can request a residual travel voucher for the difference via the airline’s Best Fare Checker tool. This voucher can be redeemed for future travel.