The latest airfare study conducted by CheapAir.com revealed that the best time to buy airline tickets, on average, is 54 days in advance.
According to Jeff Klee, CEO of CheapAir.com, the best time to buy air tickets will be within the so-called “Prime Booking Window” which is between 21 and 112 days before departure. He said, “Generally, a trip price starts off high, slowly drops and then starts to climb a few weeks before the flight. People ask all the time if it’s true that at the last minute the airlines have unsold seats that they practically ‘give away’, but that’s rarely the case. Fares usually go up dramatically within 14 days of the flight.”
To help travelers plan trips and save money, CheapAir.com has divided the 11-month booking window into five “zones”as follows:
|
Zone 1 |
First Dibs |
Most airlines begin selling tickets 335 days before the flight. First Dibbers get their pick of flight times, nonstop options and seats. However, they pay an average of $50 more than they would during the “Prime Booking Window“. |
|
Zone 2 |
Peace of Mind
(113 – 196 days out) |
The Peace of Mind zone offers a balance between flight options and price. Travelers pay an average of $20 more per ticket than they would in the Prime Booking Window, but also have more flight options to choose from. |
|
Zone 3 |
Prime Booking Window |
This is the zone for bargain hunters. During these 90 days, fares fluctuate a lot, sometimes day to day. Travelers are urged to check for cheap airline tickets frequently during this period and to buy when a bargain pops up. |
|
Zone 4 |
Push Your Luck |
In the period between two and three weeks out, fares can vary dramatically. Depending on how full flights are, travelers may get a fantastic deal, or they may pay significantly more. Popular flights during peak seasons are less likely to have low fares in this zone. |
|
Zone 5 |
Hail Mary |
On rare occasions, the Hail Mary zone offers the best rate. However, 7-13 days out, travelers pay an average of $75 over the Prime Booking Window. 1-6 days in advance, that premium shoots up to $200. |
Source: PRNewswire
