WHEN YOU SHOULD BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS TO GET THE CHEAPEST RATES?
We’re nice people so we’re going to spill the beans on know-how when it comes to purchasing the cheapest airline tickets. So let’s get to it:
#1 Book in Advanced
Of course, stating the obvious. For domestic flights, some say 57 days earlier while others say 53 days. For international flights, best booking window is 171 days in advance. Thus, in average, Prime Booking Window would be one and four months in advance.
#2 Don’t buy on Friday, Saturday or Monday
They yield the highest prices.
#3 Buy on a Tuesday
They are usually cheaper than the average price. (True story, we’ve experienced it)
#4 Best Scenario
Book your flight on a Tuesday, three weeks in advance.
#5 Avoid leaving Friday and returning on Saturday
For both short and long haul flights.
According to Expedia, a long-haul flight (a flight lasts 6 hours or more) that leaves on a Friday and gets back on a Saturday is 20% more expensive than one that leaves on Thursday and return on a Monday.
Cheapest short-haul flights leaves on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday and return on one of those 3 days too.
#6 Avoid Buying Too Early
Oh yes, it’s a thing too. According to Cheap Air, fares still tend to be lower a few months before travel than they are 11 months before travel, as airlines would like to fill all the empty seats. However, the difference is not as pronounced as it used to be. Still, it’s better to wait for sale.
#7 Rules are Different for Holiday/Festive Season
The Prime Booking Window pattern doesn’t apply for peak season and popular route as the seats fills in rather quickly. Thus, it’s safer to book sooner, way sooner.
#8 Use Flight Search to compare flight rates from different airlines in one page.
This will help make your life so much simpler. Flight Search helps search and book best airfare across all airlines! Time to bookmark this page.
#9 Ultimate Strategy
Check fares early and often, you are likely to see both ups and downs of the airfare fluctuation. You’ll know a good deal when you see one.
(Content and images source: Elite Daily, Cheap Air, Thrillist)
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