Travel has gotten expensive. The post-pandemic bargains are long gone. Fortunately, the experts at Google Flights have figured out the best times to book to get the best deals on airfare. CNET reviewed the data and is sharing tips to save on your next trip. Here are a few key observations:
Tuesday is the cheapest day to fly. Flying on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday can be as much as 20 percent less than a flight on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday.
Non-stops cost more. Google Flight data shows that travelers can save 25 percent by booking a flight with a layover.
If you see a good fare, grab it. Tuesday is typically the cheapest day to book a flight, but the savings are marginal (only 1.3 percent cheaper). If you find a fair fare you should book it, because it could (and likely will) increase.
Book in advance. The best fare prices for domestic travel are typically 21 to 52 days before your trip, while international flights are cheapest 50 to 101 days in advance.
Seasonal savings. If you are planning a trip this spring, you will want to book 44 days before departure to get the best fare. For summer travel, 21 days in advance tend to score you the best deal. Keep in mind that you can modify flights so you might want to lock in your flight early and keep checking back. If the fare drops you can usually change it and get a credit for the difference to use on a future flight.
Do you have any tricks to getting the best fares for your flights? Message The Seniors Trust on Facebook or X (formerly known as Twitter) and share the resources you use when booking.
