Summer flights expensive? July is actually the cheapest month to travel
If you think you know all the best flight-booking hacks, think again. Expedia’s 2025 Air Hacks Report aims to debunk some of the biggest travel myths by analysing billions of data points in collaboration with Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC) and Official Airline Guide (OAG).
“As many Singapore travellers begin to plan and book their travels for the year, the Expedia Air Hacks Report comes at the perfect time,” says Lavinia Rajaram, Expedia Travel Expert. “With insights pulled from billions of data points from every airline across the world, the report arms Singaporeans with the best chance of saving money and time.”
Not only are long-haul destinations becoming more accessible with new flight routes, but “new aircraft and improved airport facilities” are also making travel more exciting in 2025, Rajaram adds.
“ARC’s data provided valuable insights into debunking travel myths for Expedia’s 2025 Air Hacks Report that will go a long way to helping travellers prepare for their 2025 vacations,” said Chuck Thackston, managing director of data science and research at ARC. “In 2025, affordable premium and economy fares can help passengers as they continue to prioritise international travel with their discretionary spending to explore new destinations around the world.”
Here are the myths busted by Expedia’s report:
Myth #1: Summer is always the most expensive time to travel
Busted: June and July are actually the cheapest months to travel in both premium and economy class. February is the most expensive. If you fly premium in June, you could save 15%, while economy travelers can save up to 10% by booking in July.
Myth #2: The day you book your flight doesn’t matter
Busted: Sundays are the cheapest day to book flights—regardless of fare class or destination. Booking on a Sunday can save you up to 25% compared to booking on a Friday.
Myth #3: The day you travel doesn’t affect ticket prices
Busted: Thursdays are the best days to depart for the biggest savings. Domestic travelers who fly on a Thursday instead of a Monday can save up to 15%. For international flights, Thursday departures can save you up to 31% compared to flying on a Sunday.
Myth #4: Booking earlier always means cheaper flights
Busted: There’s a sweet spot. The best time to book international flights is 61 to 70 days before departure—this can save Singapore travelers up to 8%. Booking too far in advance (more than two months) could actually cost you more.
Myth #5: Airfares always increase yearly
Busted: Flight prices are actually down. Economy tickets are 12% cheaper than last year, and premium tickets are 8% cheaper.
Myth #6: Premium tickets are always too expensive
Busted: Premium fares are now lower than they were in 2019. In fact, the price gap between economy and premium tickets is now 10% smaller than before the pandemic, making an upgrade more affordable than ever.
Myth #7: Every flight feels overcrowded
Busted: Flying on the right day can mean fewer crowds. Tuesday is the quietest day of the week to fly, and July is the least crowded month overall. Expedia’s report also reveals the busiest airports in the world, with nine out of the top 20 located in China (including Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu). Other international hotspots include New York, Istanbul, and London.
When to book flights in 2025
- Book on a Sunday to save up to 25% on international flights.
- Book 61 to 70 days before departure for up to 8% savings on international flights.
When to travel for maximum savings
- Fly on a Thursday to save up to 25% on premium fares and 15% on economy fares.
- Depart before 3 p.m. to reduce the chance of flight cancellations. Flights departing after 9 p.m. are 75% more likely to be canceled.
- Travel in May or July for the lowest cancellation rates (just 0.1% of flights canceled on average).
- July is the cheapest month for economy travel, saving up to 10% compared to February.
- June is the cheapest month for premium fares, with savings of up to 15% compared to February.
Other key travel trends
- Flight prices are dropping: Economy fares have decreased by 11%, and premium fares by 7% compared to last year.
- Most popular destinations for Singaporean travelers: Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Taipei are the top three international picks.
- New airport openings: Tulum International Airport (Mexico), Rajkot International Airport (India), and Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport (Cambodia) are now open, improving global connectivity.
- New direct flights: Singapore travelers can look forward to new routes, including non-stop flights to Vienna and Iloilo in mid-2025.
