Traveling can be expensive, but there are ways to find great deals on airline tickets. The hosts of the HuffPost podcast “Am I Doing It Wrong?” sought advice from HuffPost senior reporter Caroline Bologna on this topic. Bologna shared the concept of the “Goldilocks Window,” which refers to the optimal time to book flights – not too early and not too late. The pricing of airline tickets is dynamic and can change due to various factors including demand.
For domestic trips, the ideal time to purchase tickets is usually four to six weeks before, or possibly up to eight weeks before. For international travel, booking three to five months in advance is recommended. Bologna also noted that there are exceptions to this rule, such as during holiday seasons or summer travel, when booking further in advance is advisable. She explained that while some people believe shopping on specific days can lead to better deals, experts have dismissed this notion as mostly a myth. However, flying on certain days like Tuesday and Wednesday can save you money and improve your overall flying experience.
Flying on less popular days can result in fewer cancellations and delays, as well as a more relaxed airport experience due to the lower number of travelers. Additionally, flying on holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas morning, instead of the days leading up to them, can save you money. However, there is a risk involved, as delays or cancellations on these days may affect your travel plans. Bologna mentioned that money-saving options like choosing layover flights or budget airlines may have drawbacks such as longer travel times and less comfortable conditions.
Ultimately, the decision on how to shop for airline tickets depends on the individual’s priorities, needs, budget, and time constraints. While there are strategies to optimize the ticket purchasing process, it is important for travelers to choose what works best for them. The hosts also discussed how to score flight upgrades, controversial money-saving tactics, and other travel tips in the podcast episode. Listeners can tune in to “Am I Doing It Wrong?” for more insights on various topics and can email suggestions for future episodes.
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