Frequent Miler on the Air · Wednesday, September 2, 2026
Tim advises that for travelers on the West Coast heading to New York City, Tuesday and Wednesday departures are often best for transcontinental flights. He notes that avoiding Monday departures and Sunday returns, which are popular with business travelers and tourists respectively, can lead to better cash fares and point sales.
“But from the West Coast, you really only have a handful of departure airports for what are very long flights.”
“And while there can be great fare sales, especially what I've learned is, uh, Tuesday, Wednesday departures, Saturday and Saturday returns are terrific to go transcontinental.”
“Most business people are always traveling on Mondays and coming back on Fridays, and most tourists from around the entire country are going back on Sunday nights.”
“So if you can stick away from there, there can be some great both cash fares and point sales as well.”