For many travellers, especially those living abroad, finding affordable flights can make all the difference between a spontaneous visit home and an unaffordable journey. Whether you’re a family managing school holidays, a retiree planning a quiet getaway, or a remote worker squeezing in a long weekend, knowing when to fly can be just as important as where.
New travel data has confirmed what seasoned flyers have long suspected: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are typically the cheapest days to fly, particularly on European routes. Flying mid-week, rather than during the traditional Friday-to-Sunday rush, can result in savings of up to 20% or more depending on the destination, company and season.
Why Mid-Week is Cheaper
There are a few reasons behind this pricing pattern. Weekend flights are in high demand due to both leisure and business travel. Airlines know this and adjust prices accordingly. Conversely, the middle of the week is often less busy, and carriers are more likely to offer competitive fares to fill unsold seats. This not only applies to short-haul flights within Europe but also to many transatlantic and long-haul routes.
For expats living in Spain, where travel to and from the UK, Germany, France, and Scandinavia is common, this trend is particularly valuable. A flight from Málaga to London, for example, could cost €180 on a Sunday, but only €140 on a Wednesday. Over the course of a year, or for families booking multiple tickets, these differences can add up to hundreds of euros in savings.
When to Book Matters Too
Timing isn’t just about when you fly — it’s also about when you book. Travel analysts recommend making your bookings between Monday and Wednesday, avoiding the weekend surge when casual browsers (and sometimes inflated demand) can drive prices up.
While there’s no longer a “magic day” for lowest fares — once thought to be Tuesday — current data shows that booking early in the week remains slightly cheaper overall. And flexibility remains key: the more adaptable you are with your dates, the better your chance of snapping up a deal.
Tips for Getting the Best Deals
Here are a few quick tips to help expats and travellers cut costs:
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Use flexible date tools on flight search engines to compare prices across a week.
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Clear your browser cache or use incognito mode to avoid potential price increases based on repeated searches.
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Avoid peak travel periods, such as national holidays, school breaks, and major festivals.
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Set price alerts for your preferred routes to be notified when fares drop.
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Book directly with airlines when possible — third-party sites can add hidden fees.
Living abroad often means travelling more to visit family, return home for special occasions, for work, or simply escape to another corner of Europe. Being strategic about flight timing can make travel more accessible, less stressful, and easier on the wallet.
For many in Spain’s vibrant expat community, these kinds of savings are more than just a bonus they’re a necessity. Whether you’re in Andalucía, Valencia, or the Balearic Islands, having this knowledge in your travel toolkit can help you stay connected without overspending.
So next time you’re planning a trip, consider a quieter, mid-week departure. Not only might you save money, but you’ll also likely enjoy a less crowded airport and a more relaxed start to your journey.
