Filipino-Canadian Travel Agent Tips: When to Buy Airline Tickets and Save Big Money
Want to know the cheapest month to book flights? You're in the right place.
We're a Filipino-Canadian travel agent that helps Canadian families save money on plane tickets. This guide shows you when to buy, how to find deals, and what mistakes to avoid.
How Airplane Ticket Prices Work
Airlines change their prices all the time. Think about it like this: when lots of people want to fly, tickets cost more. When fewer people want to fly, tickets cost less.
It's like buying concert tickets. Popular shows cost more. Shows that aren't selling well cost less.
Airlines use computers that change prices many times each day. These computers check how fast seats are selling. They look at what other airlines charge. They even check if there's a big event in the city you're flying to.
Here's a helpful tip: If you buy tickets one to three months early, you can save about 25% compared to buying at the last minute. That's real money back in your pocket.
Flying in Summer: June, July, and August
Summer is the busiest time to fly. Schools are closed. The weather is warm. Families go on vacation together. All of this means tickets cost more and seats sell out fast.
Last summer, ticket prices in May went up by 19%. June prices jumped by 12%. This shows that waiting too long costs you extra money.
How to Save Money on Summer Trips
Start looking at prices as soon as you pick your dates. Don't wait. Summer seats disappear quickly. Here's what to do:
Step One: Start Looking Early
Open your calendar. Pick the day you want to leave. Then start checking prices right away. The best month to book flights for July trips is usually between February and April. This is before everyone else starts looking.
Step Two: Check Different Airports
Do you live near Toronto? Look at both airports. Sometimes one is cheaper than the other. You can even check Buffalo or Hamilton. The drive might be worth it if you save $300.
Step Three: Fly on Tuesday or Wednesday
Tickets for the middle of the week usually cost less. Friday and Sunday flights cost more because everyone wants them. If your job lets you take any day off, pick Tuesday or Wednesday.
Step Four: Try Early or Late Flights
Flights that leave before 7 in the morning cost less. Late night flights also cost less. Most people don't want these times. But if you can wake up early or don't mind arriving late, you'll save money.
Step Five: Buy Early if You Have a Big Family
Flying with four or five people? Don't wait to buy tickets. As the plane fills up, it gets harder to find seats together. Nobody wants the family split up across the plane.
Real Summer Numbers
In August 2025, plane tickets went up 3.3% compared to the year before. People who bought tickets months earlier didn't have to pay these higher prices.
Flying in Fall: September, October, and November
Fall is different. Kids go back to school. Vacation season ends. Airports get quieter. This means better deals for you. The best month to buy airline tickets for fall trips is different than summer.
Fall tickets cost an average of $211 for flights inside the country. That's 29% less than summer prices. You save a lot just by traveling a few weeks later.
Why Fall Costs Less
Several things make fall cheaper:
- Families stay home because kids are in school
- Work travel slows down before the holidays
- Many places still have nice weather
- Hotels also lower their prices
Watch Out for These Fall Dates
Not every fall date is cheap. Some weekends still cost a lot:
Canadian Thanksgiving
This October holiday is busy. Lots of Canadians visit family or take short trips. Book these dates early, just like summer.
Places with Beautiful Fall Leaves
Vermont, Quebec, and mountain areas get crowded in fall. People travel to see the colorful leaves. These places charge more during their prettiest weeks.
Big Sports Games
Football games, baseball playoffs, and hockey season starts bring crowds. If there's a big game in the city you're visiting, tickets will cost more.
Concerts and Big Events
When thousands of people go to the same event, flights cost more. Check what's happening in your destination city.
When to Buy Fall Tickets
Fall prices can drop a lot. International flights can be 33% cheaper. Flights inside the country can drop 21%.
Start watching prices in late summer. If you want to fly in September or October, start looking in July or August.
You can wait a little longer to buy fall tickets than summer tickets. But don't wait too long. Buying six to eight weeks before your trip usually gets you good prices. This is often what month are airline tickets cheapest.
Which Days Should You Buy and Fly?
Many people get confused about this. There are two different things:
- The day you click or confirm "buy"
- The day you actually get on the plane
The Day You Fly Matters More
Airlines charge different prices for different days. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday flights almost always cost less than weekend flights.
Why? Business people fly on Monday morning and Friday afternoon. They pay more. Families fly on Saturday and Sunday for vacations. These days also cost more.
If you can pick any day, try Tuesday or Wednesday. You'll see lower prices.
The Day You Buy Matters Less
You might have heard that Tuesday afternoon is the best time to buy tickets. Or that prices drop at midnight. These old tips don't work anymore.
Today, prices change all day long. The day you buy doesn't matter as much as buying early enough.
Your Price-Watching Plan
You need a simple plan. This stops you from checking prices a hundred times. Here's what works:
Write Your Dates Down
Be specific. Don't write "next summer." Write "July 15 to July 22, 2026." Also pick two backup date options in case your first choice is too expensive.
Set Up Price Alerts
Google Flights, Hopper, and Kayak are free tools. You type in where you want to go and when. They email you when prices change. You don't have to check every day yourself.
Watch Two or Three Airports (if you have this option)
Check your main airport plus one or two others. If you live near Toronto, check both Toronto airports (Hamilton being the other). Maybe also check Buffalo. For Vancouver, look at Bellingham too.
Write Down Prices Every Week
Every Monday, write down the cheapest price you found. This helps you see real price drops. Take a screenshot. Keep a simple list.
Decide Your Top Price First
Before you start looking, pick the most you'll pay. Write this number down. When a ticket hits this price, buy it right away. Don't keep looking for something cheaper.
This plan takes the stress out of buying tickets. You won't wonder if you should wait another day.
Money Wasting Mistakes to Avoid
Smart travelers don't make these mistakes:
Waiting for the Perfect Price
No ticket will ever cost $1. You want a good price, not a miracle. If you find a price that fits your budget and works with your dates, buy it. Don't keep waiting.
Booking Too Early
Airlines let you book about 11 months early (ask your travel agent, they can check if your flight is available). But the best deals usually show up around 8 months before international trips. Buying the first day seats open rarely gives you the lowest price.
Forgetting About Extra Fees
That $99 ticket looks amazing. But then you add a checked bag ($60), picking your seat ($40), and boarding early ($25). Now you're paying $224. The other airline's $189 ticket that includes everything is actually cheaper. Always add up the total cost.
Not Checking Nearby Airports
Driving 90 minutes to a different airport might seem like a pain. But saving $400 per person makes it worth it. Also check parking costs. Some smaller airports have much cheaper parking.
Skipping Travel Insurance
Life is unpredictable. People get sick. Jobs change. Emergencies happen. Basic insurance costs much less than losing $2,000 in tickets you can't use. This is important for what is the best month to book a flight when things might change.
Real Travel Stories
Family of Four Going to London in July
Summer trips across the ocean need early planning. Start watching prices in January. When you see a decent price (probably $800 to $1200 per person), buy it if you have eight months before the trip.
Try flying into a different city. Paris or Amsterdam tickets might cost $300 less per person than London. You can take a cheap train to London and save money.
One Person Going to California in October
Fall California trips are perfect for saving money. Start watching prices in July. The cheapest month to buy flights for October California visits is usually August or early September.
October California weather is still beautiful. Fewer tourists means better hotel prices too. Your whole trip costs less.
Couple Visiting Manila for Christmas
Filipino families flying between Canada and the Philippines during holidays face high prices every year. Christmas flights to Manila, Cebu, and other cities act just like summer vacation: prices go up and seats sell fast.
Start watching these flights by July. When you see good prices in August or September, buy them. Airlines know Filipino-Canadian families need these flights for the holidays. They charge more because of it.
Flying home right after New Year's often costs less than December 27 to 30. If you can stay a few extra days, you might save hundreds per ticket.
Weekend Trip in October
Short fall trips to nearby cities are wonderful. Montreal, New York, Chicago, and Boston are beautiful in October. The best month to buy plane tickets for these quick trips is about six to eight weeks before you go.
Remember Canadian Thanksgiving weekend. Those specific dates need earlier booking even though fall is usually flexible.
Tips for Canadians and Filipino-Canadian Travelers
Canadian school schedules create special patterns. March Break, summer vacation, and Canadian Thanksgiving all make prices jump. Don't follow American advice for Canadian departure dates.
Popular routes between Canada and the Philippines get very busy during summer and Christmas. Toronto to Manila, Vancouver to Cebu, and Calgary to Manila all see the same rush. Treat these like busy summer routes no matter what general advice says.
Many Filipino-Canadian travelers bring gifts, food, and supplies home to family. Don't pick a cheaper ticket if it means you can't bring what you need. Add up the total cost including bags and picking your seat.
If you're visiting relatives for a birthday, anniversary, or family party, don't worry too much about getting the absolute cheapest price. Missing the event costs more than any ticket savings.
Questions People Ask (FAQ)
Does buying on Sunday save money?
Not really. Prices change all day, every day. The day you buy matters less than buying early enough for your trip.
Do prices drop at midnight?
No. Price changes happen randomly throughout the day. Don't stay up late hoping for midnight deals. Use price alerts instead.
How early is too early for summer flights?
For flights inside the country, buy one to three months early. For international trips, buy two to eight months early. If you book ten months ahead, you might pay more than someone who waits.
What if prices drop after I buy?
Some tickets let you change for a fee. Read the rules carefully. If changing costs $150 per person and the price only dropped $80, you lose money by switching. Keep your first tickets.
Should I buy one-way tickets separately?
Sometimes. Check both options. Once in a while, using two different airlines saves money. Other times, the round trip is cheaper. Compare both before deciding.
Your Buying Checklist
Before buying any flight, check these things:
- You picked specific dates plus two backup options
- Price alerts are set up for all your dates
- You checked at least two airports (if you have that option)
- You know the most you'll pay
- You added up all the fees
- You know the rules about canceling or changing
- For families, you checked that seats together are available
- You double-checked the times you leave and arrive
Once a ticket hits your target price and these things check out, buy it right away. Waiting usually costs money instead of saving it.
Making Your Choice
Buying tickets mixes research, patience, and quick action. You can't predict every price change. But you can create a smart system that helps you grab good deals when they show up.
The best month to buy airline tickets depends on when you're flying, where you're going, and how flexible you are. Summer trips need you to act earlier. Fall travel gives you more time. Major holidays always need advance planning.
Start looking early. Check prices regularly. Decide your budget first. Book confidently when prices hit your target. This works better than endless searching and last-minute stress.
Ready to book that trip?
Message us today for a free quote or flight inquiry. You might be surprised how much we can help.
- Visit: reliabletraveltoronto.ca
- (416) 690-9683
- facebook.com/anetstours
- maosoriano@rogers.com
- Toronto-based, Filipino travel agency in Canada
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