Black Friday is famous for offering dream trips at great prices. But is it truly the best time to buy flights? Airlines roll out eye-catching promotions every year, but with flash sales and hidden fares, it’s worth looking closer before you book.

Last year, a major airline sold round-trip flights to Tokyo for just $350, much less than the usual $700–$800. Deals like this show how much you can save if you catch the right offer at the right time.

But with all the excitement and fear of missing out, many travelers wonder: Is there really a best day to book flights during Black Friday?

Booking Flights on Black Friday: The Myth of the ‘Perfect Day’

For a long time, travelers thought Tuesday mornings were the best time to book flights. That’s not the case anymore. Airlines now use dynamic pricing that changes with demand, algorithms, and the season, so the best day depends on your route and destination.

Recent studies from Skyscanner and Google Flights show there’s no single day of the week that always offers the lowest prices. Still, there are some good opportunities, especially during Black Friday weekend and Travel Tuesday (the Tuesday after Cyber Monday), when airlines often share their biggest discounts.

In the past, airlines like Delta, American Airlines, and British Airways have offered great deals on flights to popular cities like London, Paris, and New York.

So, what actually happens on Black Friday?

Unfortunately, not every deal is equal. Some airlines cut prices on certain routes or run short-term sales, while others just advertise fares that were already available.

Here’s what the data shows:

• International and long-haul flights usually have the biggest discounts.

• Low-cost airlines and flights with layovers often have the best price drops.

• Prices can go up quickly once the sale ends.

For example, in past years, flights to Asia and Central America dropped by 25% to 40% on Travel Tuesday, while most flights to Europe stayed about the same.

So, don’t worry about finding a single ‘perfect day.’ The most important thing is to track prices and compare early.

Here are some practical tips to help you get started:

Black Friday can be a great time to save if you know what you want. Instead of just joining the shopping rush, use this time to plan your travel with a clear strategy.

On a sidenote, if you want to check out this year’s best travel deals, I’ve put them all together for you, from flights and hotels to eSIMs and travel insurance.

Check out the Black Friday On The Move page.