Bargain Basket Airfares Depend on When and How you Book

Bargain basket airfares are still a thing to be nabbed, despite the squeeze we are seeing on seat availability amid rising flight prices. To that end, CheapAir.com has published its 9^th annual Airfare Study, taking a look at 917 million flight prices in more than 8,000 markets across the United States to determine the best times to buy domestic airline tickets. The analysis provides travelers with necessary insights to navigate the competitive landscape and get the best bargain basket airfare values.

According to the study, on average, the best day to secure bargain basket airfares on domestic flights is 70 days before departure, which is six days earlier than 2022’s study. When booking airline tickets, there are many factors that impact how far in advance travelers should secure their flights. Seat location, flight experience, destination, and price all determine when to purchase in order to receive the best bargain basket airfare deal.

Bargain basket airfares 

“At CheapAir.com we utilize our first-hand data to provide a fully transparent booking experience, recognizing there is not a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to travel. We understand how important it is, especially with last year’s complications, to share relevant trends and tips to help consumers make the best travel decisions,” said CheapAir.com CEO Jeff Klee.

In 2023, the booking window that offers the lowest flight prices is approximately 1.5 to 5.5 months before departure. This is slightly earlier than previous years when travelers could wait up to three weeks before departure and is likely the result of today’s high travel demand, staffing shortages, and fluctuating fuel prices. In order to secure the best Bargain basket airfare deals on flights this year, the message is consistent: book early.

To help consumers with their bargain basket airfare decisions, the report revealed these additional insights:       

+ Wednesday is the cheapest day of the week to fly, saving on average $100 per airline ticket compared to the most expensive day, Sunday.

+ February is the least expensive month to fly with January following closely behind. Flying in February will save travelers approximately $114 compared to flying in December, the most expensive month to fly (followed by July).

+ Airfares remain volatile. From the time a trip first goes on sale, fares change 49 times on average and change by an average of $43 each time.

+ There is no best day of the week to buy an airline ticket. Data shows that the average low fare varies by less than $1, no matter what day of the week travelers purchase airline tickets.

+ The summer travel season requires the earliest timeline to take advantage of the lowest flight prices. Winter, excluding peak holidays, is the bargain season to travel with the shortest window to purchase airline tickets than any other season.

CheapAir.com offers a Best Time to Buy Flights Widget to check for the best times to purchase airfare for specific itineraries. Additionally, CheapAir.com’s Price Drop Payback program allows customers to be reimbursed for up to $100 per airline ticket if prices drop after purchase. 

Guide to Best Bargain Basket Airfare Opportunities

310 to 212 days in advance

Approximately 10 to 7 months

In “First Dibs,” the flight choice world is your oyster. The biggest plus to booking early is the wide range of options available to you. The First Dibs zone gives you the most choice in seats, specific flight times, and classes of service. If you choose to buy this early, you’ll spend more on average than if you wait to buy in the “Prime Booking Window.”

Peace of Mind: Flexibility in Finding Flights & Low Fares

211 to 165 days in advance

Approximately 7 to 5.5 months

The Peace of Mind zone offers travelers the best of both worlds. Think of it as being positioned nicely between low price and available choice. The Peace of Mind zone is very slightly less expensive than First Dibs this year.

Prime Booking Window: The Best Time to Buy Cheap Flights

164 to 46 days in advance

Approximately 5.5 months to 1.5 months

This year’s Prime Booking Window ends about 1.5 months from your travel date. This is slightly earlier than in recent years, when you could wait up to 3 weeks before flying and still expect to see good deals. In 2023, you’ll want to buy a bit earlier, but the window where you will find the lowest fares widens to about 5.5 months. Every year, this zone reliably offers the lowest flight prices for travelers.

Pushing Your Luck: Bargain Basket Airfares Meet Advance Purchase Fare Rules

45 to 14 days in advance

Approximately 1.5 months to 2 weeks

The airlines make more aggressive (and reliable) price increases the closer you get to departure day. This year, the fare spikes start right around 45 days from your travel date. If you choose to roll the dice, you’re likely to spend more than buying flights in the flight booking window.

Playing with Fire: Airfare Rises and Seating Availability Declines

13 to 7 days in advance

Approximately 2 – 1 week

You can occasionally find a deal this close to your travel date, but you’re definitely flying a bit too close to the sun. Purchasing in this zone will very likely cost you more money than buying in the Prime Booking Window, but you’ll still save about $60 (on average) than by waiting until the very last minute.

Bargain Basket Airfare Miracles Needed: Bargain basket airfares

6 to 0 days in advance

Less than a week

If you have to purchase a flight in this zone, you’ll likely pay about $124 more than you would if you shopped in the Prime Booking Window. Scan airline booking sites for mistakes or last minute deals.