Discovering the Best Day to Buy Airline Tickets: Saving Money on Your Next Trip
Traveling can be expensive, especially when it comes to purchasing airline tickets. The cost of airfare can vary tremendously, depending on the day, time and route. While it may be tempting to always opt for the earliest or most convenient options, savvy travelers can save money for their next trip by doing a little research and planning ahead of time.
Here are some tips for discovering the best day to buy airline tickets:
Understanding the Best Time to Purchase Tickets
According to research, the best time to book a domestic flight is approximately 54 days before departure. This can vary depending on the route and airline, but booking your trip several weeks in advance can often lead to significant savings. Additionally, it’s important to consider the timing of your purchase and take advantage of sales and promotions which are frequently offered by airlines.
Utilizing Travel Booking Engines
Online travel booking engines such as Google Flights, Kayak, Expedia and Orbitz offer travelers the ability to compare prices across multiple airlines in real-time. These platforms often provide pricing alerts which enable users to receive notifications when the cost of their desired flight changes, shrinking the risk of price hikes. This can be very helpful especially if you’re on a tight budget.
Flying on “Off-Peak” Days
Flying during weekdays such as Tuesdays and Wednesdays, as well as during off-peak times such as early morning or late evening, can lead to substantial savings. An airline industry statistical analysis revealed that Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday, are the three cheapest days of the week to fly domestically.
Taking Advantage of Stopovers
Sometimes, opting for a flight which makes a layover can be less expensive than a direct flight. For instance, a stopover flight for a journey from New York to Chicago may be listed much cheaper in comparison to other direct flights for the same route. It takes a little longer, but it’s worth it for the money saved.
Conclusion
Finding the best day to buy airline tickets is not rocket science. With a little forethought and planning, travelers can significantly reduce their airfare expenses. By understanding the various booking approaches and strategies, utilizing travel booking engines, and flying on off-peak days, individuals and families can save a lot of money on their next trip. Start planning early and make use of this expert advice, so you can save your hard-earned money on your next dream vacation.
