If you have any flexibility in making flight plans, learn this little golden rule. According to travel experts and frequent flyers, the best days to get the best prices narrows down to exactly 3 p.m. on Tuesdays.

Airlines typically release their sales specials on that day, and let them expire 48 hours later. Late Wednesday night flights are usually the cheapest. Make reservations by phone and you’ll avoid an extra charge for computer-processed the reservation. Ordering your ticket by computer for Friday, Saturday or Sunday afternoon flights usually means you’ll pay the highest fare in effect throughout the week.

When starting to consider flight plans, keep your nose to the computer for airline schedule postings on those days when bargains are hot. If that isn’t convenient, ask your friendly neighborhood travel agent to keep checking for you. You’ll pay a commission , but it’ll be worth it if you get the very best price for your flight.