Best Day to Buy Airline Tickets: Insider Tips to Score Cheap Flights in 2025

If you’ve ever searched online for airline tickets, you know the frustration. One day the fare to Manila looks affordable, and the next day it’s suddenly hundreds more. Friends tell you, “Always book on Tuesday.” Others say, “Try midnight searches.” You may wonder if there really is a “best day to buy airline tickets” or if it’s just random luck.

The truth? There are patterns to airline pricing - and if you know how to play the game, you can save big. In this guide, we’ll explore the best days to buy airline tickets, how far in advance to book, which sites are worth using, and why many Filipino travelers still turn to trusted travel agents for the lowest fares and peace of mind.

Airlines don’t pick prices out of thin air. They use complicated software that adjusts fares based on demand, season, and even the day of the week.

For years, data has shown that Tuesday and Wednesday are often the cheapest days to book. Why? Airlines usually release fare updates late Monday or early Tuesday, and by midweek, competitors have matched or dropped prices.

If you book on Fridays or Sundays, expect higher fares. That’s when leisure travelers are searching most, driving demand up.

Quick tip: For flights from Toronto to Manila, try running your search on Tuesday evening or early Wednesday morning. The difference can be $50–$200 per ticket.

Timing matters almost as much as the day of the week.

• Domestic flights: Book 1-3 months before departure.

• International flights: Book 3-6 months in advance for the best deals.

• Last-minute tickets: These can be cheap, but only if the airline needs to fill empty seats. Otherwise, last-minute fares can skyrocket.

For peak seasons - like Christmas and Holy Week - book even earlier. Waiting for a last-minute deal during December travel to the Philippines is almost always a losing bet.

Most travelers start with online search engines. Here are the top choices:

1. Google Flights

Easy to use, shows multiple airlines at once, and the calendar tool highlights the cheapest days to fly.
2. Skyscanner

Known for finding low fares and “everywhere” searches for spontaneous travelers.
3. Expedia and Booking Sites

Convenient for bundling flights with hotels, though they sometimes add hidden fees.

But here’s the catch:

Online sites don’t always show all available fares. Some airlines keep special prices hidden from public search engines. That’s why many Filipino travelers in Toronto still call a travel agency when they need the best place to buy airline tickets - especially for family bookings or balikbayan trips.

Want to stretch your budget further? Try these insider moves:

• Use a Fare Calendar
  Airline websites and some travel agents provide monthly views showing the lowest available prices. A tool like a low fare calendar makes it easy to spot the cheapest days to fly.

• Book in the Right Currency
  If you’re buying from Canada, but the fare shows in USD, the conversion could add 10% or more. Always check if a Canadian dollar option is available.

• Compare Multiple Sites
  Don’t rely on just one platform. Cross-check between Google Flights, Skyscanner, and a travel agency.

• Look Beyond Just “Cheap”
  The lowest fare isn’t always the best deal. Consider baggage allowance, seat comfort, and change fees.

Here’s where things get interesting. With all the online tools available, why do many Filipino travelers still prefer buying through a travel agent in Toronto?

• Hidden Deals
  Agents often use the Global Distribution System (GDS), which lists fares not shown on consumer sites.

• Family & Group Bookings
  If you’re booking for a family or a church group, agents can often make it simple by finding the best fares, keeping everyone on the same schedule, and handling changes or special requests - so your trip is easier, cheaper, and worry-free.

• Avoiding Traps
  Ever seen an ad for “$800 flights to Manila” only to discover later it was one-way, before taxes, and in USD? Travel agents help you avoid those disappointments.

• Customer Support
  When flights get canceled or rescheduled, it’s much easier to call your agent than to wait on hold with an airline’s 1-800 number.

• Watch exchange rates: A strong Canadian dollar means better fares in USD.

• Avoid peak holiday weekends: Prices almost always surge around long weekends.

• Don’t just chase “cheap”: A $50 higher ticket that includes a checked bag is often the smarter buy.

Conclusion

Finding the best day to buy airline tickets is part timing, part strategy, and part knowing where to look. Midweek searches, flexible calendars, and comparing sites can all help. But when it comes to big international trips - especially flights to the Philippines - a trusted travel agent in Toronto can still save you money and stress.

Ready to book your next trip? Contact Anette Soriano of Reliable Travel & Tours today for the best airfare deals from Toronto to the Philippines and beyond.

Ready to buy your airline ticket for your next trip?

Message us today for a free quote or flight inquiry. You might be surprised how much we can help.

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