Why does timing make all the difference?
Air fares are governed by yield management, a complex science that modifies prices according to demand, season, load factors and, of course, sales. As a result, booking too early or too late can mean missed savings.
The ideal window for the duration of your flight
Recent studies recommend optimal pre-departure times depending on the length of the journey:
- For flights within France: on average, the magic window is between 1 and 3 months before departure, with a peak of opportunities around 50 to 60 days.
- For short- and medium-haul flights (within Europe or flights of less than 6 hours): ideally 50 to 60 days before departure.
- For a long-haul or intercontinental flight: the recommended window is around 3 to 6 months before departure, except during periods of very high demand when booking around 9 months in advance is sometimes preferable (summer, school vacations, Christmas...).
Booking too early doesn't always guarantee the best price, and waiting until the last minute is often synonymous with risk.
What day of the week should you buy your plane ticket?
Contrary to Tuesday's legend, the data show that :
- Sunday is the best day to book a ticket, with savings of up to 6% on domestic flights and 17% on international flights, compared to Fridays or Mondays. In practice, the difference between days is relatively modest (around 1-2%).
⏰ Extra tip: book early in the morning or at night, when booking engines are less busy, as this can help you find better prices.
What time of the week should you leave?
The choice of departure day also influences the price:
- For domestic flights, departures on Tuesday or Wednesday are on average 17% cheaper than on Sunday or Monday.
- For international journeys, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and sometimes Thursdays are the most affordable.
The general idea: prefer mid-week for cheaper travel.
How do you put these tips into practice?
- Start monitoring prices as soon as your itinerary is set. Use flight price comparison services to receive alerts of fare reductions.
- Be flexible : you're more likely to save money!
- Book on an off-peak Sunday, Tuesday or Wednesday.
- Travel on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and sometimes Saturdays , which are statistically often the cheapest days.
- Opt for a stopover or staggered opening hours to benefit from lower fares.
- Adapt your booking date to your destination: 1 to 3 months for short-haul flights and 3 to 9 months for long-haul international flights.
Booking a flight is no longer a matter of clicking randomly. By following the rules of good timing, you maximize your chances of getting a cheaper ticket. Now's the time to plan smart, be a little daring in your scheduling, and finally pay the right price for your plane ticket. Enjoy your flight and save big!
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