That doesn’t mean every flight you find will be cheap. “Averages don’t always translate to individual fares,” Keyes said. “But at the same time, with the way airfare works, today’s expensive flight might be tomorrow’s cheap flight and vice versa.”
For that reason, Keyes added, “it’s all the more critical to make sure that you’re getting the timing of your booking to get the best price.”
So how do you get the timing right? Here are our best tips, including price alert basics and a post-purchase hack.
Set price alerts
Tracking airfare can mess with your head. Are the airlines tracking my computer? Am I being punished for booking on a Wednesday instead of a Tuesday? The truth is that airfare prices are dynamic, and pricing algorithms are influenced by a long list of factors. The best way to track them is setting up alerts. Google Flights, Skyscanner and Hopper are among experts’ favorite price-tracking tools.
Sign up for deal newsletters
Price alerts are helpful when you have specific trips or dates and destinations in mind. But if you’re flexible or want some vacation inspiration, flight deal newsletters — free or for a paid subscription — are wonderful tools. You can sign up for newsletters from Going, Thrifty Traveler, Airfare Spot and Airfarewatchdog to get deals based on things such as your home airport or region. You may end up with a deal in your inbox that fits your travel needs.
