Airfare costs are subject to constant fluctuations based upon many factors, such as flight dates, destinations, booking timelines, competitive pricing, oil prices and much more. The intricate aspect of air travel can change frequently, sometimes leading to consumer inconvenience one day and budget-friendly options the next.
Here are 4 strategies to help you secure the best prices for your next flight
1) Timing matters. Instead of following strict booking guidelines, you should adopt a “Goldilocks” approach – neither too early nor too late. For domestic flights, it’s advisable to start searching for tickets between one to three months in advance. When it comes to international travel, booking two to eight months ahead is the most economical approach. And, planning a few months in advance for events like Memorial Day can still be advantageous.
2) Set alerts and research. Patience and daily price research are key to finding the lowest fares. Keep an eye on fares and wait for prices to drop. Utilize flight tracking services or online searches to stay informed about discounted flights. Platforms like Google Flights and Skyscanner offer alert services to help you track reduced pricing.
3) Be flexible. Travel gurus say that being open to change is the secret to affordable trips. It’s usually a good idea to choose nonrefundable plane tickets because they’re cheaper. But when it comes to paying for hotels, rental cars, and other travel reservations, it’s not as critical to prepay. The price difference is usually not much, so it’s okay to be flexible with these types of accommodations. Another way to save is to explore cool places that aren’t as famous like New York, Chicago, or San Francisco, instead of going to popular and expensive spots like Myrtle Beach.
4) Consider seasonality. Savvy travelers can also uncover attractive flight deals during off-peak periods, or the transitional shoulder months that bridge off-season and peak season. When planning trips during peak season, such as midsummer, Christmas, or New Year’s, initiate the hunt for domestic flights two to five months ahead. However, always keep in mind the unpredictability of fuel prices and their consequential impact on flight costs for the present year. There’s seldom a valid justification for overpaying, and cheap flights can indeed materialize.
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Resource: US News Money
