How early should you book flights? The travel sweet spot revealed

Travel booking website Expedia has crunched Airlines Reporting Corporation data and found travellers who booked their domestic flights six months before their departure saved up to 36 per cent compared to those who waited until the last minute.

But with international flights, it's a different story. The sweet spot is two months before you plan to fly.

"Travellers who booked during this ideal window saved up to 12 per cent compared to those who booked at least five months in advance, the 'worst' time to book," the Expedia 2025 Air Hacks report stated.

The report aims to debunk a range of myths associated with travel, such as the further out you book, the cheaper it will be.

It found, perhaps surprisingly, economy tickets decreased in price by 10 per cent and premium tickets by 3 per cent in 2024 compared to 2023.

If you're flexible about your travel dates, you can save even more cash.

The report found departing on a Thursday for international trips can save up to 8 per cent compared to Sundays, which is the most expensive day.

Saturday is a great day to begin your domestic trip, offering savings of up to 27 per cent compared to departing on Monday, which is the most expensive day to fly domestically.

January is the cheapest month for economy tickets compared to September which is the most expensive, and October is the cheapest month for premium tickets compared to the most expensive month, March.

If it's more important to you to avoid the crowds, fly on a Sunday.

The day you sit down and book your tickets can also make a huge difference.

"Travellers booking on Sundays can save up to 20 per cent on domestic flights compared to Fridays, and up to 17 per cent on international flights compared to Fridays," the report states.

It even drilled down on what time you should fly.

If you depart between 3-9pm, there is a 43 per cent higher chance your flight will be cancelled compared to those departing between 9pm and 3am.

Cancellations are lowest in February and March.

Expedia travel expert Sarah King said Australians were still prioritising holidays despite the high cost of living.

Expedia research showed 44 per cent of Aussies were taking their budget into account when looking at on-the-ground costs.

"Whether it's looking at self-catered accommodation or even locking in prices ahead of time with all-inclusive accommodation and looking at those good value destinations like Japan and Bali," she said.

ARC managing director of data science and research, Chuck Thackston, said the report would go a long way to help travellers prepare for their 2025 vacations.

"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," Mr Thackston said.

TikTok star and former flight attendant Jeenie Weenie shared her top hacks for bagging upgrades on your next flight.

Ask to move "towards the front of the plane". Don't mention an upgrade, just politely let the gate agent know you're travelling alone, and if a family needs to sit together you don't mind moving your "seat up towards the front of the plane" or "in an exit row".

"I've been moved up a few times offering this," Jeenie said.

Make sure you check your emails up to a few hours before you fly, because sometimes airlines offer cheap (not free) upgrades.

In economy, book the seats in the first row or in the emergency row for more leg room - but if you book in the emergency row, you must be prepared to help during an emergency, she said.

"You can also book in the very back if not in a rush to leave the plane as there is a higher chance you will get a full row to yourself," Jeenie said.

Don't forget to leverage credit card perks if yours offers them - such as complimentary upgrades and lounge access.

If all else fails, politeness or even gifts might score you extra attention.

"Sometimes maybe an upgrade! Kill the cabin crew with kindness!" Jeenie said.