The optimal time to book international flights is generally between 3 to 6 months in advance of your travel date. Airlines usually release tickets about a year ahead, but prices tend to be highest when tickets first become available and rise again as the departure date nears due to demand

. More specifically, booking windows can vary by region:

• Europe: 120-160 days (about 4-5 months) ahead
• Asia: 90-120 days (3-4 months) ahead
• South America: 70-100 days (2-3 months) ahead
• Australia/New Zealand: 120-180 days (4-6 months) ahead

Seasonality also influences pricing. Peak travel seasons such as summer (June- August), winter holidays (December-January), and spring breaks usually have higher fares, so booking earlier (closer to 6 months) is advisable for these periods. Off-peak seasons (late winter and fall) may allow some flexibility or slightly later bookings

. Additional expert advice includes:

• Start monitoring prices about 6-7 months before departure to track fare trends and book within the 3-5 month window for best deals

• Flying midweek (Tuesday or Wednesday) can reduce costs

• For very popular travel times or long-haul flights (e.g., Asia or Oceania), booking 5-7 months ahead is recommended

• Booking too early (more than 9-12 months) or too late (within 1-2 months) often results in higher prices

In summary, plan to book your international flights 3 to 6 months in advance , adjusting for your destination and travel season to secure the best prices.