Finding the best time to book United flights isn’t just a travel hack—it’s a smart strategy that can save you hundreds of dollars. While there’s no universal “perfect day” for booking, knowing when to search, how far in advance to plan, and what tools to use can dramatically lower your airfare.
This comprehensive guide explains how United’s pricing works, the myths about booking days, and insider tips for getting the cheapest tickets in 2025.
Is There a Perfect Day to Book United Flights?
For years, travelers swore by the Tuesday at 3 p.m. rule, believing that airlines released their lowest fares early in the week. This was true when airlines like United would launch promotions on Mondays, with discounted tickets going live on Tuesday mornings.
However, this strategy is now outdated. United Airlines uses dynamic pricing, adjusting fares multiple times a day based on demand, competition, season, and even your browsing history. Deals can now appear—and disappear—at any time.
When to Book United Flights for the Lowest Prices
While there’s no guaranteed “cheapest day,” booking in advance is still the most reliable way to save.
- Domestic flights – 1 to 3 months before departure
- International flights – 3 to 6 months before departure
Booking too close to your travel date can mean higher fares unless you find a rare last-minute deal.
Weekly Booking Patterns That Can Save You Money
- Midweek bookings – Tuesday and Wednesday often see slightly lower fares due to reduced business travel demand.
- Avoid weekends – Prices tend to rise on Fridays and Sundays when leisure and business travelers compete for seats.
- Last-minute deals – Occasionally, United will drop fares days before departure to fill empty seats, but this requires flexibility and comes with risk.
Best Time of Day to Book United Flights
- Early mornings (5–10 a.m.) – Overnight repricing can create fresh deals before demand rises.
- Late-night searches – Occasionally uncover unadvertised fare drops for flights with low bookings.
- Throughout the day – Prices can shift hourly, so checking multiple times can help spot sudden drops.
Insider Tips from Frequent United Flyers
- Use United’s Low Fare Calendar – View an entire month’s fares to quickly spot the cheapest days to travel.
- Be flexible with travel dates – Midweek flights are generally cheaper than Friday or Sunday departures.
- Join MileagePlus – United’s loyalty program offers award tickets, upgrades, and exclusive deals.
- Use a United credit card – Earn miles, get free checked bags, and enjoy priority boarding.
- Avoid peak seasons – Traveling during off-peak months like October, early November, or mid-January can significantly cut costs.
Expert Booking Guidelines
- Domestic Travel – Book 1–2 months ahead for the best balance between price and availability.
- International Travel – Book 3–5 months in advance to lock in lower fares.
- Best Months to Book – October and early winter months tend to offer the lowest prices for future travel.
- Best Days to Fly – Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday are usually the cheapest for departures.
Final Thoughts on Booking United Flights
The days of a “magic” booking day are over—today’s cheapest United fares are found by booking early, being flexible, and using the right tools. While Tuesday and Wednesday still often produce good deals, the best time to buy is when you see a fare that works for your budget and schedule.
Remember: Prices change several times a day, so if you spot a deal, act quickly before it’s gone.
FAQs – Best Time to Book United Flights
Is Tuesday still the cheapest day to book?
Not always. While Tuesday can be good, dynamic pricing means deals can appear any day.
When should I book United flights for the best price?
1–3 months in advance for domestic and 3–6 months for international routes.
What are the cheapest days to fly United?
Typically Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
What’s the best month to book?
October often brings strong discounts for future travel dates.
How often do United’s prices change?
Several times a day, depending on demand and route performance.
