What Month Are Plane Tickets Cheapest?

When it comes to planning a vacation, one of the biggest expenses is usually the flight. For travelers on a tight budget, finding the cheapest flight can be a priority. It’s a common belief that plane tickets are cheapest during certain months of the year. But is this really true? In this blog post, we’ll explore whether there is a specific month you should book your flights for the best deal.

Do Prices Vary by Season?

Many people believe that plane tickets are cheapest during off-peak travel seasons. In general, the peak season for travel is in the summer months of June, July, and August, as well as around the winter holidays in December. During these times, more people are traveling, and airlines can charge higher prices.On the other hand, off-peak travel seasons are generally considered to be the months of May, September, and October. During these periods, fewer people are traveling, and airlines may offer lower prices to fill up empty seats.

Are There Specific Months with Cheaper Flights?

While there is no one right answer to this question, data suggests that there are certain months where flights tend to be cheaper on average.According to a 2021 report by Skyscanner, the cheapest months to book flights are January, February, and August. The report analyzed flight prices for travel in the United States and found that January and February had the lowest overall flight prices. August, meanwhile, was the cheapest month to fly internationally.Another study by Cheapair.com found that the best time to book flights for domestic travel is around 54 days prior to your departure date. While this isn’t necessarily tied to a specific month, it does suggest that booking your flights more than two months in advance can be a good way to score a lower price.

Factors That Affect Flight Prices

While there are trends in flight prices, it’s important to remember that there are many factors that can affect the cost of your flight. Some of the key factors to consider include:- Supply and demand: When more people are traveling, airlines can charge higher prices.- Time of year/day: Flights tend to be more expensive during peak travel times, such as weekends and holidays.- How far in advance you book: Generally, the earlier you book, the better deal you can get.- Airline and route: Different airlines may have different prices for the same route, and some routes may be more expensive than others.

Tips for Finding Cheap Flights

While there is no foolproof way to find the cheapest flights, there are some strategies that can help you save money:- Be flexible: If you’re able to be flexible with your travel dates, you may be able to find lower prices by booking during off-peak times.- Use a search aggregator: Sites like Skyscanner and Kayak can help you compare prices across different airlines and travel dates.- Set up price alerts: Many travel sites allow you to set up alerts so that you’ll be notified when prices drop for your desired travel dates.- Fly budget airlines: Budget airlines often have lower ticket prices than major carriers but may charge extra for things like checked luggage and in-flight meals.- Look for package deals: Sometimes booking a flight and hotel together can save you money overall.

Conclusion

While there is no one right answer to the question of what month is cheapest for plane tickets, data suggests that there are certain times of year when prices tend to be lower. By being flexible, using search aggregators, setting up price alerts, and considering budget airlines, you can increase your chances of finding a good deal on your next flight.