If you are planning to travel by air, you might be wondering when is the best time to book your flight and whether you should use online travel agencies (OTAs), travel agents or purchase directly from the airlines. Here are some tips to help you find the best deals and save money on your airfare.

The best time to book your flight depends on several factors, such as your destination, season, and day of the week. According to various studies, the optimal windows for booking flights are:

– Between 28 and 35 days for domestic flights

– Between 10 and 6 months for international flights

– Between 21 and 60 days for both domestic and international flights, with 44 days before departure being the average low

The best day of the week to book your flight is not fixed, but some studies suggest that Sunday is the cheapest day for domestic flights (saving 5%) and international flights (saving 15%) compared to Friday. However, this may vary depending on the route and the airline.

The cheapest days of the week to fly are usually Tuesdays and Wednesdays, while the most expensive are Mondays, Fridays, and Sundays. The best time of day to book your flight is 1 am in the time zone of the airline’s hub, especially on Wednesdays.

The best months to travel are also influenced by your destination and season. For example, January is a good month for domestic flights, while August is a good month for international flights. However, some regions may have different peak and off-peak seasons. For example, September and October are the cheapest months to travel to Central and South America, while May is also a good month for South America. The most expensive months to travel are usually July and December.

For domestic flights, the best time to book is between 2 and 10 months before departure, with the lowest prices around 64 to 76 days out. The best time of day to book is 1 am in the time zone of the airline’s hub, especially on Wednesdays. The cheapest days of the week to fly are Tuesdays and Wednesdays, while the most expensive are Mondays, Fridays, and Sundays. The best months to travel are January and September.

For international flights, the best time to book is between 10 and 6 months before departure. The best day to buy tickets is 79 days before departure. The best months to travel vary depending on the region, but generally August and May are good options. The most expensive months to travel are July and December.

When it comes to choosing between OTAs, travel agents or purchasing directly from the airlines, there are pros and cons for each option. OTAs may offer lower prices and more flexibility than airlines, but they may also charge fees or have less customer service. Travel agents may provide personalized service and advice, but they may also charge commissions or have limited options. Purchasing directly from the airlines may give you more control and security, but they may also have higher prices or less availability.

The best option for you depends on your preferences, budget and travel needs. You may want to compare different options and check for hidden fees or restrictions before booking your flight. You may also want to sign up for price alerts or use tools like Hopper or Google Flights to monitor prices and find the best deals.

Happy flying!

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