Is It Worth Booking Flights Early to Get the Best Fares?

The best time to book flights depends on whether you travel domestically or internationally. So, the best time to buy flight tickets for a domestic flight is must to do it in 164 and 46 days before flying. For international flights, it is further in advance than domestic flights, ideally between one to three months before departure, because the airlines typically release international fares earlier than domestic fares.

Should we book flight tickets in advance?

There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer to this question, but here's a breakdown of the pros of booking flights in advance: 

• Typically cheaper: Airlines offer discounted fares and promotions for flights booked well ahead of time. This can be a great way to save money on your trip.
• More options: You'll have a more comprehensive selection of flights, including preferred departure times, airlines, and seat options.
• Increased certainty: By securing your flight early, you have peace of mind knowing your travel plans are locked in, especially during peak seasons.
• More time to plan: Booking early allows you to spread out the cost of your trip and make arrangements for other aspects of your itinerary, like hotels and activities.

At what time of day are flights cheapest? 

There isn't a specific time of day that guarantees the cheapest flights anymore. While airlines might have had sales at certain times in the past, computers now automatically adjust prices based on demand.

Instead of focusing on the time of day you book, here are some things that can affect flight prices:

• Day of the week you fly: Tuesdays and Wednesdays are commonly the cheapest days to fly or book domestic tickets, while Wednesdays and Saturdays are the most affordable for international flights.
• Advance reservation: There's a sweet spot for booking flights, typically between 1 and 3 months before your trip. This avoids super early booking fees and last-minute spikes in price.
• Being flexible with your travel dates: If you can be flexible with your travel days, even by a day or two, you can often find cheaper fares. Many airfare search tools allow you to search for flights across various dates.
• Considering budget airlines: Budget airlines may offer significantly cheaper fares but often come with less legroom, fewer amenities, and fees for things like checked bags

How to get the maximum discount on flight tickets?

There isn't a one-size-fits-all way to snag the cheapest flight possible, but you can use strategies to increase your chances of finding a good deal. Here are some tips:

• Be adaptable with your travel dates and times: If you can fly on weekdays instead of weekends or during off-peak hours, you'll likely find cheaper fares. Consider flying into a nearby airport that might be less busy than your main destination airport.
• Book in advance (usually): The best time to book international flights is generally 2-6 months before your trip. The sweet spot for domestic flights can be around six weeks in advance. However, there can be exceptions, so monitoring prices is always a good idea.
• Be open to last-minute deals: Sometimes, airlines will release unsold seats at a discount close to the departure date. This is a gamble, though, and there's no guarantee you'll find a flight that works for you.
• Consider budget airlines: Budget airlines may not offer all the amenities of traditional airlines, but they can often provide significantly cheaper fares. When comparing prices, remember to factor in any baggage fees or other charges.
• Sign up for email flags and Frequent flyer programs: Many airlines and travel websites will send the email flags or notifications when there are sales or fare drops on routes you're interested in. Airline loyalty programs can also offer discounts and other perks.
• Employ the Flight comparison: These tools can search multiple airlines and travel portals to find the best fares for your desired route and dates.
• Look for deals and coupons: Many travel websites and credit card companies offer flight discounts. Be sure to check for any deals or coupons before you book your flight to get some discounts.
• Tracking the above-mentioned tips can enhance your chances of discovering the best deal on your next flight. Remember, a little flexibility and some research can go a long way in saving you money. For more, you can try to speak with the Airlines customer service agent directly about the fares or its rules.