What are the cheapest days and weeks to fly?

We’ve crunched the numbers to find the cheapest days to fly. So, if you’ve been holding off on booking your next trip, now’s the time to start planning.

What are the cheapest days to fly?

It comes as no surprise that the first week of July is the most popular time to travel—and it’s also the most expensive. Yet even though 39% of Aussie travellers know there are cheaper weeks to fly, only 13% are actually taking advantage of the cheapest flight days this winter.

After analysing tens of thousands of data points, we discovered that the week of 22 July is, on average, the cheapest week to fly this winter. Travelling that week instead of the peak week of 1 July could save Australian travellers around 24%—that’s a potential saving of up to $1,236 for a family of four!

The cheapest week to travel

Find the cheapest days to fly from Australia to popular holiday destinations in winter:

Origin	Destination	Cheapest week to travel	Average ticket price*
Sydney	London	w/c 29th July	$2,789
Brisbane	Phuket	w/c 19th August	$1,022
Melbourne	Los Angeles	w/c 22nd July	$1,726
Sydney	Athens	w/c 22nd July	$2,390
Brisbane	Manila	w/c 20th July	$832

*Ticket prices accurate as of May 2024. Subject to fluctuation.

When is the cheapest week to book flights?

Knowing the best day to buy plane tickets is just as important as knowing the cheapest days to fly. Here’s when to book for some of our most-searched destinations:

Destination	Best time to book
Delhi, India	12 weeks ahead
Phuket, Thailand	14 weeks ahead
Auckland, New Zealand	8 weeks ahead
Bali, Indonesia	16 weeks ahead
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam	19 weeks ahead

Spotlight destination #1: Athens, Greece

Cheapest week to travel: w/c 22nd July; Best time to book: 11 weeks in advance

Step into Athens and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into another era. Beneath cloudless skies and the warmth of the Mediterranean sun, this city weaves ancient history into everyday life. Wander through time at iconic sites like the Acropolis, Parthenon and Ancient Agora, where myths and marble columns stand side by side. For a quieter glimpse into antiquity, visit the Temple of Hephaestus or linger over Greek coffee in the charming lanes of Plaka, where bougainvillea adorns whitewashed walls.

As the sun begins to dip, make your way up Mount Lycabettus for panoramic views over the city. From here, you’ll see the glow of the Acropolis and skyline of Athens slowly illuminate. Evenings are best spent like a local savoring souvlaki under fairy lights or sipping ouzo at a neighborhood taverna. Listen as live bouzouki music adds to the ambiance.

Athens is also a launchpad to the Aegean. Day trips to islands like Aegina or Hydra offer a taste of Greece’s coastal charm, where you'll lounge on a sunsoaked beach, learn about history through crumbling ruins and snack on pistachio everything (don't skip the ice cream). With ferries leaving daily, it’s easy to turn a city break into a full-blown island-hopping adventure across the Med.

Find cheap flights to Athens

Spotlight destination #2: Los Angeles, California, USA

Cheapest week to travel: w/c 22nd July; Best time to book: 18 weeks in advance

Live it up in La La Land, where winter feels more like a sun-soaked holiday. With clear skies and warm days, it’s the perfect time to hit the road along Highway 101. Cruise the coast and stop wherever the vibe feels right. Shop for luxury souvenirs and ride the Ferris Wheel in Santa Monica, people-watch and skate with locals in Venice Beach, or catch a wave at one of Malibu’s legendary surf breaks. Extend your trip south to laid-back San Diego or north to upscale Santa Barbara for a classic California road trip with ocean views along the way (there's also a coastal train to both destinations).

Back in the city, trade beach views for skyline panoramas at Griffith Observatory. From this perch above the hills, you’ll see the LA sprawl stretched beneath you and on a clear day might even spot the sea. Whether you're hiking or driving to the top, it's a great spot for golden-hour sunsets and starry city lights. (Visiting is free!)

Of course, LA isn’t all palm trees and movie sets. Spend a day hopping between world-class museums like LACMA, home to the iconic Urban Light installation; MOCA, where cutting-edge contemporary works await; and The Getty Center, a hilltop wonder of art, architecture and perfectly kept gardens. Fueling the adventure? Some of the best Mexican food you can find this side of the border.

Find cheap flights to Los Angeles

FAQs about the cheapest days to fly from Australia

Which weeks of the year are typically the cheapest to travel?

Flights are often cheaper during shoulder seasons and the weeks just before or after major holidays or school breaks. Think early spring or late autumn, when fewer people are travelling. Avoid peak times like mid-December to early-January, school holidays or major public holidays if you're chasing the best deals.

How far in advance should I book to get the best price?

For most destinations, booking one to three months ahead for domestic flights and two to six months ahead for international trips will give you the best flight deals. Last-minute bargains do exist but are less reliable. Planning ahead gives you more options and better prices. If you have a route and date in mind, set up a Skyscanner Price Alert. We'll let you know if a flight price changes.

Are early morning or late-night flights usually cheaper?

Flights that depart at less convenient times, like early morning or late at night, are often more affordable than flights departing during daylight hours. These off-peak hours tend to have lower demand, which means lower fares. If you don’t mind sacrificing a bit of sleep (or easily sleep on flights), flying during these windows can save you a decent amount.