Planning a trip can be expensive, but smart tools like Google Flights can help you save money. The airline’s latest travel report aggregates four years of airfare data to provide US travelers with a comprehensive guide on finding the cheapest flights and booking times.
The cheapest days to fly are Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, with Tuesdays being the most budget-friendly option. Flying early- to midweek can save you 13% to 20% on airfare compared to flying on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday.
However, when it comes to booking flights, there’s no significant benefit to buying tickets on a certain day of the week. According to Google, Tuesdays are typically the cheapest day to book, but only by 1.3%.
Booking flights far in advance is generally cheaper, especially for domestic flights between 21 and 52 days before departure. For international flights, it’s best to book as early as possible, but prices don’t drop significantly before 50 days of the flight.
The report also provides guidance on when to book flights for specific holidays and destinations. For spring break, the cheapest domestic flights are available between 33 to 59 days in advance. Summer break flights can be booked up to 43 days in advance, while Thanksgiving flights should be booked between 26 to 59 days ahead.
For international travel, Google recommends booking flights 50 or more days before departure for Europe and 26 to 68 days in advance for Mexico and the Caribbean.
The report also reveals the top-searched destinations for each holiday. For Thanksgiving, popular spots include Orlando, Cancun, New York, Tokyo, and London. Christmas and New Year’s Eve travelers flock to Tokyo, Orlando, Cancun, Miami, and New York.
By following these tips and using Google Flights, you can save money on your next trip and make the most of your travel budget.
Source: https://www.cnet.com/personal-finance/stop-guessing-when-to-book-flights-google-just-dropped-the-answer