When to Get the Best Prices on Flights

By: Victoria Rodriguez-Baziuk

Break Studios Contributing Writer

Consumers can learn when to get the best prices on flights when they plan ahead of time. Usually planning at least six months ahead of time is ideal. This is because many of the flights still have open availability. There are still ways consumers can save money on their flights even when they need to make a last minute reservation.

By following these certain techniques consumers can learn how to get the best prices on flights, even if it is a few days before takeoff.

Guide to Getting the Best Prices on Flights

  1. Plan ahead- When consumers plan ahead they can save quite a bit on flights. The further in advance a consumer books their flight, the more money will be saved
  2. Sign up for cash back incentives and frequent flyer miles programs- There are many programs consumers can sign up for that will give them extra discounts or money back on their flights when they book their flights through them online. Airlines also offer are frequent flier mile programs. These programs offer incentives for booking flights through their airline. Once 25,000 miles is accumulated it often can be redeemed for a free flight anywhere within the continental United States. This is an excellent way to get the best prices on flights.
  3. Travel during odd hours- Often, flights that are scheduled in the early morning or late at night will be less expensive. This is because times such as these are considered to be less favorable for most travelers.
  4. Travel during the slow season- When consumers travel during the slow season they can save considerably not only on their flights, but on other accommodations for their vacation as well. This is because businesses would rather make some money than no money at all. Therefore, many of the flights are very reasonably priced.
  5. Have a flexible schedule- The more flexible consumers are with their dates of travel, the more money they will save. This is one way consumers can learn how to get the best prices on flights.
  6. Cover all bases- This means to combine both online and offline research. Call the airlines directly. Sometimes the airlines will have less expensive flights available when dealing with them directly as opposed to booking online. Make sure to account for the booking fees, however, when a flight is booked over the phone.


By following this simple guide consumers can learn how to get the best prices on flights within the continental United States as well as international flights.

Posted on: Mar. 13, 2010