Booking flights at the right time can lead to significant savings on travel expenses. But with so many different factors to consider, it can be challenging to determine the best time to book flights. In this guide, we will discuss some practical tips to help you find the best deals.
1. Start Early
In general, it’s better to start looking for flights as early as possible. That way, you’ll have more time to find good deals, especially for peak holiday periods. Airlines often sell their tickets for a fixed price at first, which may be higher than future prices. But as the departure date gets closer, many factors come into play, like seasonal fluctuations and demand, making prices go up or down.
2. Use Online Flight Comparison Sites
Using online comparison sites like Kayak, Expedia, Skyscanner, or Google Flights can help you compare prices across multiple airlines and filter out the best deals that match your travel plans. Check them regularly and set up fare alerts to get notified whenever a ticket price drops.
3. Avoid Booking Too Late
If you book flights too late, you may end up paying a much higher price, especially if you are traveling during peak travel seasons or holidays. Prices tend to go up dramatically weeks before the departure date. So, try to avoid waiting until the last minute to book your flights.
4. Midweek Flights
Flights departing in mid-week are usually cheaper than those leaving on weekends. Therefore, shifting your travel dates a few days can save you a lot. For example, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are usually the cheapest days to fly domestically in the United States. Thursdays, Saturdays, and Mondays are also relatively cheaper, but with a lower margin difference compared to Tuesday and Wednesday.
5. Book Flights during Sale Season
Airlines often have sale periods multiple times a year where they offer excellent deals on flights. This is the best time to be on the lookout for discounted flights. During sale periods, some airlines offer discounts of up to 50% off regular fares. Keep an eye on social media, airline newsletters, and fare comparison websites to stay updated on any sale seasons.
6. Book in Advance, But Not Too Early
The adage ‘the earlier, the better’ is not always true when it comes to booking flights. While it’s recommended to book as early as possible, booking months ahead, especially for non-refundable tickets, may not always be the best option. True, at times Early booking can lead to significant savings where airlines offer early bird discounts. Still, you also have to be aware of peak seasons and demand spikes that can result in more expensive ticket prices.
7. Consider Layovers
If you can handle a stopover, consider booking flights with layovers, as they might be cheaper than the non-stop option. However, be cautious when booking connecting flights since delays, or unforeseen circumstances can throw your schedule off balance.
In conclusion, determining the best time to book flights can be challenging and requires careful consideration of multiple factors. Start your search early, consider midweek flights, be on the lookout for sales seasons, and leverage online comparison sites to help you find the best deals. Remember, airfares can fluctuate wildly, so take advantage of the best deals while they are available.