Is There Really a Best Time to Book Flights?
Most of us love scoring a deal on airfare, but there are plenty of conflicting theories on how and when to book your flight to achieve maximum savings. Is there really a best time to book flights? Here’s what the experts had to say.
How Far Out Should You Book?
The average ticket prices for economy and premium seats tend to rise as the departure date gets closer, according to Alexis Tiacoh, spokeswoman for Expedia. Waiting to book at the last minute can be an expensive gamble. However, booking three weeks ahead is often the “sweet spot” for fare savings.
“Travelers should book their flights at least three weeks out on a weekend,” Tiacoh said. “Many people save up to 20%, and some can save as much as 36%.”
When booking international flights, try to book six weeks in advance to score maximum savings, said Kelly Soderlund, travel trends expert for Hipmunk.
What Days Should You Avoid Booking?
Based on Expedia’s research, the most expensive tickets tend to be purchased on Thursdays and Fridays, said Tiacoh. However, global trends show that most low-cost economy and premium flights depart on a Thursday or Friday.
“Travelers can save around 10% on airfares simply by choosing flights that take off on Thursday or Friday,” she said.
Why You Should Skip Mondays
Mondays are heavily trafficked business travel days, making them one of the more expensive times to fly, said Soderlund. Instead, Tuesday or Thursday travel is a better bet. If you want to fly on a weekend, opt for a Saturday flight.
“Cost-conscious travelers should avoid starting their journey on a Sunday as those trips generally have the highest average ticket price,” said Tiacoh.
The Most Affordable Season to Travel
Another tactic for scoring bargain flights is knowing when to go. The best time? Shoulder season, or the travel period between peak and off-peak times, typically right after summer.
“We’re coming up on shoulder season, which is one of, if not the best time to travel,” said Soderlund. “It’s the second cheapest time of the year to fly after January. There are fewer crowds, but the weather is still warm in most places.”
Connect with Your Favorite Airline
Connected travelers have the best odds of nabbing an airfare deal by staying in the loop with their go-to airlines.
“Bargain hunting flyers should connect with their favorite airlines via their social media accounts since promos are often launched or best promoted through platforms like Twitter or Instagram,” said Gabe Saglie, senior editor at Travelzoo. “Signing up for alerts from airlines is an effective way of becoming aware of last-minute sales too.”
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Description: A traveler booking a flight online, highlighting the importance of timing in securing the best airfare deals.
