The Best Day To Book A Plane Ticket To Increase Your Chances Of A First Class Upgrade

The CEO of one of America's most profitable airlines, Delta, recently warned that President Trump's planned 10% tariff on imported aviation parts and planes could disrupt airline supply chains, ground flights, and soar higher ticket prices into the stratosphere, Reuters reported, noting that as many as 10 million travelers could be negatively affected as a result. While no one can accurately predict the ultimate impact of tariffs on passengers' wallets, there are several things conscientious consumers can do to blunt the blow.

For example, the day you book a flight can provide savings that are comparable with when you actually fly, since some days historically have the cheapest prices. According to NerdWallet, the best day of the week to actually fly for the least amount of money is on Saturdays with an average airfare of $218. That's 25% cheaper than flying on Sunday, which is the most expensive day of the week to be airborne.

Over the years people have come to believe that booking a flight on a Tuesday was the best way to get a deal or schmooze into a discounted upgrade. That's no longer true. Thanks to discount travel sites, which are always active and accessible, the price of flights are constantly changing due to real-time demand. With airfare prices shifting continually online, Expedia's 2025 Air Hacks Report finds one day is better for buying than others — and it's not Tuesday.

According to the report, if the day you purchase tickets is a Sunday you could save 6% on domestic travel and international flyers can get up to 17% off compared to the price of the same ticket bought on a weekday. The report also states that the price gap between premium and economy tickets is down 10% since 2019, which may bring a seating upgrade within reach for more travelers.

Additionally, it's no secret that most business travel occurs between Mondays and Thursdays with senior executives and business leaders flying in premium seats rather than coach, especially for longer flights. While typical leisure travelers looking to save money are likely to fly economy on the weekends, even though there are usually fewer business travelers onboard. That means more premium seats tend to be available and increases the chances for weekend flyers to potentially fetch a cheaper upgrade or last-minute deal in the front cabin. Forget Tuesday. If you want an upgrade without the price tag, Sunday is your new friend.

Besides booking flights on Sundays and flying on Saturdays, other ways to score more deep discounts and plum upgrades may require some flexibility on your part. Most flights are overbooked and airlines frequently offer travel vouchers or free upgrades to passengers willing to surrender their seat and take a later flight. If there's some wiggle room in your schedule and you volunteer to take a different plane, you could be flying free or in first class for your next trip.

Get in the habit of arriving at your gate early. When the gate agent arrives it's worth checking to see if there are any premium seats available. If the gate area is quiet and you're polite, agents sometimes offer last-minute upgrades at a steep discount. Manners matter, so be polite, be respectful, and smile. You'll never know unless you ask!

Finally, some airlines offer upgrade auctions. Once you've booked your economy ticket, visit their website and see if they have a bidding program for upgrades. If so, place a reasonable bid and you might snag a sweet first class seat for cheap. Airlines that offer this service include Virgin Atlantic, Lufthansa, Qantas, and Air Canada. With a little timing and flexibility, flying first class doesn't have to be out of reach.