When is the best time to buy airline tickets

When is the best time to buy airline tickets?

Let’s face it; we all like a bargain when it comes to buying airline tickets. So, When is the best time to buy airline tickets?

The team at Go Insurance has researched the best ways to get the best deals on airline tickets.

Book as far in advance as you can.  If you know your travel plans in advance, the earlier that you can book your ticket the more you will save, especially close to Christmas and school holidays. Airlines always raise their prices on last-minute fares in peak periods as they know people are desperate to travel.

Friday Afternoon is a good time to buy.  Many airlines use Friday  afternoon to release their weekly sales specials and a number of other carriers will follow suit usually within the hour. Tuesday afternoon is the next best time. Monitor these times for airline specials.

Social Media. Many airlines use social media to tell their followers about their specials.  Airlines like to have over 100,000 followers and often airlines will offer specials to Facebook and Twitter followers. Airlines use social media as a test to see what specials work and which ones don’t.

Use carriers other than Qantas and Virgin. With Virgin taking the place of Ansett, many people think that they only have two choices when it comes to flying especially if you’re going overseas. Some airlines like China Air, Air Vietnam and others often have good specials and offer reliable service.  Some of these airlines are not focused on Christmas pricing but on Chinese New Year pricing.  Chinese Year usually falls in late January / early February.

Pick your time to fly. Good savings can be made by picking the time of year that you fly, particularly overseas. Try and avoid the peak travel times like Christmas, school holidays and Easter as these are the most expensive times to fly. Midweek fares are always cheaper. Tuesdays and Thursdays often have the cheapest overseas fares.

Use a travel agent. Many of us are time poor and a good travel agent can make the process of working out your flights much easier for you. They will also know what’s included in airline ticket pricing, baggage allowances and transfers when you reach your destination.

Don’t forget travel insurance. Travel insurance is an essential part of travelling.  The small cost to cover you and your family is long forgotten especially when something goes wrong overseas.  Australia has reciprocal healthcare agreements with a few countries which entitles Australian citizens to free medical treatment (ie Medicare).  However, in countries where Australia does not have a reciprocal healthcare agreement, you will be responsible for your own medical costs and transportation.  This can add up to be thousands or hundreds of thousands of dollars in the event of an accident.   Get your quote here for travel insurance.

Our tips are not exhaustive and there are  many other ways that you can save on airline flights. Always consider your comfort and the additional costs of stopovers on cheaper fares. What appears to be cheap may very well be 10 to 15 hours longer if you are on a long haul flight and that can be very exhausting!