Travelling is the best way to enjoy the fruits of life and explore new places. Whether it’s a weekend getaway with your friends or a business trip, at the back of our minds, we all strive to get the cheapest airline tickets possible.
But what are the cheapest days to fly and the best time to buy airline tickets? we will discuss the cheapest days to fly and the best time to buy airline tickets that are right for a new traveller. Understanding the intricacies of bookings and finances can help plan a cost-effective trip.
Cheapest Days to Fly and Best Time to Buy Airline Tickets
The best time to buy airline tickets depends on the destination, time of year, and how far in advance the flight is. The best time to buy for domestic flights is usually between four to six weeks before the departure date. For international flights, it’s best to start looking for deals about three months before departure. Keep in mind that these are general guidelines and may not always apply.
1. Online Travel Agency
One of the best ways to find cheap flights is to use an online travel agency. Tuesday afternoons are often the best time to find deals when looking for airfare. This is because airlines typically announce sales on Monday evenings, and by Tuesday afternoon, other travel agencies have caught wind of the deals and matched the prices.
2. Book on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
The first thing to consider is the time of year. Generally, the best time to buy airline tickets is during the off-season. This is because fewer people typically travel during these times, so airlines are more likely to offer discounts.
Additionally, many airlines release their cheapest fares for the month on Tuesday mornings, so it’s worth checking if you’re looking for a bargain. Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule, and sometimes you can find great deals on other days of the week.
The best way to find out is to use a fare calendar which shows the cheapest days to fly to your chosen destination.
3. Fly the Cheapest Route
You may be surprised to learn that the cheapest route isn’t always the shortest. Flying to a nearby city and then taking a connecting flight to your destination can sometimes be cheaper than flying there. That’s because airlines often offer discounts on connecting flights. So, if you’re flexible with your travel plans, do some research to see if any cheaper flights available that has a layover in your desired city.
4. Compare Airfare
No two airlines are the same. They all have different consumer targets, which means their pricing structures vary. For this reason, comparing airfare is important when looking for the best deal on a flight.
Kayak and Hipmunk are two sites that make this easy to do. They aggregate data from multiple airlines so you can quickly compare prices.
When searching for flights, be sure to compare airfare between multiple airlines. It’s also a good idea to set up fare alerts so you can be notified when the price drops.
5. Flexible travel dates
Another way to find cheap flights is to be flexible with travel dates. The cheapest days to fly are usually mid-week, so if you can travel on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, you’re more likely to find a cheaper fare. If you have some flexibility with your travel dates, you can also use a fare calendar to compare prices and find the cheapest days to fly.
6. Book Group Travel One Ticket at a Time
Have you ever had to plan a group trip? Maybe you had to book tickets for your family to fly to your cousin’s wedding or for a work retreat. If so, you probably know how hard it can be to find a deal on airline tickets for a group. However, there are a few things that you can do to make the process easier.
Here are a few tips on how to book group travel tickets:
- Search for flights together: Use a search engine that lets you look at multiple airlines to compare prices.
- Check for group discounts: Many airlines offer group discounts if you are booking 10 or more tickets.
- Flexibility is key: Be flexible with your travel dates and times to get the best deal.
- Sign up for fare alerts: This way, you can be notified when there is a drop in price for the flights you are interested in.
- Book early: The general rule is that the earlier you book, the cheaper the tickets will be.
- Don’t wait until the last minute: If you wait until the last minute to book, you will likely end up paying a premium.
When is the best time to buy airline tickets? It depends on your individual travel needs. However, if you are willing to research, you can often find great deals on airfare. There are a few other things to remember when trying to snag a cheap flight. Weekdays are typically cheaper than weekends, and morning and evening flights are usually cheaper than flights during the day.
The most important thing to remember when trying to save money on airfare is to be flexible with your travel dates and your destination. Flying during the off-peak seasons and on certain days of the week can help you score cheaper tickets. Also, booking your flight well or at the last minute can lead to lower fares.
Here are a few more tips on how to get the cheapest flights:
- Avoid flying during holidays and peak travel times
- If you must fly during these times, book your flight well in advance or last-minute
- Check multiple airlines for the best fare
- Sign up for fare alerts from travel sites
- Consider alternative airports
The Best Day to Travel for Cheap Flights
Did you know that the best day to book a flight is actually Tuesday?
