Many factors influence the cost of airline tickets, including when and where you book, and when and where you travel. Plus, you will still face a myriad of hidden travel fees for items and services like checking bags and changing your reservation.
Though the nature of airfare can be complicated, figuring out some of the reasons behind the costs and fluctuations is not impossible. Understanding these key factors will help you save money when you travel.
Planning ahead – It is always better to plan ahead during peak travel periods, making reservations late can cost a lot of money. Airline ticket prices usually go up in the last two weeks before flying, so if you're planning ahead, try to make the call before this deadline. And if you're traveling internationally, you'll want to book even earlier — from three to six months in advance — for the best deals.
If you do not have a specific destination in mind, sign up for email alerts about the cheapest tickets from a particular departure airport and any nearby airports. It intimates the best prices for flights from a particular city and to a particular city, so the traveller can prepare the most cost-effective, multi-destination itinerary.
Knowing When – Exactly – to Buy – The best time to purchase airline tickets is Tuesday as discounted flights hit the sites, that is because airlines often announce deals on Monday evenings. Most of these specials fares are pulled out by Thursday. Traveling on a Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday are the cheapest days to fly, while Friday to Sunday are the busiest travel days and the most expensive. The best and cost-efficient time to fly is early in the morning, followed by lunch time and late night flights.
Knowing when airfare prices are normally the lowest – Keep in mind that fares will be highest on the weekend. Airlines know that is the most convenient time for people to think about vacation plans, so they markup their prices then. Sales released early in the week are also gone by the weekend. Moreover, airlines do not manage their inventory as much on the weekend because they have fewer staffers on hand, so few tickets sold for a specific route, prices will automatically jump higher. It is a good idea to do a search for specific routes on several days of the week including weekends at least before you are planning to book, so you have an idea of how much the tickets will cost.
Use Multiple sites to search for fares – You should never book the first fare you see. Start searching by checking a few of the major online travel providers, like Travelocity.com, Via.com etc., and aggregator sites like Trip Advisor Flights or consolidators like CheapTickets.com. Checking these sites will give the traveller a preliminary idea of which airlines fly that particular itinerary, and what restrictions might apply. The traveller can also check the airline Web site directly to see if the same flights are any cheaper or they can check to see if the airline is running any sales or promotions.
Sign Up for a Frequent Flier Program – Airline rewards programs are a great way to get free flights, free upgrades, and free companion tickets. No matter how often you fly, you should be signed up for the airline's reward program. Shopping at member stores is also a way to earn miles. All airlines have special offers for large consumer companies such as Amazon, Apple, etc. Shopping at those preferred stores will earn you miles.
Martin Wynn
