Best time to buy tickets - US article - does it apply to Australia?

[angusburns]

Searching for airfares doesn't have to be a gamble - Yahoo! Finance

 

[samh004]

The social media suggestion is true here too, but some arguments are different.

Certainly common sense applies, avoid holidays and busy periods and if prices aren't moving, there's no rush to buy sooner than 2 months out. If they are moving though... Things change.

 

[angusburns]

Thanks, was wondering more about these recommendations - do they apply in the Australian market place?

-- Book on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. That's when airlines most often offer sales?


-- Buy in advance, but not too early. The best time is four to six weeks before traveling. In general, prices for any given flight are highest eight to 10 weeks and two to three weeks in advance? - is there a sweet spot in terms of days out to book flights? Does it simply get more expensive the closer to take off or is it a dip - more expensive, getting cheaper as the flight gets closer and then ramping up again a couple of weeks out from the flight?


-- Embrace social media. Airlines are giving more benefits, like exclusive sales, to travelers who interact with them on Twitter and Facebook. Those specials are often gone within hours - does this happen in Australia - is Qantas on Facebook and Twitter, or just the red e-deal emails and the Virgin daily specials?