While the idea of a travel hack might be a bit of a myth, there are definitely effective strategies to help you save on flights.

A recent study by Expedia and the Airlines Reporting Corp. (ARC) looks into past booking and pricing habits to challenge commonly held beliefs about airline fares. The findings offer valuable advice for planning your future travels.

“Data from ARC was crucial in uncovering travel myths for Expedia’s 2025 Air Hacks Report, which will assist travelers in preparing for their vacations next year,” said Chuck Thackston, the managing director of data science and research at ARC. “In 2025, both premium and economy fares are expected to be more affordable, benefiting U.S. travelers who are increasingly spending on international trips to discover new places worldwide.”

Here’s what Expedia and ARC discovered regarding eight prevalent flight myths:

1. Summer is the most costly season to travel

Interestingly, August emerges as the most economical month for travel, coinciding with many children returning to school. Conversely, February and March represent the peak months for flight expenses. By choosing to fly in August instead of February, travelers can potentially save up to 12% on domestic flights and 7% on international trips.

2. There’s no optimal weekday to book flights

Despite varying opinions on this claim, data indicates that Sundays are the most advantageous day to book flights. According to Expedia and ARC’s findings, ticket prices for domestic flights can be 6% lower and international flights about 17% lower when booked on a Sunday, as compared to Mondays or Fridays.

3. Departure days don’t affect flight prices

The report clarifies, “It’s not only about when you make the booking, but also when you fly.” Generally, flights departing on Thursdays for international travel and Saturdays for domestic travel tend to be cheaper than on other days of the week, regardless of the destination or class of service.

4. The earlier you book, the lower the fares

Research shows that the ideal timeframe for booking keeps getting closer to the date of departure. For domestic flights, booking between one to three months in advance may lead to savings of up to 25% compared to last-minute purchases. For international trips, the most favorable fares are often available just 18 to 29 days before departure.

However, Expedia’s experts caution that while this can be a beneficial approach, it carries risks. On highly traveled routes or during peak seasons, preferred flights could be unavailable, and prices might surge if you wait too long.

5. Airfare rises annually

Surprisingly, ticket prices in 2024 were slightly lower than those in 2023. The average domestic economy airfare was down 1%, and international economy tickets dropped by 4% compared to the previous year.

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6. Premium tickets are excessively priced

Airlines are becoming more strategic with their pricing for premium seating, and an increasing number of travelers are opting for these tickets. Findings from the Expedia and ARC report reveal that the gap between economy and premium cabin prices has shrunk by 10% since 2019.

7. Flights are always fully booked

While this may be true during busy travel periods, flying during less crowded times could give you a chance to enjoy an empty adjacent seat.

8. It’s impossible to avoid cancellations and delays

While many flight delays and cancellations may seem out of a passenger’s hands, booking strategically can help reduce these risks. Morning flights are significantly less likely to be canceled, as operational issues tend to accumulate throughout the day.

These recommendations are based on broad trends, but Expedia and similar platforms also offer tools to help secure the best flight deals.

“It’s wise to take the 2025 Air Hacks into account when reserving flights, but the ultimate strategy is to let technology assist you in discovering the best value. Utilize Price Alerts, take advantage of Price Drop Protection to get reimbursed if prices decrease, and explore Expedia’s new Flight Deals tool to identify routes where you could save at least 20% below normal rates,” stated Melanie Fish, head of public relations for Expedia Group Brands.

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter and contributes to the Cruising Altitude column. He is located in New York.