In the article titled “How Far in Advance Should I Book Flights?”, the author explores the complexities of airfare pricing and offers advice on when to book flights for the best deals. With ever-changing pricing formulas and seasonal shifts, determining the ideal booking window can be daunting. However, the article provides some general rules of thumb for different types of airfare, such as international flights, domestic summer flights, and domestic autumn/winter flights. Additionally, the author introduces various tools and resources, including the Hopper app, Momondo’s pricing graph, and airlines’ flexible booking calendars, to help readers find the lowest airfares that fit their travel plans. By following these recommendations, readers can navigate the confusing world of airfare and make informed decisions about when to book their flights.
How Far in Advance Should I Book Flights?
Airfare can be a confusing and overwhelming topic, especially when it comes to figuring out the best time to book flights. With dynamic pricing and constantly changing rates, it can be challenging to determine the ideal booking window. However, there are some general rules of thumb and tools available that can help guide you to the best day to purchase your flights. In this article, we will explore these guidelines and tools to help you plan your travel more effectively.
Last-minute airfare deals pretty much don’t exist anymore
Gone are the days of finding incredible last-minute deals on airfare. Airlines have shifted their pricing strategies, and now it’s rare to find significant discounts when booking flights at the eleventh hour. To secure the best prices, it’s crucial to plan ahead and book in advance.
International airfare: 6 weeks ahead
When it comes to international travel, it’s generally recommended to book your flights around six weeks in advance. This timeframe allows you to take advantage of any potential price drops or promotions while still having a good selection of flight options.
Domestic airfare in summer: 47 days ahead
For domestic travel during the summer months, it’s ideal to book your flights approximately 47 days in advance. This timeframe gives you a good balance between getting competitive prices and having enough time to plan your trip.
Domestic airfare in autumn and winter: 62–69 days ahead
During the autumn and winter months, it’s best to book domestic flights around 62 to 69 days in advance. This timeframe allows you to secure good deals while avoiding any potential price hikes closer to travel dates.
Domestic airfare in spring: 90 days ahead
Spring is typically a popular time for domestic travel, especially for holidays like spring break. To get the best prices, it’s recommended to book your flights approximately 90 days ahead of your desired departure date.
Know when the holidays are
When planning a trip, it’s essential to be aware of any major events or holidays taking place in your destination. Prices tend to increase during these times due to high demand. Before booking your flights, take the time to research your destination’s tourism bureau website or consult Frommer’s guides for insights on local events, conventions, and school holidays. By avoiding peak travel periods, you can save money on both airfare and accommodation.
Consult Hopper
To get a comprehensive view of pricing trends and find the best time to book your flights, consider using the Hopper app. Hopper analyzes historical data and trends to provide you with insights into the ideal booking window for your desired flight. By using this tool, you can determine the most cost-effective day to purchase your tickets and potentially save a significant amount of money.
Use Momondo’s pricing graph
Another valuable resource for finding the best airfare prices is Momondo. In addition to searching various booking sites, Momondo includes a pricing graph that shows you whether the prices it found are lower or higher on the dates surrounding your chosen travel dates. This graph allows you to refine your travel window and find the most affordable options.
Check the airlines’ flexible booking calendars
Once you have an idea of how far in advance to book, it’s time to explore the options offered directly by the airlines. Some airlines, such as Delta and Norwegian, offer flexible date search options, allowing you to find the cheapest dates for your preferred travel period. By utilizing the airlines’ flexible booking calendars, you can pinpoint the exact days with the lowest fares and secure the best deal for your trip.
Try Skyscanner’s whole-month price searcher
Skyscanner is another valuable tool to help you find the best time to book your flights. As an aggregator, Skyscanner scans multiple booking engine sites to provide you with a comprehensive list of prices. One of its useful features is the whole-month calendar pricing, which shows you the cheapest month to travel. By prioritizing affordability, Skyscanner can help you identify the best time to fly and potentially save you money.
Hit your target
After following these steps and narrowing down your options, you can feel confident that you’ve found the lowest airfares to suit your travel plans. With the information provided by Hopper, Momondo, and other tools, you are now ready to book your flights. For additional assistance and insights, check out Frommer’s list of the best airfare booking sites to ensure a smooth and cost-effective booking process.
In conclusion, booking flights in advance is crucial to securing the best prices and ensuring a smooth travel experience. By following the guidelines mentioned above and utilizing the recommended tools, you can plan your trips more effectively and save money in the process. Remember to stay informed about any major events or holidays in your destination and be flexible with your travel dates to maximize your chances of finding great deals. Happy travels!
