Travel Savings Tip from Google Flights and Experts: Choose Midweek

James Byers, Head of Product for Google Flights, highlighted the importance of flexible travel planning for bargain-seeking travellers. Byers and other experts emphasised that avoiding fixed dates and travelling midweek, outside peak seasons, lowers both flight and accommodation costs.

Midweek Flights Are Cheaper

According to new Google Flights data, flying on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays is on average 13% cheaper compared to weekend flights. An analysis of US travel between 1 January 2021 and 1 August 2025 revealed that weekday flights for trips lasting 4–16 days saved an average of $42 per ticket, or about 14%.

Weekend Returns Cost More

Hopper’s Chief Economist Hayley Berg noted that weekends are typically the most expensive travel days. She explained that airports are busy with people returning from weekend breaks, and that departing midweek and returning on a Saturday or Monday offers significant savings.

Hotel Stays Also Have an Edge

Travelling during the week provides savings not only on flights but also on hotels. Hopper data shows that hotel stays starting at the weekend can be up to 20% more expensive compared to reservations starting on Tuesdays or Thursdays. Travellers who plan flexibly can therefore save substantially on both flights and accommodation.