How far in advance of my holiday should I book my International flights
I have been leading International Tours for over ten years. The people who come on my tours often have this exact question for us. Booking international flights involves a bit of strategy to get the best deals and ensure availability. Here are some general guidelines on when to book your International flights:
Book in Advance for Peak Seasons: If you're travelling during peak seasons like summer holidays, Christmas, or major events/festivals at your destination, it's advisable to book well in advance, ideally 3-6 months ahead. Flights tend to fill up quickly during these times, and prices can rise closer to the travel date.
Look for Deals Early: Start monitoring flight prices early, especially if you have specific dates or a preferred airline. Sometimes airlines offer early-bird discounts or promotions for booking far ahead.
Be Flexible: If your travel dates are flexible, you might find better deals by choosing off-peak times or mid-week flights. Use flight search engines that allow you to view prices across a range of dates.
Monitor Prices: Set up price alerts through travel websites or apps. This way, you'll be notified when prices drop or rise for your chosen route.
Last-Minute Deals: Occasionally, airlines may offer last-minute deals if they have unsold seats closer to the departure date. However, this can be risky if you have specific travel plans or during busy seasons.
Consider the Best Booking Time: Studies suggest that booking international flights about 6-8 weeks before departure can sometimes offer good deals. However, this can vary depending on the destination and time of year.
Avoid Booking Too Early: Booking too far in advance (e.g., more than 6 months ahead) might not always yield the best prices. Airlines often adjust fares closer to the departure date.
Check for Special Sales and Promotions: Keep an eye out for special sales events by airlines or travel agencies. These can offer significant savings on international flights.
Use Points or Miles: If you're a member of a frequent flyer program or have credit card points, consider using them to offset costs or book flights.
Consult a professional travel agent: They will be able to pull upon years of experience, and will watch fair prices on your behalf, ensuring you are paying a fair price for your flights.
Ultimately, the best time to book depends on various factors like your destination, travel dates, flexibility, and current market conditions. It's good practice to start researching and monitoring prices early, especially for international travel, to secure the best deal for your trip.
Happy Travels!