When to Book International Flight for the Cheapest Price?

Traveling abroad can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can also be a costly one. One of the biggest expenses of any international trip is the flight ticket, which can vary significantly depending on the destination, season, demand, and other factors. Therefore, finding the best time to buy an international flight can help you save money and plan your trip better.

But how do you know when is the best time to buy an international flight? Is there a magic formula or a secret trick that can guarantee you the lowest price? Unfortunately, there is no definitive answer to this question, as different destinations and routes may have different patterns and fluctuations in airfare. However, there are some general guidelines and tips that can help you make an informed decision and find the best deals possible to book International Flight for the cheapest price.

How Far in Advance Should You Book International Flight?

One of the most common questions that travelers ask is how far in advance should they book their international flights. The conventional wisdom is that booking early can help you secure the best prices, as airlines tend to increase their fares as the departure date approaches. However, booking too early can also backfire, as airlines may lower their prices later on to fill up their seats or respond to market changes.

According to a study by CheapAir, which analyzed over 900 million airfares in 2019, the best time to book an international flight varies depending on the region you are traveling to. The study found that the optimal window for booking an international flight ranges from 96 days in advance for Central America to 199 days in advance for Africa. The following table shows the average best time to book an international flight by region, based on the study:

Of course, these are only averages and may not apply to every destination and route within each region. Therefore, it is advisable to do some research and compare prices for your specific itinerary before booking your flight.

How Does Seasonality Affect International Flight Prices?

Another factor that can affect the price of international flights is seasonality. Generally speaking, flights tend to be more expensive during peak seasons, such as summer, holidays, and festivals, when demand is high and availability is low. Conversely, flights tend to be cheaper during off-peak seasons, such as winter, weekdays, and low seasons, when demand is low and availability is high.

However, seasonality can vary depending on the destination and its climate, culture, and events. For example, some destinations may have high seasons during winter due to their popularity as ski resorts or winter escapes. Similarly, some destinations may have low seasons during summer due to their extreme heat or rainy weather. Therefore, it is important to consider the seasonality of your destination and its impact on flight prices before booking your flight.

According to Skyscanner, which analyzed over 250 million flight prices in 2018, the best time to book an international flight by season is as follows:

Again, these are only averages and may not apply to every destination and route within each season. Therefore, it is advisable to do some research and compare prices for your specific itinerary before booking your flight.

How Does Day of Week Affect International Flight Prices?

Another factor that can affect the price of international flights is the day of week. Generally speaking, flights tend to be more expensive on weekends, especially Fridays and Sundays, when demand is high and availability is low. Conversely, flights tend to be cheaper on weekdays, especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays, when demand is low and availability is high.

However, day of week can also vary depending on the destination and its popularity among business travelers or leisure travelers. For example, some destinations may have higher prices on weekdays due to their appeal as business hubs or conference venues. Similarly, some destinations may have lower prices on weekends due to their appeal as vacation spots or weekend getaways. Therefore, it is important to consider the day of week of your destination and its impact on flight prices before booking your flight.

According to Expedia, which analyzed over 500 billion data points in 2019, the best time to book an international flight by day of week is as follows:

Again, these are only averages and may not apply to every destination and route within each day of week. Therefore, it is advisable to do some research and compare prices for your specific itinerary before booking your flight.

How to Find the Best Deals on International Flights?

Besides following the general guidelines and tips mentioned above, there are some other ways to find the best deals on international flights, such as:

• Use a flight comparison website or app, such as Skyscanner, Kayak, Google Flights, or Hopper, to compare prices across different airlines, dates, and routes. These tools can also help you set up price alerts, track price trends, and find the cheapest or best times to fly.
• Be flexible with your travel dates, times, and destinations. Sometimes, changing your departure or arrival date by a few days, flying at a different time of day, or choosing a different airport or city can make a big difference in the price of your flight. You can also use the “anywhere” or “everywhere” option on some flight comparison tools to find the cheapest destinations to fly to from your origin.
• Consider flying with a low-cost carrier (LCC) or a budget airline, such as Ryanair, EasyJet, Southwest, or AirAsia, which offer cheaper fares than traditional airlines. However, be aware of the potential hidden fees and extra charges that these airlines may impose, such as baggage fees, seat selection fees, check-in fees, or food and drink fees. Also, check the reviews and ratings of these airlines before booking your flight.
• Consider flying with a stopover or a layover, which means having a connection or a break between two flights. Sometimes, flying with a stopover or a layover can be cheaper than flying direct, as you can take advantage of lower fares offered by different airlines or routes. However, be aware of the potential risks and inconveniences that these flights may entail, such as missed connections, lost luggage, visa requirements, or longer travel time. Also, check the duration and location of your stopover or layover before booking your flight.
• Consider using a travel agent or a travel website, such as Expedia, Priceline, Orbitz, or Travelocity, which offer discounts and deals on flights, hotels, car rentals, and packages. Sometimes, booking your flight along with other travel components can help you save money and time. However, be aware of the potential limitations and restrictions that these bookings may have, such as cancellation fees, change fees, or non-refundable policies. Also, check the reviews and ratings of these agents or websites before booking your flight.

Conclusion

Finding the best time to buy an international flight can be challenging and confusing, as there are many factors and variables that can affect the price of airfare. However, by following some general guidelines and tips based on data and trends, you can make an informed decision and find the best deals possible. Remember that the best time to buy an international flight may vary depending on your destination, season, day of week, and other factors. Therefore, it is advisable to do some research and compare prices for your specific itinerary before booking your flight.

FAQs

Q: What is the cheapest month to fly internationally?

A: According to Skyscanner, the cheapest month to fly internationally is January, followed by February and September. However, this may vary depending on your destination and its seasonality.

Q: What is the best day of the week to book an international flight?

A: According to Expedia, the best day of the week to book an international flight is Sunday, followed by Friday and Monday. However, this may vary depending on your destination and its popularity among travelers.

Q: How can I avoid paying extra fees on international flights?

A: Some ways to avoid paying extra fees on international flights are:

• Read the fine print and terms and conditions of your booking carefully before confirming your purchase.
• Check the baggage allowance and weight limit of your airline and pack accordingly.
• Check in online and print your boarding pass at home or use a mobile app.
• Bring your own snacks and drinks on board or buy them at the airport.
• Avoid making changes or cancellations to your booking unless absolutely necessary.