The Exact Date and Time to Book Your Last-Minute Labor Day Getaway, According to Travel Experts

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Labor Day weekend is nearly here, and if you haven’t booked your trip yet, you may be wondering if you missed the chance to score a good deal. The good news? Travel experts say it’s not too late, as long as you book strategically.

According to new research from AttractionTickets.com, there’s a sweet spot for snagging last-minute airfare and hotel deals that could save travelers hundreds of dollars. Their analysis of historical pricing patterns and industry data reveals the exact date and time you should hop online to book your Labor Day trip and the days you should avoid.

Oliver Brendon, CEO of AttractionTickets.com, says one of the biggest misconceptions about airfare is that “earlier always equals cheaper.” In reality, airlines and travel companies continuously adjust fares based on demand.

That means even in the final week before departure, there are still windows of opportunity to lock in lower prices.

Based on AttractionTickets.com’s research:

• Best day to book: Sunday, August 24, 2025
• Best time: Around 6:00 a.m. local time
• Day to avoid: Fridays, when demand spikes and fares are at their highest

For those willing to push it even closer, Brendon says Sunday, August 31, 2025, may also deliver bargains — though it’s a higher-risk move since flight availability narrows as departure nears.

So, why exactly do Sundays and early mornings matter?

Industry data from Expedia’s Air Travel Hacks Report and Jetcost’s fare analysis back up the trend. Sundays tend to be the cheapest day of the week for bookings, with early risers often reaping the rewards of lower fares. By contrast, Fridays consistently show higher pricing, driven by a mix of business travelers and weekend demand.

Brendon says that travelers who plan ahead just a week out and set an early alarm on Sunday morning can still find surprisingly affordable fares to popular Labor Day destinations like Orlando, Las Vegas, or coastal beach towns.

If you’re looking to make the most of this last window of savings, here are a few insider strategies:

1. Be flexible with airports and times. Flying a day earlier or into a nearby airport could cut your costs significantly.
2. Bundle your trip. AttractionTickets.com notes that hotel + ticket packages, especially for theme parks, often offer better value than booking separately.
3. Avoid Fridays. If you’re price-sensitive, steer clear of booking or departing on Fridays, when both airfare and hotel rates tend to spike.
4. Book early in the day. Fares loaded overnight are often gone by mid-morning, so set that alarm clock.

While many assume last-minute holiday travel is prohibitively expensive, the data shows there are still ways to score a deal if you know when — and when not — to book.

“Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer, and families want one last escape before school schedules and routines take over,” says Brendon. “With smart timing, travelers can still grab affordable flights and experiences, even this close to departure.”

So, if you’ve been hesitating, mark your calendar and set that alarm for Sunday morning, August 24. Your wallet and your holiday plans may thank you.