Timing Your Search: When and How to Book for the Best Deals
Picking the right time to book is just as important as your destination. Airlines change ticket prices often, so flexibility helps. If you can adjust your travel dates or even your airport, your chances of saving money increase.
Best Days and Months for Booking:
Most domestic flights are cheaper if you fly mid-week, usually on Tuesdays or Wednesdays. Sundays tend to see higher fares because of increased demand. January, February, and September often have lower prices for many routes. Holiday periods and school breaks push prices up, so aim to avoid them when possible.
How Far in Advance to Book:
- For domestic flights: Book about one to three months before you travel. Last-minute deals are rare, and waiting too long often backfires.
- For international flights: Start looking three to six months ahead. Popular destinations or travel during holidays may require even earlier planning.
The myth of last-minute bargains can lead to disappointment. Airlines know business travelers will pay more at the last moment, so they often increase prices as the travel date approaches.
Set Fare Alerts and Use Calendar Searches:
Leveraging Technology and Alternative Booking Strategies
Use Multiple Fare Search Tools:
Some websites and apps find deals that others miss by searching across many airlines and booking platforms. Try several tools, as each may show different prices for the same trip.
Private or Incognito Browsing:
Some booking sites track your searches and may raise prices if you keep checking the same route. Use incognito mode and clear your cookies to see if lower prices appear.
Explore alternative booking options:
- Hidden city ticketing: You book a ticket to a farther city but plan to leave at a layover. This sometimes lowers the fare but violates most airlines' policies. Your ticket for the rest of the trip may be canceled, and you can't check bags. Use this only if you understand the risks.
- Open-jaw tickets: These let you fly into one city and return from another. This works well for multi-city trips and often costs less than booking two one-way flights.
- Points and miles: Airlines and some credit cards let you use rewards for flights. Looking for "mileage specials" or off-peak awards can make your points go further.
Budget carriers can expand your choices:
Low-cost airlines, especially for short routes or in Europe and Asia, often charge lower base fares but add fees for extras. Check total costs before buying.
Airlines often have strict policies about hidden city ticketing, multiple bookings, or using frequent flier points. Always read the rules and be ready for potential complications.
Exploring Regional Airports and Stopovers for Savings
Looking at Stopovers:
Flights with one or more stops often cost less than nonstop flights. Adding a layover can also give you a chance to see a new city. Some airlines offer free stopovers that let you stay in the connecting city for a few days at no extra charge.
What to Watch Out For:
- Extra travel time: More stops mean longer trips. Busy connections raise the chance of delays.
- Additional transport costs: Factor in taxi or train fares if you fly into an alternate airport.
- Convenience: Weigh savings against the hassle of long layovers or travel to a farther airport.
Here’s a quick overview for reference:
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
|
Smaller airports |
Lower fares, less crowd |
Longer ground travel, fewer choices |
|
Stopovers |
Cheap fares, new cities |
More time, possible delays |
|
Direct flights |
Fast, easy |
Often higher price |