Traveling is a B I G deal, but doesn’t take B I G bucks to do so. Flights can be cheap, YES, I said it… cheap! The key to a cheap flight is knowledge of the industry, patience and timing. Whether you’re booking a flight to hang with friends, business, or much needed family time; these three steps will help keep a few bucks in your pocket.
1. Travel Tuesday
Pick a date! Flights operate on a Monday – Sunday schedule. Drinks aren’t the only thing cheap on Tuesday’s. Flights tend to be cheaper on Tuesdays, too! Airlines update their pricing early Tuesday morning, and by noon, each airline is competing to match each other’s cheap prices.
2. Planning Tuesday
Planning is important when traveling. Flying is one of the most convenient forms of traveling, and airlines know it. It’s the old supply and demand spill. Travelers are in need and airlines capitalize on the need. Supply and demand works both ways in the travel industry.
Five booking zones
- First dibbers
Early birds get the worm, or do they? Individuals that book in this zone usually book about 178-320 days from the date of their trip. Are you a first dibber? If so, congratulations, you’ve either over paid for your flight, or received the best deal ever!
- Assurance zone
Ok, so you missed the first dibbers zone, no biggie. Its 6 months from your selected travel date, go ahead and ease your mind, book your ticket! You are more likely to save on your ticket booking approximately 106-177 days in advance. So, cheers to a peace of mind!
- Show time, show down!
You’re about 21-105 days out. Still no ticket? No worries, you’re in luck. Your friends booked their tickets well in advance, and dragging your feet may have helped you drag a few more bucks with you on your trip. This is the sweet zone. This is where you focus. Remember timing is everything! Fares tend to be 5% of their lowest ticket price!
- Gamblers corner
At this point buying your ticket is being like being in a Vegas casino… it’s all a gamble. If you’re going to roll the dice, this is the time. Be careful lucky gambler, popular destinations are not good gamble so buying 14-20 days in advance is a toss up, try your luck!
- Hail Mary
Its ten seconds left in the fourth quarter and your favorite team is tied with the opposing team. The stakes are high, the quarter back throws a long pass down the field. HAIL MARY!!! All wide receivers are guarded by safety’s, choices are limited. That same feeling is similar to what you will feel when buying a ticket 14 days from date of projected departure. Expect to give it all you got.
3. Compare… Never settle
Why over spend if you don’t have to? Its all about getting the best deal. Your “favorite” airline wont always have the cheapest prices. Look around, try Expedia, or my personal favorite Momondo. You can even sign up for a flight tracker like flightview.com has to offer, after all… its about saving the bucks, right?!
