When Are Flights Cheapest to Book? Secret Travel Hacks

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - is a convenient and, in fact, the safest mode of transportation. However, it can sometimes be quite pricey. Everyone enjoys a good travel deal, but determining the optimal time to book a flight for the lowest price can often feel like a guessing game.

Ticket prices can fluctuate based on factors like demand, seasonality, and even your online browsing history. To snag the cheapest airfare, it is important to understand the best days to book your flights.

Citing Investopedia and NerdWallet, this article provides tips on how to reserve a flight at the lowest possible price. So when is the best time to book flights? Read on to find out!

Best Time to Book Your Flight

Finding the cheapest flights isn’t just a matter of luck; it is also a matter of strategy. When booking air travel, timing is crucial.

According to Investopedia, avoid purchasing tickets too far in advance, more than five months, as prices tend to remain elevated during this period. Conversely, waiting until the last minute is also risky, as prices often skyrocket as airlines take advantage of travelers with urgent needs.

Investopedia and NerdWallet also specify important periods to consider before booking a flight, whether for domestic or international flights, as follows:

Best Time to Book Domestic Flights

To get the best deal on domestic flights, Expedia’s 2024 Air Travel Hacks Report suggests that you should book a ticket about 28 days before departure. However, NerdWallet recommends booking even earlier: one to three months in advance.

Best Time to Book International Flights

For international flights, booking your flight two to eight months in advance is generally recommended for the lowest prices.

The Cheapest Days to Book and Fly

When it comes to flight prices, not all days are created equal. That's why it's important to pick the right days to travel.

According to data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation, Sunday is the best day of the week to purchase airline tickets during which fliers can save an average of 8%.

As for the best days to actually fly, Wednesdays and Saturdays tend to have the cheapest fares. On the flip side, Sundays and Mondays are the most expensive days to fly, due to business travelers and weekend vacationers rushing to their destinations.

Tips to Snatch the Best Flight Deals

To increase your chances of finding the cheapest flights, here are several tips from Investopedia and NerdWallet:

1. Use Fare Alerts

Technology can help you score cheap flights. Consider using tools like Google Flights, Kayak, or Expedia. These platforms track price changes and notify you when fares drop.

3. Avoid Peak Travel Times

Seasonal demand plays a huge role in airfare pricing. If you’re planning a trip during a destination’s high season, expect to pay premium rates. For potential savings, consider traveling in January, February, September, or October.

4. Don’t Hesitate to Rebook Your Flight

Since airlines nowadays adopt more flexible change and cancellation policies, it’s easier for you to rebook your flight if you stumble upon a cheaper option. Just be aware of the airline’s policies, as sometimes you’ll get your refund in the form of a travel voucher instead of your original payment method.

5. Be Flexible

Being flexible with your travel dates can make a huge difference. Instead of setting fixed departure and return dates, try searching with a "flexible dates" option. A slight shift in your schedule—for example, flying a day earlier or later—can save you hundreds of dollars.

6. Use Travel Credit Card Rewards

Some people decide to get a credit card to enjoy the abundant benefits it offers, which include travel rewards. Certain credit cards offer their holders a range of benefits, including complimentary checked bags, in-flight food and beverages, and other perks.

While this method doesn’t necessarily reduce the cost of your ticket, this can allow you to save on an array of flight-related expenses.

If you’re planning for your next journey but don’t want to break the bank, make sure to reserve a ticket at the perfect time, fly on the best days, and always keep an eye out for seasonal trends.

For a more wallet-friendly trip, you can also choose low-cost airlines that offer affordable airfares without skimping on comfort and convenience. Check out the top 10 low-cost airlines in the world ranked by Skytrax .

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