The ‘secret’ you need to know every time for cheap flights – and you can do it any time of the year
- A little-known travel hack has been shared
- Being flexible is essential when it comes to scoring cheap deals
Recently, a lesser-known travel hack was revealed that can help travelers snag the best possible deal for their vacation.
It is essential to keep an open mind when it comes to booking travel as being rigid in terms of place and time of year can cost you thousands.
Skyscanner’s ‘Explore Anywhere’ search tool helps you find the cheapest flights from your destination, and Google Flights Explore is another handy tool that gives you options filtered by region, continent or price.
People often choose their destination and season – usually within fixed windows – before even exploring prices and vacation packages that can save them tons of money.
All great bargain hunters understand that flexibility is key when it comes to finding cheap travel destinations.
Skyscanner’s ‘Explore Anywhere’ search function helps you find the cheapest flights from your destination to places around the world
Having an open mind can also dig up various locations that have escaped your radar.
It is recommended not to have fixed travel dates and to look at bookings six to 12 months in advance.
Such a feat can be difficult if you’re planning around school holidays or annual leave, but as much flexibility as possible is essential to get the best deal.
Escape.com offered travelers an easy trick when booking with Singapore Airlines, for example.
After entering your departure and arrival dates, you will be presented with the rates for a destination, along with a ‘7-day rates’ option.
That button shows you the price difference near your preferred dates, which can save you hundreds of dollars.
Google Flights Explore is another handy tool that gives you options filtered by region, continent, or price
Another thing to keep in mind when booking a holiday is the ‘magic number’ of days before a flight opens to guarantee the cheapest price.
According to CheapAir’s annual study, the price of a flight changes every 4.5 days on average, and each change costs an average of $33 up or down.
The number varies by airline, but can usually be checked simply by visiting the website. Airlines often release seats between 330 and 362 days in advance.
It is essential to know the ‘magic number’ of days before a flight opens to guarantee the cheapest price (stock image)
Qantas releases its award flights 353 days before departure for those who want to book with frequent flyer points, while Singapore Airlines releases dates 355 days early.
As with Virgin Australia, customers can book and choose seats at the time of booking 336 days before departure.
Singapore Airlines also has a ‘Secure My Flight’ page where customers can reserve their preferred route before deciding to purchase a ticket, which is subject to a non-refundable $20 fee.
The handy feature freezes a booking without you having to worry if the fare rises.
If your flight qualifies, a “Secure My Fare” button will appear after you select your flight and fare type, according to the website.
Travelers must book domestic flights at least 21 weeks in advance and international flights 22 weeks in advance.