With so many Black Friday deals dropping today—but Cyber Monday and Travel Tuesday still a few days away—how can you know if now is truly the best time to buy that flight, or if you should hold off until after the weekend?
Black Friday vs. Travel Tuesday, Black Friday vs. Cyber Monday, Travel Tuesday vs. Cyber Monday… Comparing these discounted dates can get complicated.
While jumping on today’s deals might feel tempting, savvy travelers don’t just snag the first flight ticket that teases a lower price. While you might score big, the risk of an opportunity loss for an even better deal is just as big.
And if you’re considering one of the following trending destinations, you might want to steady that trigger finger.
Skyscanner dug into last year’s data to find out when they were at their lowest: Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or Travel Tuesday. While last year’s data doesn’t definitely mean that this year’s flight prices will have the same outlook, this kind of coveted intel is still worth considering.
Here’s what the flight-booking platform discovered.
Related: 5 Airline Deals to Look Out for on Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Travel Tuesday
1. Mexico
Mexico saw a 32.7 percent increase in flight searches on Black Friday in 2024. And most flights were indeed cheaper on Black Friday and over Black Friday weekend. For example, Cancun, which saw a 29.8 percent increase in flight searches, had the lowest fares over Black Friday weekend.
However, flights to Mexico City, which had a 33.5 percent search increase on Black Friday in 2024, were actually the cheapest on Travel Tuesday last year.
So if the beaches are beckoning, booking this weekend could be your best bet—if this year is anything like last year. But if you’re headed to the cultural center, CDMX, you might want to wait until Travel Tuesday.
2. Spain
Spain saw a 19.8 percent increase in searches on Skyscanner over Black Friday weekend last year. And, as it panned out, Black Friday weekend was indeed the cheapest time to book flights to Spain.
While no specific city in Spain was trending in 2024, the country as a whole is teeming with tourist attractions—from the museums of Madrid and the Michelin-starred restaurants of San Sebastián to the beaches of Cadíz and the crawling, cobblestoned corners of Barcelona.
3. Colombia
Colombia had a 39.8 percent increase in flight searches over Black Friday in 2024, but the cheapest time to book flights to Colombia was actually on Cyber Monday.
So if you’re itching to get to one of Colombia’s vibrant cities—from Medellín to Bogota to Cartagena—to explore the lush coffee regions, or to cruise the Caribbean coastline, Monday might be the better time to book.
4. Brazil
Brazil saw a 32.1 percent increase in flight searches during Black Friday in 2024, and Black Friday weekend turned out to be the best time to book flights to Brazil.
No specific city in Brazil topped last year’s trend charts. But Brazil boasts beauty around every corner, from the dramatic peaks of Rio de Janeiro to the pristine beaches of Florianópolis and beyond.
5. Japan
Japan saw a 46.4 percent increase in flight searches during Black Friday in 2024. Tokyo, in particular, saw an uptick of 48.1 percent. Flights to Tokyo and Japan, at large, were lowest during Black Friday weekend last year.
Other Popular Destinations
While India wasn’t a trending country last year, Mumbai, India, in particular, saw a surge in flight searches during Black Friday last year (25.9 percent). And Black Friday weekend was the best time to book flights to Mumbai last year.
San Juan, Puerto Rico also witnessed a 37.8 percent jump in flight searches during the Black Friday period last year. However, Travel Tuesday turned out to be the cheapest time to buy flights to San Juan.
Again: There are no sure bets here. Do with this information what you want. Just call it plane food for thought.
This story was originally published by Parade on Nov 28, 2025, where it first appeared in the Travel section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.