The Best Time To Book Cheap Flights

Traveling, business trips, or visiting relatives - no matter what your reason for needing to book a flight, finding cheap plane tickets is always a top priority. So, how do you know when the best time to book is? Save this article from HoaBinh Airlines for all the tips!

1. Book flights early in the morning or late night

Flights departing between 5 AM and 7 AM are often cheaper. These early morning flights are less popular because most people prefer not to wake up so early to catch a flight. As a result, airlines may offer lower prices to fill these less desirable time slots. Opting for an early morning flight can lead to significant savings on airfare, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers.

Similarly, flights departing between 10 PM and midnight, or even in the early hours of the next day, also tend to be cheaper. Late-night flights are less favored due to the inconvenient timing, which results in airlines offering lower prices to attract passengers. For those who don't mind traveling during unconventional hours, late-night flights provide an excellent opportunity to secure lower airfare. This can be particularly beneficial for longer trips where the cost of the flight is a significant portion of the travel budget.

The best time to book cheap flightsThe best time to book cheap flights

2. Prioritize buying tickets on early weekdays

Studies have consistently shown that airfares are generally cheaper on midweek days, particularly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The primary reason for this price difference is the lower demand for flights during these days. On weekends and Mondays, many people travel to either wrap up their vacations or start their business trips and work weeks, leading to a surge in demand. This increased demand naturally drives up prices. 

Conversely, midweek days see fewer travelers. Most people are settled into their work or vacation routines by this point, resulting in a drop in flight bookings. Airlines, aiming to fill empty seats, often lower their prices during these slower periods to attract more passengers. By prioritizing ticket purchases on these days, travelers can often find significantly more affordable flights.

Moreover, this strategy is particularly advantageous for those with flexible travel plans. If you can adjust your schedule to fly on a Tuesday or Wednesday, you not only save money on airfare but might also experience less crowded airports and flights. This can lead to a more comfortable and less stressful travel experience.

3.  Book flights 1-2 months in advance

Booking your flight 6-8 weeks before departure is considered the ideal time frame for securing cheaper fares for domestic flights. For international flights, it's recommended to book even earlier, typically 2-3 months in advance. This window strikes a balance between availability and cost. Booking too early, such as several months in advance, can sometimes mean higher prices because airlines have not yet adjusted fares to stimulate demand. Conversely, booking too late, close to the departure date, often results in higher prices due to increased demand and fewer available seats.

Monitoring airfare prices regularly during the weeks leading up to your booking decision can help you identify the best time to purchase. Prices can fluctuate based on a variety of factors, including changes in demand, airline sales, and competition between airlines. By checking prices periodically, you can catch any temporary drops or promotions that airlines might offer. This strategy requires a bit of diligence but can lead to significant savings.

Using tools like fare alerts from travel websites and apps can make this process easier. These tools notify you when prices for your desired flight routes drop, allowing you to act quickly and secure a good deal. Combining this approach with the ideal booking window of 6-8 weeks for domestic flights and 2-3 months for international flights maximizes your chances of finding the most affordable tickets.

Travel everywhere with cheap plane ticketsTravel everywhere with cheap plane tickets

4. Purchase tickets during promotional periods

Keep an eye out for major promotions from airlines, which often occur during holidays, anniversaries, or special events. These sales events can offer substantial discounts on airfares, making it an ideal time to purchase tickets. Airlines frequently announce these promotions through their websites, social media channels, and email newsletters. By subscribing to newsletters from various airlines, you can stay informed about upcoming sales and not miss out on any opportunities to save money.

Moreover, regularly check websites that provide discount codes or special offers for airfare. These sites compile various deals from different airlines and travel agencies, offering codes that you can apply during the booking process for additional savings. Many of these discount codes are time-sensitive or limited in quantity, so it’s beneficial to act quickly once you find a relevant offer.

To maximize your savings, consider combining these strategies. For instance, during a promotional period, not only can you benefit from the reduced fares offered by the airline, but you might also apply a discount code from a third-party website for even more savings. Additionally, some airlines offer loyalty programs where frequent flyers can earn points that can be redeemed for discounts on future flights. 

Being proactive and vigilant about tracking these promotional opportunities requires some effort but can significantly reduce your travel expenses. Whether it’s a holiday sale or a special anniversary promotion, these periods often present the best chances to purchase tickets at a fraction of the usual cost.

5. Avoid flights on major holidays and peak travel seasons

Airfares typically skyrocket during major holidays such as Lunar New Year, Christmas, summer vacations... During these periods, the demand for travel significantly increases as people rush to spend time with family, celebrate, or take advantage of school breaks. This heightened demand leads airlines to raise prices, making it more expensive to book flights. To avoid these high costs, it’s advisable to plan your travel either well before or after these major holidays. For instance, flying a week before Christmas or a few days after New Year’s Day can result in substantially lower fares.

In addition to major holidays, certain seasons see a general increase in travel activity. Summer and winter holidays, especially around school vacation times, are prime examples of peak travel seasons. During summer, families often go on vacation, and during winter, many travelers head to holiday destinations or return home for the festive season. To save on travel costs, consider flying during off-peak times. For example, plan your trips for late spring (April to early June) or early autumn (September to early November), when fewer people are traveling and airfares are more competitive.

By strategically planning your travel to avoid these high-demand periods, you can take advantage of lower prices and less crowded flights. Additionally, traveling during off-peak times often means shorter lines at airports and a generally more relaxed travel experience. Flexibility with your travel dates can lead to significant savings and a more pleasant journey.

Avoid crowds at the airportAvoid crowds at the airport

For hassle-free booking and expert advice on securing the best flight deals, consider HoaBinh Airlines (HBA). Our dedicated team is ready to assist you with finding affordable flights tailored to your needs. Contact our hotline today at (+84) 913 311 911 - (+84) 939 311 911 to speak with our friendly staff and start planning your next budget-friendly trip.