January is the Cheapest Month to Book Flights

The days around Christmas and New Years Eve are some of the busiest, and worst, travel days of the year, but now that the holidays are over, it’s time to score the real deals. Did you know that January is the cheapest month to book a flight?

In a recent study, Skyscanner evaluated flight sales from the past two Januarys. Based on trends, domestic flights are predicted to be around 16 percent cheaper than the yearly average while international flight could be up to 36 percent cheaper, with the best savings occurring in the first two weeks of January. A number of destinations will experience even better sales on airfare.

After that, ticket prices will begin to rise again, and by March they are predicted to exceed annual airfare averages again.

So whether you need to book your next business trip, find a flight to your favorite conference, or grab tickets for that PTO vacation you’ve been dreaming of, early January is the time of year to book for the best deals.

Our Favorite 2018 Post-Holiday Flight Deals

Southwest is having a sale offering one-ways as low as $54 when you book before January 25. From San Francisco you can fly to Portland for $49 one way or Las Vegas for $52 one way.

If you book a roundtrip flight with United by January 25, you can score one of their U.S. discounted fares. Standard economy airfare from New York to Nashville has dropped to $157, while travelers out of Los Angeles can get to Austin for just $150 roundtrip.

The JetBlue flash sale is only two days long, ending January 4, but offers discounted airfare or vacation packages. Flights from New York to Washington, DC are as low as $59 one way.

Alaska Airline is offering a three day sale, ending January 4, with prices starting at $49 one way. Fly from San Francisco to Orange County for $49 each way or to Seattle for $59 each way.

In the mood to treat yourself? Travelers on the west coast can book a private jet experience with JetSuiteX at a consumer seat price. A flight from Concord, CA (just outside San Francisco) to Burbank, CA could be as low as $79 one way.

To maximize these savings, earn even more points, and score sweet rewards redeemable for credit with services like AirBnb, Uber and Lyft, you can book your flight on TravelBank.