Booking your plane ticket might be one of the trickiest parts about planning an upcoming holiday. After all, airfare rates seem to change minute by minute. So when should you book your flight if you want to get the best rate?
The answer to that question is difficult based on what you have heard. Some people think booking in advance will help you save money, while others think booking at a certain time of day or on a certain day of the week will work. Unfortunately, many of these things are simply myths that have developed into supposed facts about airfares.
In an effort to help you save money and know when the best time to book a flight is, we are going to debunk some of the most common myths surrounding airfares.
Debunking Common Airfare Myths Photo credit: https://pixabay.com/en/users/delo-797422/
Myth #1 – Last Minute Deals are the Way to Go When Travelling
Some airlines love to run last minute deals where they dramatically lower the airfare to popular destinations. While these are great for the spontaneous traveller who can pack up and go with little notice, it doesn’t really help the traveller who needs to plan in advance.
If you are planning to travel, it is best to book your airfare anywhere from 21 days to 2 months in advance. This will allow you to get the best deals without running the risk of having the flight you need be sold out.
Myth #2 – Everyone Pays the Same for Airfares
Not everyone pays the same for their seats on the plane. The airlines have devised a system of booking classes that will change the price of an airfare depending upon when the ticket was purchased and how full the plane is at the time the ticket is purchased.
For example, if you purchase a ticket when the plane is barely full, you may save some money. However, if you tried to book that same seat several days or weeks later and the plane is half-full, the price could increase. Airlines will break large swathes of economy class seats into ‘classes’ and sell them in staggered stages. As each section sells out, the price commonly increases for the following section.
Myth #3 – Tickets can be Purchased Whenever
Tickets are not available whenever. Most airlines will release fares about 10 to 12 months in advance. This means that if you were planning a trip for next year, you will have to wait to purchase your tickets if you are planning more than a year in advance.
Myth #4 – All Airlines have the Same Charges and Extra Fees
There are some charges and extra fees, such as airport fees and taxes, which are universal. This means every airline will charge these fees. However, there are some charges and fees, such as fuel charges and surcharges, which will vary from airline to airline. Airlines located in tax-free countries, such as Etihad and Emirates, often have no taxes applicable to certain parts of your ticket and lower fuel charges.
Myth #5 – The Best Fares are Found Online
You can find great airfare deals online, but that isn’t the only place to look. If you are looking for the best deals on airfares, you may want to talk to a travel agent. A travel agent has access to exclusive deals that only he or she can access. Many times these deals are often better than what you can find online. If you have a complicated trip, such as one with many stopovers or special requirements, it is best to leave the scheduling in the hands of a professional.
Now that you know the truth behind common airfare myths, you have all the information you need to strategically book your next trip.