Best Day to Buy Airline Tickets
Airlines, in general, only set aside about 10 percent (or less) of their seats for the very cheapest prices. Most flights have about eight price points, or levels of pricing: four different prices for leisure travelers and four different prices for business travelers (who purchase inside the 14-days-before-departure rule).
How firm is that 10 percent? Well, just so you know, I have spent many hours trying to confirm what several airline people have told me, and that is: If an airline promotes an airfare in the media, it must sell at least 10 percent of the seats at that fare. Sorry, but I have yet to find this rule written down, anywhere.
But let’s say it’s true; that still means 90 percent of us are not going to get the cheapest deal. That is simply an airline, economic fact of life.
But can you increase your chances of getting the cheapest airfare? Of course. Let me show you, and let’s bust some myths along the way.
Don’t Shop at the Last Minute
Shop early (but not too early).
Planes are packed these days, so the last-minute deals that helped airlines fill up their planes are no longer necessary. You may come across one from time to time, but do not count on it. Instead, start shopping (not buying) early; typically, airlines start actively managing their cheapest seats about four months before departure. Look for trends, and use technology to help you see when your destination normally has the cheapest airfare available.
Best Day to Buy Airline Tickets
Bottom line: Airfare sales tend to occur early in the week. Not always, but usually. And increases tend to occur at the end of the week.
Something else to consider: Airlines follow a herd mentality. If one starts a sale, most of the others will follow; if one raises prices, the others will soon catch up.
source: http://abcnews.go.com/