Using a valuable and cheap airline is the dream of everyone who wants to embark on international travel. It is more desirable if they make multiple trips in a year.
Travelers believe that the less money spent on a flight, the more funds they have to enjoy their new destination. Hence, regardless of where their trip takes them, they seek the most affordable international flights.
What Is The Best Day To Book Flights?
Would booking your flight on a specific day result in cheaper prices? Some travelers believe they can book the most affordable international flights on some days, but this is not true, according to research.
Flight prices are not stable. However, there are times when airlines reduce their prices. This reduction typically occurs approximately three to four months before the due date for international travel.
Regardless of fluctuations in flight prices, it is a widely held belief that flying midweek is less expensive than on weekends. Data and trends show that flights on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday are the most economical. Experts also suggest that travelers who fly midweek can save between $56 and $100 on their ticket for a trip.
7 Ways To Book The Cheapest International Flights
Finding cheap flights can be draining without the right hacks. No matter the situation, travelers still find a way around, taking multiple inexpensive trips. Here are some hacks you should know to save some money on your next trip:
1. Search
Knowing how to book a flight starts with a search. There are various price comparison websites to start your search. Most platforms offer the cheapest flying options from your local airport by helping you explore prices for various destinations. Additionally, you will have access to more airlines and routes, enabling you to fly from your current location.
Before you start booking a hotel or getting work days off from your business, search for flights first. The cheapest international flights you see will then determine your traveling date. This means your travelling dates must be flexible.
2. Get A Connecting Flight
Booking a connecting flight is optional, but it can be a good choice for someone looking to cut costs. Doing this can save you up to 50% of the total price if you had taken a non-stop flight. Interestingly, getting a connecting flight can be as long as 24hours, giving you time to tour the layover city quickly.
3. Use the Price Predictors
Various online platforms can predict flight prices based on data from previous travel experiences. The predictors suggest waiting before booking a flight if it is cheaper in a few hours or days. It is essential to keep an eye on the site, as many people are also waiting like you.
4. Avoid The Rush Season
Some seasons of the year offer cheaper airline tickets than others. Most people travel during the summer and around the holidays in December, thereby making tickets more expensive. To book a cheap flight, avoid the months when the ticket prices increase, such as July, early August, and after the New Year and Christmas.
5. Avoid Last-Minute Ticket Purchase
The price of tickets increases as the departure date approaches. The situation worsens at the last minute as ticket prices increase. Therefore, ensure you know how to book a flight, preferably 60-120 days before the due date.
6. Use Price Alerts
Many airline websites allow you to set up price alerts to notify you of fare changes via email. Although booking the flight as early as possible is generally better, it’s best to wait a little while. These alerts will come to your rescue if prices are about to change or drop.
7, Use Your Browser In Incognito Mode
When you search for flights on different sites, the browser keeps a record of your search using cookies. As a result, searching for international flights several times will increase the price. Although this is not always true, it is a way to make you book the flight immediately. To prevent your browser from keeping a record of your search, use incognito mode and clear your cookies. This way, your search will not affect the prices you see.
How Far In Advance To Book International Flights?
The cheapest international flight prices are about 129 days before departure. Many airlines release the seat inventory about four to five months before the due date. A few of them make it public about 11 months in advance.
Booking as far in advance as 11 months may be advisable, as it allows for setting up price trackers. The trackers will help get the specific dates. Additionally, it will provide an idea of the days to obtain the cheapest price and the average cost of flying if it is your first time. Hence, booking your flight 8 to 10 months in advance of your trip is a great idea.
What Are The Factors Affecting International Flight Prices?
As a newbie, you might be wondering why the prices of flights fluctuate. The prices are not constant, and numerous factors contribute to this variation. Here are some of them:
1. Season
Flight prices during the peak season are expensive due to high demand. Hence, consider traveling in off-peak seasons, such as fall and winter.
2. Number of Airlines
Airlines’ competition also affects the prices of flights. Carriers often reduce flight prices to attract more passengers. In contrast, if there are not many airlines flying a route, the prices might be expensive.
3. Booking Time
The closer the departure, the more expensive the flight. Hence, booking a flight in advance helps you save money.
4. Distance and Route
Longer flights are more expensive than shorter flights, as they should be. Also, straight flights are more expensive than those with layovers. If your flight is long, consider choosing an airline that has layovers to save money.
Do Airlines Drop Prices At The Last Minute?
It is uncommon for flight prices to drop at the last minute. Some airlines adjust their prices to lower levels for various reasons. However, this act is not predictable.
Sometimes, airlines overestimate the number of travelers they will have. When the departure is close and the number of travellers is few, they might lower the prices. The new price will attract more people to fill the seats.
Also, when the competition between airlines is fierce, some of them might reduce prices to attract travellers. When one lowers its fare, others might follow suit, leading to more airlines lowering their flight prices.
How Can I Get to Kilimanjaro by Flight From Any Country?
Mount Kilimanjaro is situated in northern Tanzania, near the border with Kenya. It is a popular trekking destination worldwide, as it is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Getting to know how to get to Kilimanjaro is easy. The Kilimanjaro airport is the entry point for travelers worldwide. The airport receives local and international flights. Best airlines for international travel that connect to the airport include:
- USA/Canada to Kilimanjaro Airport: Connect via Amsterdam (KLM), Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airlines), Istanbul (Turkish Airlines), or Doha (Qatar Airways)
- Europe to Kilimanjaro Airport: Direct KLM flights from Amsterdam or connecting flights via Istanbul, Frankfurt, or Zurich
- Asia to Kilimanjaro Airport: Routes through Doha, Dubai, Nairobi, or Addis Ababa
- South Africa to Kilimanjaro Airport: Flights via Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, or Addis Ababa
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is between Arusha and Moshi. It is the closest entrance to the mountain. From JRO, Moshi is a 45-minute drive, and Arusha is one hour away. Arriving a day or two before climbing Kilimanjaro or going on a Tanzania safari is advisable to allow for rest and accommodate potential flight delays.
In-Closing
Finding the cheapest international flights is possible. No matter where your next destination is, you can save a percentage off the flight cost. Although it requires hard work, using the tips, tools, and tricks will save you money, allowing you to spend more at your destination..
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How Can I Fly For Free?
You can fly for almost free with credit card points. Although this is rare, it is possible. These types of tickets allow you to fly for free but with minimal taxes and other fees.
2. How Do I Know If Flight Prices Will Drop?
You can use trends and data to track flight prices and know if they will drop. Although the method is not entirely accurate, you can track a flight and receive an immediate alert when the price changes.
3. Do Flight Prices Go Up The More You Search?
The idea that flight prices increase the more you search is not entirely accurate. Airlines say the prices only rise as the departure date gets closer, even if you check a few hours earlier. However, some believe that using incognito mode for your search will yield the best price.
