Are you in Dubai and you are searching the internet for the cheapest day to book a flight? Whether you’re planning a getaway to a far-off tropical paradise or a business trip, one thing is certain: you want to save some bucks.
While there are plenty of travel hacks that can help reduce the cost, some are just myths or travel legends. One of such is the idea that Tuesday is the cheapest day to book a flight.
If this is the case, what then is the secret to cutting booking costs, you may ask?
Read on to discover our tips on the best days to book a flight, the reasons for price fluctuations and the gems of budget-friendly flight deals. And make sure you avoid these rookie travel mistakes in Dubai that we discussed earlier.
Why Airline Ticket Prices Fluctuate?
If you’re interested in getting the best deal on flights, it helps to understand why ticket prices fluctuate.
One thing is sure – timing plays an important part. Plane tickets usually don’t get cheaper closer to the departure date. What helps is booking months before that time. Of course, other factors come to play such as seasonal changes and holidays.
Flight pricing is heavily affected by seasons of the year, and that’s not just summer/winter/autumn/spring. It includes school holidays, religious holidays, events and festivals.
Cheapest Day to Book a Flight in Dubai
Now, let’s address the main question. Is there a “best day” to buy airline tickets? Well, not exactly.
While Tuesday and Thursday often get the spotlight, it is all a myth and at best a gamble.
Back in the day, booking on a specific date used to work. At the time, airlines used to load their fares weekly at a predetermined time, and customers could book a ticket soon after on a first-come, first-served basis, resulting in affordable fares.
Historically, airlines used to launch new sales on Tuesdays and were quick to match each other’s prices due to the launch. This meant a relatively cheaper deal on such Tuesdays.
But that no longer works, the real secret here is to pounce when prices are low. Keep an eye out and be ready to click that ‘book now’ button when you spot a sweet deal.
However, while there might not be a specific day for grabbing cheaper airfare, your choice of booking day can still impact your wallet.
Here’s the lowdown:
Airlines are like shrewd shopkeepers, constantly tweaking their prices based on demand and supply. That said, Mondays and Fridays are the big spenders’ days, with pricier tickets. Blame it on the business travellers who hate to travel mid-week.
Now, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays happen to be better choices of days to book a cheap flight. They are less crowded, and airlines often drop prices to fill those seats.
Airlines could drop their fare deals to capture the attention of budget-conscious travellers. By Thursday, the initial frenzy has settled, and you might still find some discounted seats.
Some experts also suggest that booking flights on weekends, specifically Sunday, can be a cheaper option. Airlines sometimes release weekend sales to entice travellers who are planning their vacations.
Additionally, early morning flights are your golden ticket to savings. They are less popular (who wants to wake up at the crack of dawn, right?)
Also, if you want to take the risk, you can wait until the last minute to book your flight. Airlines sometimes slash prices for empty seats to ensure their flights are as full as possible. Just keep in mind that this strategy can be risky, as you might not find the availability or destination you desire.
The Scoop on Booking International Flights
Ready to jet-set without breaking the bank? According to travel gurus, the golden rule for international travel is to secure your tickets at least six months in advance. Why, you ask? Well, because the numbers don’t lie – booking that far ahead can save you an average of 10%! That’s more cash to splash at your destination.
The trick remains – lock in your flight early, keep your eye on the prices and if they drop, you might just snag a voucher for the difference.
Peak vs. Off-Peak Seasons
Cheaper rates are also easy to come by during off-peak seasons so booking during less popular travel times could lead to substantial savings. Just remember to pack an extra sweater for the cooler weather or some sunscreen for the scorching sun.
Fare Alerts and Apps
Apps and fare alert services can be your trusty aides. Websites and apps like Google Flights can keep a watchful eye on fares for your destination. New features can now help you keep track of the cheapest rates and the best time to book. This addition is to help prevent buyers remorse due to the dynamic nature of flights.
“This feature uses several years of historical pricing data to aggregate how airfares for various route and date combinations have changed over time and identify when prices have typically been lowest, relative to the departure date,” Google Flights’ Group Product Manager James Byers says.
This info might clue you in that the best time to snag a deal on similar trips is usually about two months before you plan to jet off and whether you are in that sweet spot right now. Or you may discover that prices tend to dip when it’s closer to takeoff and hold off on booking for a bit.
Go ahead and set up fare alerts and let them do the heavy lifting while you sit back and wait for that notification.
Conclusion
As you can see: Tuesday is not the cheapest day to book a flight in Dubai. The best day to book a flight is whenever you find a cheap deal which can pop up at any hour. Armed with the information we have shared, you can easily snag a deal. Book weeks and even months ahead, choose a day around mid-week and employ the help of apps and websites.
Despite your strenous efforts to get a good deal on your flight, you can be kicked off a plane if you go against their rules.
