Key Takeaways
- Tuesday and Wednesday are usually the cheapest days to fly United.
- Weekend flights, especially Friday and Sunday, are the most expensive due to demand.
- Booking 3–6 weeks in advance gives you the best mix of seat availability and lower fares.
- Early-morning and late-night flights are generally cheaper than midday departures.
- United’s fare sales often drop on Tuesday afternoons, so it’s a good time to check prices.
If you’ve ever wondered why your United Airlines ticket seems hundreds of dollars cheaper one day and higher the next, you’re not alone. Airline pricing changes constantly based on demand, time, and booking patterns.
The good news? There are consistent trends that can help you predict when to find the cheapest United flights. Whether you’re planning a cross-country business trip or an international vacation, timing your booking and travel days right can make a big difference.
Here’s how to find the cheapest days to fly United, and why those midweek departures often save you more than you think.
Want real-world deals from frequent flyers? Join the Talk Travel United Airlines Forums, where you can regularly find the cheapest routes they’ve found and current fare trends.
Cheapest Days of the Week to Fly United
Across both domestic and international routes, Tuesday and Wednesday consistently come out cheapest.
Why Midweek Flights Cost Less
- Lower demand: Fewer business travelers and weekend tourists.
- Better seat inventory: United releases discounted fare buckets early in the week.
- Fare resets: Many airlines, including United, adjust prices on Monday night or Tuesday morning to compete with other carriers.
A United flight from San Francisco to New York, for example, might cost $320 on a Friday but drop to $210 on a Wednesday.
If you can be flexible, flying midweek can save up to 20–30% on your ticket.
Tip: United’s pricing algorithm refreshes frequently , checking again late Tuesday or early Wednesday can help you catch flash fare drops.
What Are the 2 Cheapest Days to Fly?
On average, Tuesday and Wednesday are the two cheapest days to fly with United Airlines. Historical fare data shows that most airlines, including United, lower prices midweek to fill unsold seats before the weekend rush.
If your schedule allows, plan both your departure and return around these days, for example, a Tuesday outbound and Wednesday return often yields the lowest total fare compared to any weekend combination.
Most Expensive Days to Fly
Avoid Fridays and Sundays if possible. Those are peak travel days for both business and leisure passengers.
- Fridays: Business travelers heading home and weekenders flying out.
- Sundays: Return-day rush and start-of-week work trips.
These are the flights that fill first, which means fewer discounted seats remain.
If you must fly on these days, book at least 6–8 weeks early to lock in lower fares.
When to Book for the Best Prices
According to historical United fare data and industry studies, the “Goldilocks window” for booking is:
- Domestic flights: 3–6 weeks before departure
- International flights: 2–4 months before departure
Last-minute tickets are almost always more expensive, except for rare fare drops during United’s promotions.
For long-haul routes like SFO to London or Tokyo, start tracking prices 3–4 months out.
Best Times of Day to Fly
Not only the day matters , timing does, too.
Early morning and late-night flights usually cost less because they’re less convenient.
| Time of Day | Typical Fare Range | Demand Level |
| 5–8 a.m. | Lowest | Low |
| 9 a.m.–2 p.m. | Moderate | Medium |
| 3–8 p.m. | Highest | High |
| 9 p.m.–1 a.m. | Low | Low |
For example, a 6 a.m. flight from Chicago to Los Angeles might save you $40–$60 compared to a 3 p.m. departure.
How to Spot United’s Fare Drops
- Sign up for United email alerts: They often announce Tuesday fare sales by route.
- Use flexible date search: United’s calendar shows cheapest days in green.
- Enable “Track Prices” on Google Flights: This tool alerts you when United’s fares change.
- Book directly with United.com: Third-party sites may lag behind real-time fare adjustments.
If your dates are flexible, search using the “Flexible Dates” or “Low Fare Calendar” options on United’s site , you’ll often see price patterns across an entire month.
Seasonal Factors to Watch
United’s cheapest flying days shift slightly depending on the season:
- January–March: Cheapest for most domestic flights.
- April–May: Lower fares before summer travel peaks.
- September–early November: Ideal for international savings.
- Holiday periods (late November–December): Always expensive unless booked far in advance.
For the lowest fares overall, aim for midweek flights in shoulder seasons (spring or fall).
Extra Ways to Save on United Flights
- Use MileagePlus miles or travel credits: Check the “Money + Miles” option during booking.
- Look for United fare sales: These are frequent in off-peak months like January and September.
- Book roundtrip tickets: Often cheaper than one-way.
- Set fare alerts: Use Google Flights or Hopper to track United’s pricing trends.