How to Save Up to 22% on Flights to the UAE

Did you know that Sunday is the best day to book plane tickets, but the most expensive day to fly?

The day of the week really does play a crucial role in both purchasing tickets and traveling. According to the 2025 Air Hacks Report published by Expedia, booking tickets on Sunday can save you an average of 16% compared to Friday. However, flying on Sunday can cost 16% more than flying on Thursday.

When Is the Best Time to Book Tickets?

• Sunday is the optimal day to book tickets. You can save up to 16% on international flights compared to booking on a Friday.
• For premium-class tickets, weekends are the most cost-effective time to book—on average, you can save 22% compared to Thursday.
• The best window for purchasing international tickets is 6 to 12 days before departure. Travelers who booked in this timeframe saved an average of 21% compared to those who booked 128–138 days in advance (the least favorable time to book).

When Is the Best Time to Fly?

• Thursday is the best day to depart. Passengers save an average of 9% by flying on Thursday rather than Monday (the most expensive day to start an international trip).
• Night flights are more reliable. Flights departing between 9:00 PM and 3:00 AM have the lowest chance of cancellation, about 8% less likely than at other times. Afternoon flights (3:00 PM to 9:00 PM) have the highest cancellation rate—20% more likely than other times.
• The fewest cancellations happen in June, while the most occur in April.
• January is the cheapest month for economy class, offering savings of up to 13% compared to June, which is considered the most expensive month.
• July is the best time for premium class. Flying during the summer is cheaper—up to 14% savings compared to October, when premium fares peak.
• Tuesday is the ideal day for a smooth travel experience. It’s not always the cheapest day to fly, but airports are less crowded, making your journey more comfortable.

Travel Smart

Melanie Fish, Head of PR at Expedia Group, recommends relying on the data:

“Data from a billion bookings worldwide speaks for itself. Ticket prices are going down, the peak summer season is no longer the most expensive time to travel, and booking too early can actually lead to extra costs.”

Now that you know these tricks, you can plan your trips more affordably and comfortably! ✈️