Yahoo News Expert shares the best day to book cheap flights and it might surprise you
Taking off to far-flung destinations can be a pricey affair, but with some insider knowledge from a seasoned travel expert, more affordable airfares could be within your reach.
For those savvy jet-setters who prefer their flights to cost less than an airport lunch, the day you choose to fly can significantly impact the price of your ticket. By being strategic about when you take to the skies and your destination, you could find yourself enjoying a foreign getaway for less in 2024.
Top travel tour operator Ski Vertigo chatted with a pilot who let slip that Sunday evening is one of the best times to secure flights for substantial savings, proving that snagging a bargain flight is a fantastic way to kickstart the week. The pilot further highlighted five compelling reasons why booking a flight departing on a Sunday could result in significant savings for UK travellers.
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The expert explains that there are five reasons why Sunday evening is an excellent time to book.
1. Fewer business travellers
Business travellers typically hit the skies on weekdays, particularly on Monday mornings and Friday afternoons, to align with their hectic schedules. By Sunday evening, most have already finalised their plans for the upcoming week, meaning demand decreases and so do prices.
This trend is observed worldwide, so if you're aiming to bag a great deal on flights, Sunday evenings are your golden opportunity.
2. Weekend price adjustments
Airlines often revise their fares over the weekend, reacting to the previous week's booking patterns. By Sunday night, they're keen to tweak prices to fill any leftover seats for the forthcoming week.
This leads to lower prices as airlines strive to ensure maximum flight occupancy. For UK travellers, this can translate into fantastic bargains when these adjustments kick in.
3. Last-minute deals
To prevent vacant seats, airlines tend to offer last-minute deals over the weekend. By Sunday night, they might release these reduced fares to guarantee that as many seats as possible are occupied before the new week begins.
This can be particularly beneficial for travellers who book flights at this time, as airlines aim to stimulate sales with appealing pricing.
4. Optimal booking window
It's well-known that booking flights several weeks in advance results in better prices, and this rule applies globally. For UK travellers, reserving flights on a Sunday evening within the optimal booking window of 30-45 days prior to departure can lead to substantial savings.
This timeframe allows travellers to capitalise on the best available fares before prices begin to climb as the departure date nears.
5. Less competition from fellow travellers
Travellers looking to snag a deal on their next getaway might want to consider booking their flights on Sunday evenings. This is when the rush of early weekend and work-hour bookings has typically died down, leading to less competition for available flights.
As a result, airlines, facing less booking activity, are more likely to offer better deals to attract the remaining pool of travellers.
A pilot, who spoke to Ski Vertigo, shed some light on this phenomenon, saying "Booking flights on Sunday evenings is not just about catching lower prices; it's also a strategic move to navigate airline pricing algorithms. Airlines typically reset their booking systems on Sundays, often leading to fare adjustments based on the week's demand and occupancy trends. This reset can result in fare drops as airlines aim to balance seat availability with competitive pricing.
For travellers, this means a window of opportunity where they might find flights that are not only affordable but also offer a wider range of seat options."
The pilot also added: "Beyond the immediate savings, Sunday evening bookings allow travellers to avoid the mid-week price hikes often caused by last-minute business travel bookings and mid-week vacation planners. This time slot is less congested, making it easier to spot and secure deals without the rush and stress of peak booking times."
"Travellers can also take advantage of flexible ticket policies that are sometimes more generous at the start of the week, providing peace of mind with options for changes or cancellations if plans shift unexpectedly. This blend of strategy, timing, and flexibility makes Sunday evening an optimal choice for smart travellers."
