Expert reveals best time to buy a plane ticket

Ticket prices on some of the most popular routes have more than doubled – but there is a way to snap up cheaper airfares.

Skyrocketing airfare prices are causing headaches for Aussies, especially given the end of year is fast approaching. And while there is no sign of any massive drops, booking on certain days can help with snagging lower airfares, according to experts.

Airfares on some of the most popular routes have more than doubled thanks to a perfect storm of pent-up demand, reduced capacity and soaring fuel prices.

And with the cost of living rising, Aussie travellers are more budget-conscious than ever.

But there could be a way to help burn less of a hole in your pocket if you’re planning sometime soon.

According to Finder’s travel expert Angus Kidman the key is to book flights as early as possible.

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Experts have revealed the best day to snap up cheap airfares. Picture: iStock

“If you see a cheap international fare, snag it right away,” he said.

“Set up a price alert for your dream destinations to be notified whenever the fare changes.

"Booking sites such as KAYAK and Skyscanner offer this feature, while airlines including Qantas, Virgin and Jetstar will let you set up reminder emails too.”

Finder research reveals three in five Australians (60 per cent) are planning a getaway in the next 12 months – up from 49 percent last December.

“Travellers need to know that flight prices are going to remain steep until at least mid-2023, especially on international routes. Travel to Europe is likely to cost several thousand dollars across that period,” he said.

“Limited capacity and soaring fuel prices are pushing up the cost of airfares. And the planned coronation for King Charles in May has added to early season demand.”

Findings from Expedia’s 2023 Air Travel Hacks report revealed those who booked at least three months before they travelled saved on average 30 per cent for domestic flights and 25 per cent for international flights.

It is compared to those who waited until the last minute, which is generally within 30 days out for domestic and 90 days for international.

Those who booked on Sundays instead of Fridays tended to save, on average, 20 per cent on domestic and international flights. Picture: iStock

And those who booked on Sundays instead of Fridays tended to save, on average, 20 per cent on domestic and international flights.

Meanwhile, the report revealed travellers who started a trip on a Saturday, versus on a Monday saved up to 20 per cent on domestic flights.

For international flights, travellers who departed on a Friday instead of a Sunday saved 10 per cent on average.

“It’s well-known that flight prices vary based on the day of the week,” Mr Kidman told news.com.au.

According to Expedia, travellers who booked at least three months before saved on average 30 per cent for domestic flights and 25 per cent for international flights. Picture: iStock

“I am very much a Tuesday traveller. I always aim to book domestic flights between Tuesday and Thursday. That’s generally when the cheapest sale seats are available too. Added bonus: The airport queues are usually shorter too.

“Note that the key is when the flight happens, not when you book it. Airlines often run sales on a particular day of the week – Virgin on Thursdays, Jetstar on Fridays. But they don’t make all future fares cheaper just because it’s a Tuesday.”

Based on year-to-date flight status data, flights that depart between 3pm and 9pm have a 30 per cent higher chance of being delayed, according to Expedia. Picture: iStock

With flight cancellations are happening more than we like, according to Expedia, booking a midday flight can help reduce the chance of cancellations.

“Based on year-to-date flight status data, flights that depart between 3pm and 9pm have a 30 per cent higher chance of being delayed, on average, than those that depart at midday (9am to 3pm),” the report read.

Chuck Thackston, managing director of data science and research at Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), said while it has been a volatile recovery for airlines, data indicates travel is beginning to normalise with travellers taking advantage of flying again.

“Airlines have improved their performance while both capacity and traveller demand continue to increase,” he said.

“We’re also starting to see business travellers return to the skies following the surge of leisure travel in the first half of 2022.”