Flight Prices Rise as You Get Closer to Departure

Many travellers still believe that waiting until the last minute is the best way to snag a cheap flight. The idea sounds tempting — airlines need to fill empty seats, so prices must drop, right? In reality, airfare pricing is far more dynamic, and waiting too long can often cost you more rather than less.

On Trip.com, we analyse millions of flight prices every day, and one thing is clear: while there are occasional last-minute bargains, most travellers save more by booking at the right time rather than the last possible moment.

Let’s break down how airfare really works and when you should be booking to get the best deal.

How Airline Pricing Really Works

Airlines use smart pricing systems that constantly adjust fares based on demand, seat availability, seasonality, and even how often a route is searched. This means prices can go up or down multiple times a day.

When a flight is first released, airlines usually set competitive prices to attract early bookers. As seats fill up and demand increases, prices normally rise — especially during school holidays, festive seasons, and weekends.

That’s why in most cases, flights are not cheaper the later you buy, particularly for popular routes or peak travel dates.

When Are Flights Actually the Cheapest?

Although prices fluctuate, data trends show that there is usually a “sweet spot” for booking.

Here’s a simple guideline many travellers use:

• Domestic flights: 3 to 8 weeks before departure
• International flights: 2 to 6 months in advance
• Peak seasons (holidays, summer, Chinese New Year, Christmas): Even earlier is better

Booking too early or too late can sometimes cost more, but waiting until the final week before departure is usually the most expensive option.

Do Last-Minute Deals Still Exist?

Yes — but they are far less common than they used to be.

Last-minute flight deals usually happen when:

• A route has low demand
• An airline added extra capacity
• A flight hasn’t sold as expected

However, for busy routes like Kuala Lumpur to Tokyo, Bangkok, London, or Sydney, prices almost always rise closer to departure. Airlines know that business travellers and urgent travellers will pay more.

So while you might occasionally score a bargain, it’s not a reliable way to plan a trip.

How to Get Cheaper Flights Without Waiting

Instead of gambling on last-minute prices, smart travellers use these proven strategies:

• Be flexible with travel dates
  Flying mid-week (Tuesday to Thursday) is often cheaper than weekends.
• Set price alerts
  On Trip.com, you can track fares and get notified when prices drop.
• Compare nearby airports
  Flying into or out of a different airport can sometimes save a lot.
• Book early for peak seasons
  For festive travel, booking months ahead almost always gives better value.

Why Booking on Trip.com Helps You Save

Trip.com doesn’t just show you flights — it helps you find the best value.

When you book through Trip.com, you get:

• Real-time price comparisons across hundreds of airlines
• Exclusive airline and card-member deals
• Price alerts so you never miss a drop
• Flexible ticket options for peace of mind

This makes it much easier to lock in a great fare without waiting until the last minute.

Waiting until the last minute rarely guarantees cheaper flights. For the best prices and the most choice, booking at the right time with Trip.com is the smarter way to travel ✈