Expedia's 2026 Air Hacks
Top tips for booking flights
Updated February 2026
Welcome to Air Hacks - your go‑to guide for smarter, easier, wallet‑friendly travel. Powered by millions of Expedia flight data points, Air Hacks reveals the best insider tips to help you save money, skip the crowds, and fly with confidence. From the cheapest days to take off to the ideal moment to book, these insights make planning your next trip simpler—and help you get the most out of every adventure.
Key Air Hacks for 2026
- Monday is the best day to book: Friday is the cheapest day to fly - about 13% cheaper compared to flying on a Sunday, the most expensive day to fly.
- The cheapest month to fly? February: February is the most budget-friendly month for international travel, with fares about 64% lower than in December (an average saving of NZ$630).
- Travel on a Sunday to avoid crowds: Sunday is the least busy day to fly, with Friday the busiest. February is the least busy month to fly while September is the busiest; the calmest individual dates are 25 February, 16 and 23 March, and the peak dates are 18 April, 28 June and 20 September.
- Book at the right time for big savings: International travellers can save NZ$275 on average by booking 31 - 45 days ahead, instead of six months out. Early planners can still save up to around NZ$105 on average booking three months ahead of departure.
- Some New Zealand airports are more affordable than others: The cheapest New Zealand airports to fly out of are Hamilton (HLZ), Blenheim (BHE) and Invercargill (IVC), on average all under NZ$850 - typically NZ$300 cheaper than departing from Auckland or Queenstown.
Saver Routes: International flights for under NZ$1,000
Dreaming of an international adventure on a budget? These routes keep costs low, with flights for under NZ$1,000 on average with Expedia. From Australian cities to stunning tropical beaches, these destinations prove that exploring the world doesn’t have to break the bank.
Trending International Flight Destinations for 2026
Looking for fresh travel inspiration? These destinations are seeing the biggest surge in interest for 2026 on Expedia, with places like Nha Trang and Phu Quoc in Vietnam, the Sunshine Coast in Australia and Washington in the USA climbing fast. From beautiful beaches to cosmopolitan gems, these trending spots are perfect for travellers eager to explore beyond the usual favourites.
All average ticket pricing data and 24-hour destinations are based on bookings made on Expedia.co.nz from December 2024 – November 2025, with any comparison metrics compared to December 2023 – November 2024. Most popular and trending destinations based on searches made on Expedia.co.nz from December 2024 – November 2025, compared to searches made December 2023 – November 2024
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