The truth about when you should book your flight

IT'S what every traveller wants to know: when is the cheapest time to fly, and how far in advance should you make the booking? Follow these rules and you could save heaps.

When is the best time to fly? Picture: Thinkstock

IT'S what every traveller wants to know: When is the cheapest time to fly, and how far in advance should you make your booking?

Travel booking site Skyscanner analysed airfare data from flights departing Australia to find out the truth.

It turns out that May is the cheapest month to take to the skies, with an average saving of 19.2 per cent. More specifically, the week of April 28 to May 4 is the cheapest week of the entire year. Whatever you want to do, avoid travelling in December, the most expensive month.

Meanwhile, the cheapest time to make a booking varies depending on your intended destination.

If you're a risk-taker, you'll be grinning from ear to ear at this news: The best time to book a flight to the UK is just a week out from the travel date. Those willing to wait could save up to 11 per cent off the average fare.

However, this is the exception to the rule, with Skyscanner finding that those who plan ahead more commonly reap the rewards. On average, six weeks before your intended departure date is the ideal time to book.

"Even though some of the best flight prices are found closer to the travel date, it's important to remember that prices fluctuate all the time, often increasing at the very last minute," Skyscanner spokesman Dave Boyte said.

"If you want to take a gamble, you can try your luck and book closer to departure, in the hope that the airline will release cheap fares as a last-ditch effort to fill up a flight. What our data suggests though is that finding the best value flight is all about planning ahead and doing your research'.

Skyscanner discovered that best time to book a trip to Thailand is five weeks from the intended departure date, with a possible saving of 13 per cent, while those heading to New Zealand or Indonesia could save 15 per cent by booking six weeks ahead.

Those seeking a stay in Singapore should be a bit more organised, and aim for 14 weeks to potentially save 15 per cent.

Key tips for getting the best flight price:

• Book smart. Avoid peak season travel and try to fly during the least popular hours of the day, this can help to lower costs, Try to avoid peak season travel. Book on weekdays if you can extend your trip away, also, travelling on a Thursday night and returning on Monday can offer some great savings.

• Be flexible. Costs can vary significantly depending on the airlines operating certain routes. If you're planning your next trip but aren't yet sure of your destination, you can run a search on website such as Skyscanner that encompass all available destinations (select the "everywhere" option to find the best value for money).

• Track prices. Keeping an eye on the flight prices a few months prior to travel is the best way to find a good value flight. Sign up for a price alert email