Best Time to Buy Flights in 2019 Based on 917 Million Flights
When you are planning a vacation, one of the most important factors to consider, or at least the most expensive, is airline tickets. When you buy a plane ticket, it can often have the same impact on the price as where you go.
CheapAir this week released its recommendations for the best time to buy flights in 2019, based on an annual survey of airfares . The study analyzes 917 million airline tickets in over 8,000 different markets to determine the “best” day to buy that ticket, as well as a “Advance Booking Period” with a range of dates in which you are likely to find the best price.
This year, the site reports that overall, the best time to buy a plane ticket is 76 days prior to travel date, six days earlier than the 2018 recommendation .
He also narrowed it down to six different booking zones, explaining what airfare prices usually look like from 11 months (when flights are usually available) to minutes before departure. Here are his recommendations depending on the season:
When to buy winter air tickets
If you can avoid Christmas week and ski resorts, most winter destinations offer good value for money.
- On average, the best time to shop is 94 days from the date of travel (just over 3 months). The initial booking period is 74 to 116 days (2.5 to almost 4 months). The average winter fare is $ 433, which is by far the most expensive. Time of Year for Flights The difference between the best and worst-priced days is $ 168, slightly less than other seasons. During the whole season, fluctuations in airfare prices are much less.
When to buy spring tickets
Plan your spring flights well in advance. There are no major tourist breaks in the spring, but families and college students alike enjoy spring break for most of March and April. Take advantage of lower midweek prices to keep costs down.
- The average best time to buy is 84 days prior to travel, or nearly 3 months. The initial booking period is 47 to 119 days (1.5 to just under 4 months). The national average fare for spring travel is $ 354. cost of days – 285 $
When to buy summer tickets
In the summer, Americans travel a ton, and peak summer dates from June 15 to August 15 are the times when most of the travel takes place. The closer you get to the end of the season, the better you will find the best deals (in late August and September, you are more likely to get low airfare.
- On average, the best time to shop is 99 days prior to travel. The initial booking period is 21 to 150 days (3 weeks to 5 months). The average price for a ride across the country during peak summer travel is $ 365. The difference between the best and worst days is $ 260. summer and early fall are the high season and therefore great deals can be found here (not counting Labor Day weekends). The second half of August – September is the best place for these deals.
When to buy autumn tickets
Overall, autumn is a great destination for the budget traveler. Fall is the season of the season for many destinations and people just don’t travel that much. Of course, the only exception to this rule is Thanksgiving Week. Traveling during Thanksgiving? Better to buy early.
- On average, the best time to shop is 69 days prior to travel. The initial booking period is 20 to 109 days (3 weeks to 3.5 months). The national average fare for fall trips is $ 342, making this the best season for finding great deals. best and worst days for $ 280
Like everything else, your mileage can vary depending on where you’re traveling and from where, but this can be a pretty solid place to start when you’re thinking of booking tickets.