Which Month is Flight Ticket Cheapest?
Traveling, be it for leisure or business, can often become an expensive affair. Generally, the costliest part of any trip is the expenditure on airline tickets. It is not unusual for people to seek ways to reduce their travel expense by searching for cheap airline tickets. However, unless you have a precise idea of the best time to buy your tickets, chances are the experience will turn out to be frustrating.Airline ticket prices are affected by various factors such as demand, supply, and season. The month you choose to buy your airline tickets plays a vital role in determining the cost. So, which month is the cheapest for purchasing airline tickets?
The Cheapest Month for Domestic Flights
When it comes to domestic flights, the cheapest month to purchase tickets is September. It is primarily because September marks the end of the summer vacation period and the start of the school year for the students. Consequently, the demand for air travel drops significantly, and the airlines lower the fares to make up for the lost business. Similarly, January and February, post-holiday season, tend to have the cheapest airline tickets after September.According to FareCompare, an independent airfare comparison site, Tuesday and Wednesday are the cheapest days to fly in the US, followed by Saturday. However, the prices hike up on Fridays and Sundays, as most people tend to travel over the weekend.
The Cheapest Month for International Flights
Finding affordable air tickets for international flights can be a tricky affair. Unlike domestic flights, international tickets do not have fixed travel periods, and hence the prices vary.However, if you are planning an international trip, April and May are the best months to book your airline tickets. During these months, the winter season comes to an end in many countries, and the tourist season is yet to pick up. Hence, the airline seat occupancy rate tends to be on the lower side, and as a result, the prices of the tickets drop.Similarly, November to December is the off-season in most parts of the world, except for popular vacation spots like Bali or the Caribbean, where December and January are the busiest months. Therefore, you can find relatively cheaper tickets for the destinations that are off the tourist radar.
How Far in Advance Should You Book Your Tickets?
Apart from choosing the right month, the timing of your ticket purchase can also affect its cost.According to a study by CheapAir, the ideal time frame to book your domestic flight tickets is between 21 to 105 days before the departure date. However, the study found that most people tend to book their tickets within the last 14 days before the flight, leading to much higher prices.For international flights, the time frame shifts slightly, and the best time to book tickets is between 61 to 120 days before the flight. Airlines tend to increase their flight prices closer to the departure date, and hence early ticket booking can save you a considerable amount.
Conclusion
The timing of buying airline tickets can make a significant difference in the cost of your trip. As a general rule, booking your tickets during the off-season or shoulder season can give you the best deals.For domestic flights, September, January, and February are the cheapest months to travel, and Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday are the cheapest days to fly.For international flights, the best time to buy your tickets is in April and May, followed by November and December. Booking your tickets between 21-105 days before the departure date for domestic flights and 61-120 days for international flights can also help you save some money.Remember, the cheapest month to buy airline tickets isn’t always the best time to travel. Ensure you consider the other factors like weather, accommodations, and activities before finalizing your trip date.