Looking for international fares can seem like a gamble: prices go up and down every day and often, the difference is all about timing or strategy. The good news is that fare data or airline revenue management information usually reveals trends that travelers can identify and save from. Here are eight data-informed strategies to lower fares for travel.
- Set Fare Alerts Months in Advance
Airlines manage dynamic pricing – fares change based on demand, competition on the route, and advanced booking. If you are setting fares months in advance, you can monitor them and know if the price is falling below the average price from your tracking.
Google Flights and Skyscanner are great options for monitoring fare trends and getting instant notifications when they drop. Flight search data suggests that the lowest-priced international tickets typically appear during a window ranging from three to six months before departure.
- Use Flexible Date Matrices
Search engines can show you ‘flexible date’ matrices. They help you determine day-to-day fare changes. Also, flying mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) typically provides lower-priced fares, since demand for flying is weaker (for business and leisure) during those times. Historical fare data suggests that weekend departure costs over 20% on major long-haul international routes.
- Travel During Shoulder Seasons
Airline fare pricing varies based on the seasonal load factor. When booking flights during shoulder seasons (weeks of the year that fall between peak season and off-peak travel season), fewer passengers are traveling, and prices are more reasonable.
For example, traveling to Europe in early spring or to Asia in late autumn means lower prices and minimal crowds.
- Consider Alternate Airports
Big cities aren’t always your best options. Major hubs may be your easiest access points, but a nearby airport may be cheaper. For frequently traveled international flights, you could choose to fly into an airport near the major city center. For example, use Gatwick instead of Heathrow or Osaka instead of Tokyo.
- Review Pricing For Multi-City and Open-Jaw Tickets
When planning a trip that includes stops, do not just book regular round-trip tickets. Multi-city or open-jaw tickets may sometimes be cheaper than round-trip airfare.
For long and complicated routes, such as flying to Australia or South Asia, when you are booking from India, always look at options for price and routing at Manntravel.com.au. The company can help you save money on flight tickets all around the world.
- Use Stopover Programs
Many international carriers offer stopover programs with free or discounted stopovers. Stopover programs are designed to help promote tourism to their hub cities. The stopover essentially makes what would be a layover into a mini trip, while using the same price as a layover.
- Redeem Partner Airline Awards
Frequent flyer programs are not exclusive to one airline. Partner networks allow you to redeem or mix up miles among their airlines. Data from loyalty programs shows partner redemptions often have better rewards and lower surcharges than within a single carrier.
- Compare OTAs with Trusted Agents
Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) can differ on baggage inclusions, refundability or change penalties. Comparing OTA quotes with a trusted travel agent will not only tell you if it is cheaper, but you will also know if the restrictions are going to have you spending more. Travel agents have access to consolidator fares that you may be unable to find on your own.
Endnote
Finding deals on international flights isn’t just about keeping an eye out for sales; it is really about understanding how an airline is pricing its inventory and using specific tools to help you know about that inventory. With these eight tips, you will learn how to identify value, rather than simply appreciate numbers on a screen.
