Have you ever heard that there’s a specific day to find cheap flights? Well, you’re not alone.
It’s actually a fairly common belief among travel experts, and I’ve heard about it several times over the years.
We need to determine whether this so-called travel ‘hack,’ passed down as a well-tested secret, actually works. In this article, we’ll debunk this and other common myths about booking flights to help you find the best deals.
The Tuesday Deals: Fact or Fiction?
Let’s address the elephant in the room: Is Tuesday really the cheapest day to book flights? The short answer? Not always.
This belief likely originated years ago when airlines used to release discounted fares late Monday night or early Tuesday morning. Back then, savvy travelers could swoop in and grab the best deals before prices rose.
But times have changed. With dynamic pricing algorithms and fluctuating demand, ticket prices now vary daily and, in some cases, even hourly.
That said, you might still find deals on Tuesdays, but it’s not a guaranteed golden rule. Airlines constantly adjust their fares based on competition, demand, booking patterns, and even the weather.
So, instead of circling Tuesday on your calendar, focus on flexibility and research to find the best prices. If you really want to know on which day is best to book, as a general rule, mid-week is usually a good time to find deals.
Last-Minute Flights Are Always Cheaper
It’s a scene straight out of a movie: a random traveler walks up to the ticket counter and scores a cheap, last-minute flight. In reality, this strategy rarely (or rather, almost never) works.
Most airlines hike their prices as the departure date approaches, targeting business travelers and those with urgent travel needs. Sure, there are occasional last-minute deals, but they’re as unpredictable as a coin toss.
For better results, aim to book your flight 1-3 months in advance for domestic travel and 2-6 months in advance for international trips. These time frames often provide the best balance between availability and price.
PRO TIP: As I said before, nowadays, all airlines use very complex algorithms to determine prices. Trying to predict them would be nearly impossible; if you believe the flight is cheap, book it right away without much thinking.
Incognito Mode Guarantees Lower Prices
Ah…the beloved incognito mode trick. The idea is that airlines track your browsing history and hike prices if they see you searching for the same route repeatedly.
Sounds sneaky, right? But here’s the truth: while airlines and booking sites do use cookies to track user behavior, there’s no hard evidence that clearing your cookies or using incognito mode results in lower fares.
The best way to ensure you’re getting a good deal is just to compare prices across multiple sites and use fare-tracking tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner. These tools can notify you when prices drop, giving you a better chance to snag a deal without relying on anything else.
From time to time, using incognito mode or a VPN can help you save a little money when booking flights. But in my experience, the savings are usually just a few dollars—not nearly as much as some people claim.
Nonstop Flights Are Always More Expensive
A lot of people believe that nonstop flights are always more expensive. This is usually true, but it isn’t a universal rule.
Sometimes, airlines offer deals on nonstop routes to stay competitive or fill seats on underbooked flights. On the flip side, connecting flights aren’t always cheaper.
One thing I want you to consider, and that I always tell people who ask me for advice, is also to consider the time you save. Time is money; there is no denying it!
For example, a nonstop flight might cost $50 more but save you three hours of layover time. In cases like these, the slightly higher price can be worth the extra comfort, don’t you think?
Low-cost Airlines Save You Money
Budget airlines are often praised for their ultra-low fares, but not all budget carriers are created equal.
While one airline might offer very cheap ticket prices, their hidden fees for luggage, seat selection, insurance, name changing, or even printing your boarding pass can quickly add up.
When comparing budget airlines to standard airlines, always read the fine print. Some, like Southwest, include free checked bags, while others might charge you for bringing anything beyond a small personal item.
The cheapest ticket isn’t always the best deal if you end up paying extra for essentials. Before booking, do some simulations with all added services and luggage and only then compare prices. You may be surprised, but sometimes airlines that are considered “premium” can be even more affordable!
