Buy airfares now or after the sale? [closed]

An airline company I've been keeping track of recently held a sale. Before the sale, the airfare prices were very cheap on weekends, and very expensive on weekdays (Sat, Sun, long haul flights are at $700 -- Mon-Fri are at $1,300!). During this long sale, their cost is $900 to $1,000. Maybe, because the cheapest flights have been booked at the sale's commencement and all that's left are the not-so-cheap but not-so-expensive fares...

Should I buy now or wait a few days after the sale?

Best Answer

Airfares do fluctuate wildly due to the airlines' yield management algorithms. Some search engines, such as KAYAK, try to predict prices for you.

One way to hedge your bets is to book using a service with a price protection guarantee. For example, FlightNetwork lets you claim a credit towards a future trip if the price drops after you buy. Orbitz can offer a partial refund if you find a lower price within 24 hours of booking.

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Does airline tickets get cheaper the closer to the date?

Specifically, plane tickets usually don't get cheaper closer to the departure date. Instead, flights tend to be the most inexpensive when you book between four months and three weeks before your departure date. According to the CheapAir.com 2019 Annual Airfare Study, you can expect rates to go up after that period.

When should I buy my airfare?

According to a 2021 survey by CheapAir.com, on average, the best time to purchase plane tickets for a domestic trip is 64 days before your departure date.

Do flight prices go up the closer to the flight?

As they generally get more business sales closer to the date of the flight, prices typically go up as the date of the flight gets closer. How fast the flight prices rise and how often depends on how the airlines' sales have gone compared to what was expected.

How far in advance should you book a flight to get the best price?

Timing Matters: Not Too Early, Not Too Late The general rule is that for domestic flights, travelers should start searching for flight tickets one to three months in advance. For international flights, the best prices are typically available from two to eight months in advance.

HOW TO FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS - My Best Tips After Booking 500+ Flights

Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Images: Sam Lion, Karolina Grabowska, Karolina Grabowska, Karolina Grabowska