If you’re thinking about spring or summer travel next year, here’s the truth most people don’t want to hear… the best time to book is earlier than you think.

Spring and summer are two of the most in-demand travel seasons, especially for families, friend groups, and anyone planning around school schedules or PTO. That means prices move fast. And if you want the best mix of value, convenience, and nonstop options, timing matters.

The good news? With a little strategy, you can avoid the stress, save money, and actually enjoy the planning part.

Here’s what I recommend.

1. Start monitoring flights 9–10 months in advance

This doesn’t mean you have to book immediately.
It simply means you should watch the patterns.

Airlines release flights 11 months out, and the earliest pricing sets the baseline. If your destination is popular—think Florida, Europe, Mexico, the Caribbean—your window to grab the best fares starts much earlier than most travelers realize.

Alerts help you see the dips before they disappear.

2. Book spring travel between October and January

Spring Break pricing is no joke. If you’re traveling March through May, the sweet spot for booking is:

October to early January.

After that, prices usually rise and rarely return to those early-season lows.
If you’re traveling with kids or need specific dates, book on the earlier side of that window.

Your future self will thank you.

3. Book summer travel between December and March

Summer 2026 is going to be busy. Families are traveling more. Friend groups are planning more reunions. And the demand for warm-weather, all-inclusive, and Europe trips stays high every year.

The best time to book airfare for June, July, and August is:

December through March.

The earlier your dates, the better your chances of grabbing nonstop flights at reasonable times.

4. Use price alerts and compare trends

Tools like Google Flights and Capital One Travel do the heavy lifting for you. Price alerts help you understand what’s normal and what’s a true deal.

When you see a dip, especially one that matches the prediction patterns, that’s your moment to book.

You don’t need to check every day.
You just need to set things up the right way.

5. Be flexible with your travel days

If you can avoid Fridays and Sundays, you’ll almost always save money.

Cheapest days for spring and summer travel:

• Tuesdays

• Wednesdays

• Saturdays

Even shifting your trip by one day can make a big difference, especially for groups.

6. For groups, book earlier than you think

If you’re coordinating friends or family, it’s not just about airfare.
It’s about getting rooms in the same resort, finding villas that aren’t already sold out, and securing flights that don’t have a million connections.

Groups should aim to book 8–12 months out, minimum.

It keeps things calm. It keeps things organized.
And most importantly, it keeps things easy.

When in doubt, book early and adjust later

Most airlines now offer flexible changes or credits, which means you can book with confidence, track the prices, and rebook if something better comes along.

Booking early protects your options.
Tracking protects your wallet.