Leading global travel search engine, Skyscanner has analysed two years’ worth of
travel search data from over 60 million monthly users to answer the one questions that always puzzles travellers: when is the best time to book flights?
A recent survey of Indian travellers revealed 72% do not know when is the best time to book flights. Skyscanner’s survey further unveiled 69% of travellers incorrectly estimate the best air fares can be found less than 12 weeks before departure, when in fact the best deals are snapped up by travellers who plan in advance. Traveller’s eyeing up Bali for their summer trip can save up to 51% on flight tickets by booking 25 weeks in advance or risk paying 27% more than the average fare when they leave booking to the last minute.
The same trend appears for air fares to Indian traveller’s favourite summer destinations, traveller’s looking to vacation in Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok can grab flights for 35% and 33% less than the average fare, respectively, when booking 24 weeks prior to departure.
Skyscanner recommends booking 24 weeks in advance for travellers venturing to Europe or the USA for their summer vacations for savings of 22% and 18%, respectively.
Skyscanner also reveals the most inexpensive months to travel to visit some of Indian travellers’ favourite locations. November is the cheapest month to travel to Bangkok when flights 10% cheaper than the average fare, while visa-friendly Bali can be best enjoyed in April with a 10% saving on the average fare.
Commenting on the findings, Reshmi Roy, Senior Growth Manager, Skyscanner India said, “We hope Skyscanner’s data can provide travellers with clarity on how and when to get the best deal on flights and what to expect if booking is left to the last minute. After reviewing flight prices from the last two years, we can clearly see that it pays to plan. Booking at the right time can make a huge difference to one’s expenditure on their trip, up to 51% in some cases.”
About Skyscanner
- Skyscanner is a leading global travel search company, providing free search of flights, hotels and car hire around the world
- Founded in 2003, Skyscanner helps over 60 million people each month to find their travel options
- Skyscanner is available in 30 languages
- Skyscanner’s highly-rated free mobile app has been downloaded over 60 million times
- Skyscanner employs over 800 staff and has 10 offices across the world: Barcelona, Beijing, Budapest, Edinburgh, Glasgow, London, Miami, Shenzhen, Singapore and Sofia
- Skyscanner is part of the Ctrip Group
For more information, please visit https://www.skyscanner.co.in/bttb/best-time-to-book-in
10 Responses
The airlines avoid certain trends so they can sell many tickets in the maximum price range. The myth of you get cheaper ticket if you book this many days/weeks in advance is designed to encourage you to buy your ticket and pay the airlines as soon as you know you want to travel.
The prices are adjusted according to seasonal demands. Prices go up during vacation times and holiday seasons. Airline tickets are also dependent on fuel prices.
Thanks for sharing these insights, SG. Appreciate it 🙂
24 weeks in advance – that’s six months – too far ahead to plan, unless it’s a a regular annual trip or something or a once in a lifetime trip. We end up booking a month or so in advance. And pay more of course.
I know what you mean, Tulika. But yes, it pays to plan a bit in advance for one can travel more and in my case shop more, with the savings 😀
Can’t see how we can plan that far ahead for a pleasure trip as it is dependent on so many factors, but see the logic for cheaper tickets. Thanks for sharing this very informative post, Shilpa. I am sure there are many like myself who may not be aware of the timelines for booking tickets for our holidays esp the fact that we might be able to save considerably if we plan things in advance.
Agree with you, Esha. When planning for vacations, there are a lot of things that come into play, but with a bit of planning/foresight, one can plan ahead and save considerably on the airline tickets etc. Thank you, glad you found this post informative 🙂
Informative post shilpa, thank you for sharing, want to save your post, for future travel plans:)
Thank you, Genevive. 🙂
planning a far ahead vacation & early booking tickets can be a flaw. Providing low fares are the objectives of airline companies so as to lure the customers to book tickets early. Its better to book a month in advance is the best option.
After checking out a few of the blog articles
on your website, I seriously like your technique of blogging.
I saved it to my bookmark website list and will be checking
back soon. Take a look at my web site as well and tell me what you think.