The art of finding cheap airfare has long been a subject of debate, with many claiming that there are certain times of the week, days of the month, or even specific booking windows that can guarantee the cheapest flights. However, Scott Keyes, founder of Going — a travel app formerly known as Scott’s Cheap Flights that sends out airfare deal alerts — has a different take on the matter.
“You’ve heard the advice to book on Tuesday at 1 p.m., or Saturday at midnight, or exactly 63 days before,” Keyes said in an episode of NerdWallet’s Smart Travel podcast. “The fact that there are so many different rules about when you’re supposed to book should kind of be the tip-off that it’s a little bit of a myth.”
One of the most common myths about cheap airfare is that there is a specific time of day or week that can guarantee the cheapest flights. However, Keyes argues that this is not the case, and that the best time to book a flight is actually how many months in advance you make your purchase.
- Domestic flights (off-peak): 1 to 3 months in advance.
- Domestic flights (peak seasons like summer or Christmas): 3 to 6 months in advance.
- International flights (off-peak): 2 to 8 months in advance.
- International flights (peak seasons): 4 to 10 months in advance.
For example, if you’re planning a domestic flight during the off-peak season, Keyes recommends booking within 1 to 3 months in advance. On the other hand, if you’re planning an international flight during peak season, it’s best to book 4 to 10 months in advance.
| Destination | Pricing Strategy |
|---|---|
| New York to Los Angeles | Set price as the priority |
| Chicago to Miami | Pick destination |
| London to Paris | Select dates |
Another common myth is that using incognito mode or clearing cookies can help you find cheaper flights. However, Keyes claims that this is not the case, as airlines are not tracking your searches in this way.
“If airfare prices changed based on repeated searches, we’d see it because we track millions of airfares every single day,” Keyes said. “If somebody was going to see higher flight prices impacted by repeated searches, it would be us. Yet we don’t.”
Instead of relying on incognito mode, Keyes suggests looking for budget airlines as an alternative to traditional carriers. These airlines often offer ultra-low base fares that can be significantly cheaper, especially for short-haul flights. For example, Keyes notes that Spirit Airlines can offer flights from Portland to Las Vegas for $25 each way, which is significantly cheaper than the next-closest Alaska Airlines flight. However, it’s essential to be aware of the extra fees for things like carry-on bags and in-flight beverages, which can quickly add up and make the total price more expensive than full-service airlines.
| Flight | Airline | Price |
| Portland to Las Vegas | Spirit Airlines | $25 each way |
| New York to Los Angeles | Frontier Airlines | $150 each way |
In addition to being mindful of extra fees, Keyes advises travelers to know their back-up options when booking flights. This includes avoiding layovers and checking alternative flight options in case of delays.
“If you book a flight with a layover, find out what your alternative flight options might be if a delay makes you miss your connecting flights,” Keyes said. “You should aim to fly with airlines that have multiple flights a day to your destination from the connecting airport.”
Finally, Keyes emphasizes the importance of acting fast when finding a great fare. Airfare deals don’t stick around for long, and the sooner you book, the better.
“Book first, ask questions later,” Keyes said. “I once found a deal to India for $212 round trip. My heart skipped a beat. I had sweaty palms. I was so excited. But instead of booking it immediately, I spent a couple of hours figuring out my itinerary. When I went to book, I missed it by 30 seconds.”
To sum it up, Keyes suggests that travelers set price as the priority, pick their destination, and select their dates when searching for cheap airfare. By following these tips, travelers can find cheaper flights and avoid the myths that have long plagued the airfare industry.
