There are countless ways to save serious money on flights–but it turns out booking airfare on a certain day of the week isn’t one of them, says new data from Google Flights. 

Booking mid-week, especially around midnight on Tuesdays, has long been considered the best time to purchase your tickets. But in the past 5 years, U.S. fares purchased on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays have only been a mere 1.9% cheaper than those same fares bought during the weekend. 

In other words, if your trip is just a couple of weeks away, do not wait for Tuesday to roll around. Experts agree: book your flight now, as flights are predicted to go up–specifically holiday travel. 

But there are some data-driven strategies that undeniably work if you’re in pursuit of a deal.

If you are flying business or first class internationally, try to book your tickets with net or consolidator deals which will lower the airline price by as much as 40%. Sometimes you have to book a hotel component, but sometimes you don’t.  Large travel agencies who specialize in these kinds of negotiated discounts can help. (try us at Cook Travel, Inc. phone 917 514 6958).

Which day you fly can dictate a lot, according to Google Flights research which took into account the last 5 years of flying. On average, flights that leave on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday are 12% cheaper than weekend departures. If you’re booking domestically, the savings are about 20%. 

Another one of our favorite strategies is booking early. This works. Booking your Thanksgiving and Christmas tickets now will save you hundreds, and potentially thousands. The upcoming holiday travel season is on track to be one of the busiest ever, so don’t be surprised if waiting on booking means you’re shelling out a lot more than usual for your tickets. 

Non-stop flights cost on average about 20% more than connecting flights–but our advice is to go with the non-stop option, especially these days given the disruptions. 

A new study just found that 1 in 3 travelers spent up to $250 on flights, meals, or hotels because of flight delays or cancellations this summer, while 12% reported spending between $500 and $1000. In short: it’s worth the extra dollars to ensure you get to your destination on time with minimal hiccups. 

Some Labor Day Inspired travel reading for the 137 Million Americans Planning To Travel: 

What To Expect At The Airport If You’re Jetting Off 

The Best And Worst Times To Leave For Your Road Trip This Weekend 

Avoid These Airports If You’re Traveling This Weekend