The Best Time To Book Flights For The Cheapest Airfare In 2024

Are you planning to travel in 2024 and wondering when to book your flights to get the best deals? With airfare prices constantly changing, it can be challenging to determine the optimal time to book your tickets. However, by analyzing historical data and industry trends, we’ve identified the best times to book flights for the cheapest airfare in 2024.

54 Days in Advance: The Sweet Spot

According to a study by Skyscanner, the ideal time to book flights is 54 days in advance. During this period, airfare prices tend to be at their lowest, with an average savings of 10% compared to booking at other times. This allows you to take advantage of airlines‘ pricing algorithms, which often increase prices as the flight approaches.

Prime Booking Windows

While 54 days is the sweet spot, there are other prime booking windows to keep in mind:

 21-30 days in advance: If you can’t book 54 days in advance, this window offers a good balance between price and availability.
 14-20 days in advance: If you’re flexible with your travel dates, booking during this period can result in significant savings.
 7-13 days in advance: If you’re a last-minute planner, booking during this window can still yield decent prices, especially if you’re flying on off-peak days.

Avoid Peak Booking Periods

Conversely, there are certain times when you should avoid booking flights:

 Last-minute bookings: Booking within 7 days of departure often results in higher prices due to limited availability and increased demand.
 Holiday seasons: Prices tend to surge during peak holiday periods, such as Christmas, New Year’s, and summer vacation.
 Special events: Flights to destinations hosting major events, like festivals or sports tournaments, may be more expensive due to increased demand.

Additional Tips to Save Even More

While timing is crucial, there are other ways to maximize your savings:

 Be flexible with your travel dates: Flying on off-peak days, such as Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, can lead to cheaper fares.
 Consider alternative airports: If you have multiple airport options, check prices for each to find the best deal.
 Book on the right day: Some studies suggest that booking flights on certain days, like Sundays, can result in cheaper fares.
 Use fare comparison tools: Websites like Google Flights, Kayak, and Skyscanner can help you find the best deals and track price changes.
 Sign up for flight alerts: Services like Scott’s Cheap Flights and Airfarewatchdog offer email alerts when prices drop or error fares become available.

Conclusion

Booking flights at the right time can make a significant difference in your travel budget. By targeting the 54-day sweet spot and avoiding peak booking periods, you can increase your chances of scoring the cheapest airfare in 2024. Remember to stay flexible, use fare comparison tools, and sign up for flight alerts to maximize your savings. Happy travels!