Here’s when Canadians should book their flights for the cheapest prices
If you’re gearing up for summer travel plans, it helps to know the best hacks to save big on flights from Canada.
Expedia released its 2026 Air Hacks report this week, highlighting the best days and months to book and fly.
The 10th annual report from the online travel agency draws on millions of its data points and new consumer research to highlight how changing traveller behaviours, from microcations to carry-on-only packing, are reshaping how Canadians fly.
“Business travellers head home earlier in the week these days, so new opportunities are opening up for leisure travellers to save by choosing smarter travel days, like Thursday for the best prices or Tuesday for fewer crowds,” stated Melanie Fish, head of Expedia Group Brands public relations.
Here are some of the air hacks Expedia found to help you save on flights this year.
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“When you fly matters more than when you book”
According to Expedia’s findings, you should basically try to avoid booking flights in December if you don’t want to break the bank.
“September is the most affordable month to travel, with flights 26 per cent cheaper on average than December, saving travellers roughly $160 per ticket,” explained Expedia.
It added that January is the cheapest month to fly domestically (27 per cent cheaper), driven by lower demand after the holidays.
How far in advance should you book flights?
The online travel agency suggests that the most affordable booking window for domestic economy flights is 31 to 45 days before departure, averaging $185 less than bookings made more than six months out.
If you’re travelling internationally, Expedia says you can save $190 on average by booking 15 to 30 days ahead, instead of six months out.
“For those who don’t want to leave it until the last minute, booking 31 to 45 days ahead can still save $185 compared to booking six months out,” reads the report.
“Your departure airport can make or break the price”
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If you want to save on flights, you may want to make the drive out to one of these airports, as they are the most affordable Canadian departure airports: Abbotsford, B.C.; Kitchener, Ont.; and Hamilton, Ont.
Montreal, Quebec, and Ottawa are the most expensive to fly out of, according to Expedia.
What are the cheapest days and months to book flights?
Overall, Expedia advises travellers to book flights on Monday to save at least three per cent on airfare. The most expensive day to book a ticket is Saturday.
If you’re flying within Canada, Sunday is the cheapest day to book, and Wednesday is the most expensive (five per cent savings).
Canadians who want to upgrade their seat to business class are advised to book on Friday to save at least four per cent on tickets. Tuesday is the most expensive day to book for business class seats.
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Expedia says the cheapest month to book is July, while the most expensive is November (13 per cent savings). Domestically, January is the cheapest month to buy flights, and the most expensive is November (25 per cent savings).
The cheapest day to fly is a Thursday (eight per cent cheaper), and the most expensive is Saturday. If you’re flying domestically, Friday is the cheapest flight, and Monday is the most expensive (seven per cent savings).
For more travel tips and tricks, check out Expedia’s full 2026 Air Hacks report.