As people start to make plans to book their holidays for 2026, Brits are being urged not to book their flights on a certain day of the week. People planning holidays are being advised to think twice before booking flights on this day of the working week can sometimes mean higher prices and more competition for popular flights.

This particular day has become the most common day for travellers to finalise bookings, as people often plan ahead for weekends or future trips. But this can come at a cost, with flights sometimes more expensive simply because of the day they are booked. The advice applies to all types of trips, whether short city breaks or longer international holidays. While flight prices can change for many reasons, the general trend shows that booking at this time often means higher demand.

Travel experts at Ski Vertigo say the end of the working week can sometimes mean higher prices and more competition for popular flights and people should avoid booking on Fridays.

Fridays have become a common day for travellers to finalise bookings, as people often plan ahead for weekends or future trips. But this can come at a cost, with flights sometimes more expensive simply because of the day they are booked.

"The day you book your flight can make a difference to the price," said a spokesperson for Ski Vertigo. "Fridays are often very busy, which can push prices up. Travellers who choose to book a few days earlier in the week may find better deals."

Experts suggest that midweek days, such as Tuesday or Wednesday, are often quieter for bookings. Travellers booking during these times can sometimes have more choice and avoid the busiest periods, although prices can still change depending on the airline and destination.

"Even small changes in when you book can save money," the spokesperson added. This advice applies to all types of trips, whether short city breaks or longer international holidays.

While flight prices can change for many reasons, the general trend shows that booking at the end of the week often means higher demand. Some benefits of booking midweek include:

*Potentially lower prices: Flights booked on quieter days may be cheaper.
* More choice: Travellers can pick from a wider range of airlines, times and seats.
* Easier planning: Without the pressure of peak demand, it is simpler to compare options and choose flights that fit schedules and budgets.
This guidance can be particularly useful for families,solo travellers and groups who need to balance availability with cost. Being aware of when most people book can help avoid overpaying and make trip planning smoother.

A spokesperson forSki Vertigo added: "While airline pricing is complex, small adjustments in when you book are an easy way to get better value. Paying attention to timing can help travellers make the most of their money without limiting their options."

Overall, travellers are encouraged to review their booking routines and think about midweek alternatives. While Fridays are convenient, planning just a few days differently could make a noticeable difference to flight costs.

Expedia's data, backed up by other research, points to a "golden window" when fares are usually lower. For many routes, this falls around one to three months before departure. Booking almost a year ahead is often not the cheapest option, and leaving it to the last few days can be even worse, especially for busy routes.

Skyscanner's recent trends tell a similar story. They suggest booking around one to three months ahead for many short-haul trips, and roughly two to six months in advance for a lot of international flights. The exact sweet spot still depends on where you are going and when, but the general pattern is clear: there is usually a broad window where prices are more reasonable, rather than one perfect date circled on a calendar.

Travel experts at Ski Vertigo support this view, advising that booking early is "by far the most reliable method" for periods such as Christmas, New Year and February half-term, when chalets and flights fill up quickly and prices rise as seats disappear. For people who are flexible on dates and departure airports, last-minute bargains can save some money.

While the "best" day to book remains unclear, the day you actually fly seems to have more impact on price. Expedia's analysis shows that Saturday departures often offer the cheapest domestic fares, while Thursday stands out as a good day for international journeys. This fits with a simple pattern: when most people want to fly - such as Fridays after work and Sundays before the new week - prices tend to be higher. When demand falls, fares follow.