11 Sneaky Times to Score 2026's Best Flight Deals (Set Calendar Alerts Now)

2. International booking windows: long-haul timing

Long-haul flights usually reward earlier planning and seasonal awareness. For many popular international corridors, monitoring prices three to eight months ahead gives you a broader view of normal fare ranges and sale opportunities. Seasonal shifts—summer peaks, shoulder seasons, and winter lulls—drive the biggest moves, and carriers often announce international sales with several months’ notice. Start a rolling calendar alert for each destination at the eight-month mark, then narrow to monthly checks in the middle window. When a sale surfaces, pull up award availability and low-cost routing alternatives immediately; sometimes combining one-way fares across carriers reduces price. If your dates are fixed by events or school breaks, prioritize alerts for the nearest open booking windows and consider refundable fares to protect plans. Always check visa and entry rule timelines as part of long-haul planning, because administrative requirements can affect the true cost and timing of travel decisions.