When it comes to booking airline tickets, timing can make all the difference in the price you pay. The cheapest time to book airline tickets is usually one to three months prior to departure for domestic flights and two to eight months before departure for international flights. In this overview, the best times to book cheap airline tickets and some tips for saving money on your next flight are discussed in detail.
Book Early
One common piece of advice is to book your flight months in advance. It is advised to book domestic flights at least 3 to 6 weeks before departure. This window typically offers the best prices for domestic travel. For international trips, you are advised to book about 2 to 5 months before departure to get the best deals.
Fly During the ‘Off-Peak’ Times
Flight prices are heavily influenced by demand, and airlines adjust their prices based on the time of year and day of the week. If you’re flexible with your travel dates, you can often find cheaper flights by flying at times that are less popular for travelers. Typically, flights on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays are the least costly. These days are less popular for business and leisure travelers, which means airlines often lower prices to fill seats. Furthermore, if you’re planning a vacation, try to avoid peak seasons like summer breaks and Christmas.
Use Airline Miles or Points
If you’re a frequent traveler or have credit card rewards, consider using airline miles or points to reduce the cost of your flight. Many credit card companies partner with airlines to offer travel rewards that can be redeemed for flights or upgrades.
Book connecting flight
Although direct flights are preferred by all passengers, they are typically more costly than those with layovers. It’s important to choose flights with connections when looking for cheap flights because they are typically less pricey than direct flights. If passengers can wait at the airport and do not have to reach their destination right away, they should think about scheduling a connecting flight to make the trip both affordable and enjoyable.
Book Budget Airlines
It is advised to select the airline with the lowest fare, even though there are major airlines that fly to your desired location. Therefore, before making a purchase, passengers should compare the costs of tickets offered by competing airlines to get the best deal possible.
Set Fare Alerts
Flight prices can fluctuate daily, so it’s important to track fares over time. Set up price alerts on fare comparison sites, and you’ll be notified when prices drop. This can be especially useful for international flights, where prices may vary by hundreds of dollars over a few days or weeks.
Conclusion
Booking cheap airline tickets is all about timing, flexibility, and using the right tools. Aim to book at least a few weeks in advance for domestic travel, and several months ahead for international trips. Fly on less popular days and times, and take advantage of price alerts to ensure you’re getting the best deal. With a bit of research and planning, you can save money and fly smart.