Recent headlines have left many travellers wondering whether they should lock in a fare or hold out for a better deal. If you’re weighing up whether to book now or wait, the answer depends on where you’re travelling – and the data is pointing firmly in one direction.

As summer travel picks up, travellers are navigating changing flight prices, busy travel periods and growing demand on some routes. The question many people are asking is simple: should I book now or wait?

The reality is that there isn’t one global story; some routes are currently showing better value than others. But experts agree on one thing: waiting is riskier than ever.

Why Are Flight Prices Rising Right Now?

There’s one main culprit behind the current price hikes: jet fuel.

Following the conflict in the Middle East, jet fuel prices have surged by around 82% since February 2026, climbing from $2.50 to $4.56 per gallon. Fuel typically accounts for 20-30% of an airline’s operating costs, so when oil prices spike, airlines have to pass some of that onto passengers.

But fuel isn’t the only factor. Airlines are also using smarter pricing systems that adjust fares in real time based on demand, competition and even browsing behaviour. Add in strong post-pandemic demand, tighter seat capacity and the summer travel rush, and you’ve got a recipe for rising prices.

The result? The average domestic flight is up 8% since the conflict began, while international fares have jumped a staggering 42% – from £774 to £1,097 on average.

So, Should You Book Now or Wait?

Book now. Don’t wait.

That’s the consensus from travel experts. “Regardless of whether you’re looking to travel in two weeks, two months or even looking ahead to fall travel, waiting to buy airfare is honestly riskier,” says Katy Nastro, a travel expert at Going.

“If it fits in your budget now, don’t put it off,” she adds.

Hayley Berg, lead economist at Hopper, agrees: “If they see a good deal, we recommend they go ahead and purchase!”

The logic is simple. Even if the conflict were to end tomorrow, it would take months for the situation to normalise – rebuilding oil infrastructure and working through production delays isn’t instant. So that fare you’re eyeing? It’s more likely to go up than down.

But What About the “Sweet Spot” for Booking?

While the advice is generally to book sooner, there’s still a “Goldilocks window” that can help you get the best deal:

  • Domestic flights: Start monitoring prices 3-4 months ahead, book 1-2 months before departure
  • International flights: Start monitoring 7-8 months ahead, book 3-6 months in advance
  • Peak seasons (summer, holidays): Book even earlier

For domestic economy flights, the sweet spot is typically 31-45 days before departure – saving an average of £38 compared to booking more than six months out. For international travel, booking 15-30 days ahead can save £93 on average.

But here’s the catch: those windows are general guidelines. With current fuel volatility, waiting until the last minute is a gamble you probably don’t want to take.

Are Last-Minute Deals Still a Thing?

Not really.

While last-minute bargains do exist, they’re rare and unpredictable. They usually only happen when a route has low demand or an airline has added extra capacity. For popular routes – think London to Paris, New York to Tokyo, or anywhere in peak season – prices almost always rise closer to departure.

Airlines know that business travellers and urgent travellers will pay more. So unless you’re incredibly flexible on destination and timing, waiting until the last minute is more likely to leave you with fewer choices and higher prices.

How to Save Without Playing the Waiting Game

Instead of gambling on price drops, try these proven strategies:

1. Be flexible with dates
Flying mid-week – Tuesday or Wednesday – is often cheaper than weekend travel. Even shifting your trip by a day or two can make a difference.

2. Consider alternative airports
Flying into or out of a nearby airport can sometimes unlock cheaper routes.

3. Look at shoulder seasons
If your plans are flexible, travelling just before or after peak season – like early autumn or late spring – can deliver better value. June flights are 68% cheaper on average than December flights.

4. Check total cost, not just base fare
Budget airlines may appear cheaper upfront but charge for carry-on bags, seat selection and other add-ons. Compare the total cost before booking.

5. Compare across dates
Use TravelHype’s flexible date search to compare prices across the month and spot the cheapest days to fly.

TravelHype Verdict

Book now if the price works for you.

In today’s market, waiting for the perfect deal is a risky strategy. With fuel prices volatile, demand strong and airlines under no pressure to slash fares, prices are more likely to trend upward than drop dramatically.

That doesn’t mean you should panic-buy. But it does mean you should start your research early, compare your options, and be ready to pull the trigger when you see a fare that fits your budget.

The simplest advice? Don’t make your decision based on headlines alone. Check the data, compare your options and book when the price works for you.

Ready to find your next flight? Head over to our Flights page to search and compare deals from hundreds of airlines. Use our flexible date search to find the cheapest days to fly, and compare prices across multiple destinations to find the best value for your budget.