The year-end holidays are here, and for many people, the price of airline tickets is the main concern. From April to August of this year, searches on Google for “cheapest airline tickets” increased by more than 240% in the US.
How to find cheaper flights?
Industry experts say your chances of finding lower prices increase if you consider the following tips based on data research from the last five years.
Cheapest days to fly
Historically, it is cheaper to fly in the middle of the week than on the weekend – especially on Sundays. On average, flights departing on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday are 12% cheaper than weekend departures. If you exclude international destinations, the savings can increase to over 20%.
Non-stop flight vs. connecting flight
Your willingness to take a layover is one of your best bets for saving money. On average, non-stop fares are 20% higher than on a flight with layovers.
Best day of the week to book airline tickets
If you bought your tickets on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays instead of Saturdays or Sundays, prices were only 1.9% cheaper, on average, over the last five years. Therefore, if your trip is in a few weeks, don’t wait for Tuesday to arrive – book your flight now to avoid the risk of prices going up.
The ideal number of days before departure to book a flight
For domestic flights in the US, prices are generally lowest 21 to 60 days out, with average prices hitting their lowest level 44 days before departure. But remember that these rates may not hold true for your specific route, so planning and booking in advance is generally a good idea (this also applies to the other scenarios listed below).
Best time to book flights for Thanksgiving or Christmas
For domestic travel around Thanksgiving, you should plan ahead. In the past, the lowest prices were typically found 36 to 74 days before departure, reaching their lowest point 52 days prior.
For domestic travel around Christmas, the lowest average prices were 22 days before departure, but this may be decreasing. Prices tend to drop between 20 and 88 days before departure.
Best time to buy flights for Spring Break
For domestic travel starting in March or April, prices are generally lower 23 to 59 days before departure, and 38 days before is when they hit their lowest point.
Best time to book flights for summer vacations
For domestic travel starting in July or August, prices were lowest 14 to 44 days before departure, and the lowest average prices are generally 21 days prior.
Best time to book a flight from the US to Europe
For travel to Europe from the US, previous trends suggest that you should book in advance. The best deals were typically found 129 days before departure, and prices tend to be lower between 50 and 179 days.
Best time to book flights from the US to Mexico or the Caribbean
In previous years, average airfare from the US to Mexico or the Caribbean was lower between 37 and 87 days before departure, and 59 days out is when they reached their lowest point.