The hateful seven: The worst dates to fly this year

FARES will be high this year for flights on these seven dates. Either book early, or avoid them at all cost.

Crowded Avalon Airport departure lounge after Jetstar flights were delayed. Picture: Alison Wynd

BY NOW, most savvy air travellers know that most of the time, the earlier you book the cheaper your ticket will be.

But flying on certain days is going to cost more, no matter how early you book.

As a general rule of thumb for domestic travel, expect prices to be high for last minute travel.

The nature of supply and demand means that as availability declines, airfares and accommodation prices will increase.

Flight Centre has analysed airfare data to calculate which dates to avoid in 2016 if you want to save money.

“These dates are a general guide to the heavy travel times but may change depending on the airline,” says Tom Walley, head of leisure travel at Flight Centre.

“Unfortunately, peak season travel is unavoidable for many including families locked into the school calendar.

“For parents eyeing a family holiday this year, make sure you plan early and secure your flights and accommodation as soon as you can.

“While it will still be more expensive to travel at peak times than other travel periods, booking early will mean you get the best prices available for travel at that time.

“Leaving it closer to your travel dates means you run the risk of incurring higher prices as flight and accommodation availability dwindles and prices climb.”

Airlines tier their seat prices and release a limited number of seats at the cheapest lead-in price. When we look at peak season travel, there are still lower priced flights on offer, but this seat allocation is exhausted quicker and the price increases from there, says Mr Walley.

“That being said, there has never been a cheaper time for international airfares with increased capacity and competition driving prices down. Just try to avoid peak season, or at least book early, and you will still get a great value holiday.”

THE DATES TO AVOID:

MARCH 24: This is the Thursday before the Easter long weekend, expect peak pricing due to the extra demand.

JUNE 5: This is the start of the European high summer travel period and start of the Australian winter school holidays meaning peak travel prices kick in for both regions for the season.

JUNE 17: Travel to North America will attracted peak prices as the high travel season kicks in from this date.

SEPTEMBER 23: Third term school holidays start meaning popular family destinations like Fiji, Bali, Phuket, Hawaii and LA will attract higher prices due to increased demand.

SEPTEMBER 30: If you are heading to Melbourne this weekend, you’d want your team to be in the AFL grand final to justify the inflated travel prices.

NOVEMBER 26: NSW and Victoria schoolies starts pushing prices to the Gold Coast up. If you aren’t a school leaver, leave the Gold Coast break for another time.

DECEMBER 22: Prices climb the week before Christmas and stay that way for much of the festive season, lowering again when most are back at work and school.

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