If you’re someone who equally loves travelling and a good deal, then booking your international flight tickets early can help you unlock cheaper prices. However, how early you should be booking your flights varies from destination to destination. So, let’s take a look, shall we?
According to a research study by Cheap Air, in which they reviewed over 900 million airfares across more than 1 million international trips across 3,000 international markets, contrary to what your gut feeling might be, booking a flight super early and last-minute can actually turn out to be just as costly. The trick is to book your flights somewhere in the middle of these two extremes.
Although the intricacies of flight costs varies from region to region, here are some interesting stats –
Europe
– Book your flights 160 days before departure
– Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are cheaper days to fly, especially during March
Asia
– Book your flights 120 days before departure
– Tuesdays and Wednesdays are cheaper days to fly, especially between February-April or September-November
Middle East & Africa
– Book your flights 199 days before departure
– Tuesdays and Wednesdays are cheaper days to fly
Canada
– Book your flights 66 days before departure
– Tuesdays and Wednesdays are cheaper days to fly, especially during October
South America
– Book your flights 110 days before departure
– Tuesdays and Wednesdays are cheaper days to fly, especially during February (South America’s Summer season)
South Pacific
– Book your flights 197 days before departure
– Tuesdays and Wednesdays are cheaper days to fly, especially during May
Mexico & Central America
– Book your flights 70 days before departure
– Tuesdays and Wednesdays are cheaper days to fly, especially during February
Remember, though, Europe is a hotspot for Summer-time, so if you plan on visiting European countries at that time, probably look a buying tickets a little earlier than the recommended booking time. Same holds true for most “hot topic” destinations during festival season. And, goes without saying, warmer destinations are going to be more expensive during the Winter because most travellers prefer such locations.
Usually, you’ll find inexpensive tickets in January, right after the holiday season ends, with February and August being additional cheap months to book international flights. According to Skyscanner, try looking for travel dates in October and April and you’ll find some of the best prices.
Since international flights can cost an average of 2.5 times more than domestic flights, we hope these tips help you book deals that are budget friendly at the perfect time!
Pro tip – Don’t forget to check alternate airports for competitive pricing, too.