A recent study sheds light on the age-old question that puzzles many travelers: when is the best time to purchase plane tickets to get the best deal? According to the research, which analyzed several years’ worth of airline pricing data, there are indeed preferable times to book your flights.

The study argues that, generally, purchasing tickets about 70 days in advance of your departure date tends to offer the best balance between price and choice. Prices tend to be lower than if you book either very early or at the last minute. It was found that starting prices begin relatively high when schedules are released almost a year in advance, and remain steady until they start dropping gradually around 5 months before departure, hitting their lowest approximately 70 days out.

The “prime booking window,” as experts call it, ranges from 4 months to 3 weeks before your flight. During this period, prices fluctuate frequently, so frequent checks on ticket prices can lead to significant savings. Another key finding of the research emphasizes the importance of being flexible with travel dates. Flying mid-week rather than on or close to the weekend, or being open to red-eye flights can drastically reduce ticket costs.

The study also highlighted seasonal variations in ticket prices. For instance, it’s advisable to book summer travel earlier than the 70-day mark due to higher demand, whereas for winter travel (excluding holidays), closer to that 70-day window might secure better rates.

Despite these general trends, the study also cautions travelers against relying solely on this approach. There are always exceptions due to factors such as changing demand, fluctuations in oil prices, airline industry economics, and global events which can disrupt typical pricing patterns.

Wise travelers should use this information as a guide rather than a hard-and-fast rule. It’s always a good idea to set up alerts for desired routes using flight tracking tools and be ready to pounce when a good deal arises—regardless of how many days out you are from your intended departure date.

In conclusion, while there’s no magic day to snag the cheapest flight every time, purchasing around 70 days before departure is typically when you’ll find some of the best rates according to recent studies. However, staying alert and flexible can help ensure that you land a great deal on your next flight.