Back to school is now well underway, but nothing prevents you from planning for the next summer holidays! This Wednesday, Expedia publishes, in collaboration with the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), its annual report on the best tips and tricks for air travel in 2024.
According to the Expedia study, 37% of French people who book flights do simulations on three different sites before taking their tickets. Best day to make your reservation, best day to leave... There are many factors that make it possible to pay less for your air travel. Here they are.
To book, it's Sunday
Last year, it was still advisable to make reservations between Tuesday and Thursday. That is now over. According to Expedia's annual report, the day you need to log in to get the best rate is now Sunday. "By booking on Sundays, travelers can save an average of 25% on domestic flights and 19% on international flights compared to booking on Friday and Saturday, the least advantageous days," the travel agency said in its statement.
Leave on Friday or Saturday
Contrary to what many travelers might think, choosing to leave mid-week is not necessarily advantageous. "Friday is considered the best day to go abroad, saving 20% on average, and Saturday is the best day for a domestic trip, with a saving of 31%," says Expedia.
As for the days to avoid, do not make reservations on Sundays for international flights, and Tuesdays for domestic flights.
Plan ahead of time... for domestic flights
It is well known: the closer the departure date, the more ticket prices inflate... especially when it comes to domestic flights. "Domestic fares tend to increase 7 weeks before departure. So, the ideal is to book 25 weeks in advance to enjoy 22% savings on average, "says Expedia.
However, this rule does not necessarily apply to international flights, which are "less volatile this year" than domestic flights. According to the report, "it is therefore not necessary to book too far in advance, (...) The ideal is to book 15 to 28 days in advance to enjoy 14% savings on average compared to a reservation made 5 to 6 months in advance."
For travelers who feel more comfortable booking earlier, Expedia recommends that they take their tickets between 6 and 9 weeks before departure, still saving them an average of 12% compared to the most expensive period.
