The Importance of Timing in Finding Cheap Air Fares

There are umpteen ways to get the cheapest air fares for your journey, whether you wish to travel domestic or international. Some prevalent practices which prove quite fruitful are altering one's itinerary so as to travel during the off season, negotiating for best prices, looking for discounts and offers which can be availed to get cheap tickets etc. Timing plays an important role in getting the deal of your choice and it has certain dynamics, which, once understood can prove to be highly beneficial.

Here are some points to ponder which can greatly alter your travel costs:-

Time of Booking- There are two theories regarding the time of booking of flights. One theory suggests that booking tickets in advance will help in getting cheaper fares. Making reservations six weeks prior to the travel date for domestic and three months in advance for international will get you great fares.

However, another theory suggests that booking the tickets at the eleventh hour helps in getting good deals. The last minute tickets are cheaper because of the fact that sometimes the airlines don't get full capacity and some seats are unoccupied. To avoid bearing losses due to those unoccupied seats, the seats are sold at throw away prices. But waiting for the last minute to get your tickets is a risky affair.

Flight Timing:- The air ticket prices are also dependent on the flight timing. Some hours of the day like early morning and late night witness less air traffic i.e. people do not prefer travelling at those hours. Consequently, the ticket rates are cheaper due to easy availability. Whereas, the flights which ply during the rush hours during the day are high on demand and therefore, cost almost double the price. So, the key is to book your flights which operate during non- rush hours.

Peak Season and Lean Season:- Due to festivals, climatic conditions or even special events, some destinations see a surge in the number of tourists at those times of the year. By altering your itinerary and travelling during the lean season will prove to be advantageous in a way of getting cheap flight fares. Flexibility in your travel dates will make it possible for you to book your flights during the lean season.

The right time of booking your air tickets is of great importance. The three parameters outlined above govern the role that timing plays in the pricing of air tickets.