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Booking a flight does not have to be expensive or a stressful task. With a little bit planning and the right timing, you can massively reduce what you pay
for a ticket. Whether you are flying domestically, or heading overseas, knowing when to start looking is not just useful, it can be money-saving.
Start Early - But Not Too Early
Many people believe that booking a year in advance can guarantee them the lowest fare. That was true decades ago but not anymore. It is important to understand that airlines use dynamic pricing - meaning the rates can rise or fall based on real-time factors like demand and how many seats are left.However, as per data, start your search well before your travel date.
Domestic Flights: Begin tracking about 6-8 weeks before your trip.
International Flights: Start looking 3-6 months prior the departure date.
Prices usually drop when:
- A route is not selling well
- If seats open up closer to the travel date
- During limited-time promotions
Weekday And Time Hacks Worth Trying
- Mid-week searches: As per experts, fares tend to dip mid-week - particularly Tuesday or Wednesday - because fewer people book then.
- Early morning or late night: Searching during quieter hours of the day (like early morning) can sometimes catch lower prices.
- Sunday boost: Some studies even suggest booking on Sundays can get you cheaper fares.
Also Read: Indian Travel Vlogger Exposes The Reality Of Europe; Shows The Side That Social Media Often Misses
These are not hard rules. Airlines keep adjusting dynamically.
One pro-tip would be setting up a 'Price Alert' for your route so that you keep getting notified when these fares rise or fall. This way, you can decide the best time to book.
Do Flights Get Cheaper Closet To The Departure Date?
Yes it is true that flights may get cheaper closer to the departure if seats remain unsold. However, during peak travel periods like Diwali, summer holidays, Christmas to New Year, fares will only rise.Make sure you avoid peak travel days.
Which Is The Cheapest Day To Fly?
As per data and trends, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays often show better value. On the other hand, Fridays and Sundays tend to be pricier due to higher demand.Additional Ways To Find Cheap Flights
- ‘Everywhere’ search: In case you are not sure about where to go, enter ‘Everywhere’ as your destination to see the lowest fares from your chosen airport.
- Flexible dates: If your travel dates are flexible, use date filters and compare prices across different days.
