Deciding when to click "buy" has always felt like a high-stakes game of chicken with airline algorithms. But in 2026, the game has changed. Between surging oil prices and shifting post-pandemic travel patterns, the old "Tuesday at 3 PM" rule is officially dead.
Recent global events—including rising fuel costs and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East—are driving airfares up. Experts at The Points Guy suggest "throwing the usual playbook out the window" and securing your tickets for the rest of the year as soon as possible to avoid impending price hikes. should i buy my flight now
Right now, the short answer is , especially for travel later in 2026. Deciding when to click "buy" has always felt