The Eternal Question: When Is the Best Time to Buy Plane Tickets? Here Are 10 Tips by Tagoo Experts

So when is the best time to buy airline tickets? The answer depends on a number of factors, including your destination, the time of the year and even the day of the week you're thinking of buying. With expert insights, you can make an informed decision.

1. Book early, but not too early

The general rule is to book your flight in advance, but not too far in advance. For domestic flights within Europe, 1-3 months before departure is usually the best time. For long-haul international, connecting, transatlantic flights, book 3-8 months before your flight. Booking within this timeframe will help you avoid last-minute price hikes and still get a good deal. If you book too early, you may miss out on special sales or promotional fares that airlines often offer close to the departure date.

2. Best day to book

The day of the week you choose can also affect the price. Historical data shows that booking flights on a Tuesday or Wednesday can often result in lower fares. This is because airlines often announce discounts and sales on Monday evening, while competing airlines reduce their fares on Tuesday or Wednesday. However, this trend has become less predictable in recent years, so while it is a useful guideline, it is not a guarantee of the best price.

3. Important time of day

Interestingly, the time of day when searching for tickets can also affect prices. Studies show that flights tend to be cheaper early in the morning or late in the evening. Fewer people search for flights during these hours, so demand may be lower, leading to lower prices. Avoid searching for tickets during peak hours, when prices can be higher due to increased demand.

4. Take into account the season and popularity of the destination

The best time to buy also depends on the season and the popularity of the destination. If you are planning to travel during peak seasons, such as summer, winter holidays or major events, book as far in advance as possible - ideally 6-10 months in advance. For less popular destinations or off-peak seasons, you can often find great deals by booking closer to your departure date.

5. Use fare alerts and fare forecasting tools

Use technology to track air fares. Price alert tools such as Tagoo can help you monitor fares for specific routes. The platform also offers price forecasting tools that suggest, based on historical data, whether you should book your ticket now or wait for a possible price drop. While these forecasts are not always perfect, they can provide valuable advice.

6. Fly on cheaper days

If your travel dates are flexible, consider flying on days when tickets are usually cheaper. Mid-week, such as Tuesday and Wednesday, are often cheaper than weekends when more people are travelling. In addition, flights in the middle of the day or late in the evening can sometimes be cheaper than travelling during peak travel times (morning).

7. Avoid last-minute bookings

While it is true that last-minute deals can be found, they are often rare and usually apply to less popular routes or destinations. For most travellers, last minute booking is not a cost-effective strategy. Prices tend to increase sharply as the departure date approaches, especially 14 days before the flight.

8. Look for sales and promotions

Keep an eye out for airline sales and promotions that can offer significant savings. Sign up for airline and travel agency newsletters to be informed about upcoming sales. Social networks can also be a good source for finding deals. However, remember that these promotions are often subject to conditions, such as fixed travel dates or limited availability, so be prepared to act quickly if you spot a good deal.

9. Consider the impact of important events and holidays

If your trip coincides with a major celebration or event (e.g. concert, competition, conference), tickets are likely to be more expensive. In such cases, it is best to book your tickets as early as possible. On the other hand, if you are travelling right after a big event, you may find great deals as airlines try to fill up seats.

10. Frequent flyer programmes and credit card points

Frequent flyer programmes and credit card points can help you reduce the cost of flights. If you are a frequent flyer, consider joining a frequent flyer programme to earn miles that can be redeemed for cheaper tickets or upgrades. There are also payment cards that offer points for every euro spent, which can be redeemed for travel rewards including airline tickets, business class lounges at airports and insurance.

Conclusion: The perfect time to book tickets is whenever you feel like traveling.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of when to buy airline tickets. But by combining Tagoo's expert tips such as pre-booking, choosing the right day and time, monitoring prices and being flexible with your travel dates, you can increase your chances of finding the best deal. Remember that the most important things these days are good and reliable information, flexibility in planning and a trusted travel partner.

Tagoo wishes you successful flights!