By choosing the right time to buy online you could be snapping up a getaway for less
Jetting off to exotic locations can often come with a hefty price tag, but with some insider tips from a seasoned travel expert, cheaper flights could be easy to find this winter.
For savvy travellers who prefer their flights to cost less than an airport lunch, the day you choose to fly can significantly affect the price you pay for your ticket. But by being strategic about the exact time you press ‘buy now’ on your favourite flights, you could fly further in 2025.
Top travel tour operator Ski Vertigo chatted with a pilot who revealed that Sunday evening is one of the best times to find cheap flights – which is a fantastic way to kickstart the week.
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The pilot further highlighted five compelling reasons why booking a flight departing on a Sunday could result in significant savings for UK travellers. The expert explains that there are five reasons why Sunday evening is an excellent time to book.
1. Fewer business travellers
Business travellers typically hit the skies on weekdays, particularly on Monday mornings and Friday afternoons, to align with their hectic schedules.
By Sunday evening, most have already finalised their plans for the upcoming week, meaning demand decreases and so do prices. This trend is observed worldwide, so if you’re aiming to bag a great deal on flights, Sunday evenings are your golden opportunity.
2. Weekend price adjustments.
Airlines often adjust their fares over the weekend, responding to the previous week’s booking trends. By Sunday night, they’re eager to tweak prices to fill any remaining seats for the upcoming week.
This results in lower prices as airlines aim to ensure maximum flight occupancy. For UK travellers, this can mean fantastic deals when these adjustments take effect.
3. Last minute deals
To avoid empty seats, airlines tend to offer last-minute deals over the weekend. By Sunday night, they might release these discounted fares to ensure that as many seats as possible are filled before the new week starts.
This can be especially beneficial for travellers who book flights at this time, as airlines aim to stimulate sales with attractive pricing.
4. Optimal booking window
It’s a well-known fact that booking flights several weeks in advance results in better prices, and this rule applies worldwide. For UK travellers, booking flights on a Sunday evening within the optimal booking window of 30-45 days prior to departure can lead to significant savings.
This timeframe allows travellers to take advantage of the best available fares before prices start to rise as the departure date approaches.
5. Less competition from fellow travellers
Travellers looking to snag a deal on their next holiday might want to consider waiting until the evening. This is when the rush of early weekend and work-hour bookings has typically subsided, leading to less competition for available flights.
Airlines, experiencing a dip in booking activity, are more likely to offer enticing deals to attract the remaining travellers.
A pilot, who spoke to Ski Vertigo, explained this trend. They said: “Booking flights on Sunday evenings is not just about catching lower prices; it’s also a strategic move to navigate airline pricing algorithms. Airlines typically reset their booking systems on Sundays, often leading to fare adjustments based on the week’s demand and occupancy trends.
“This reset can result in fare drops as airlines aim to balance seat availability with competitive pricing. For travellers, this means a window of opportunity where they might find flights that are not only affordable but also offer a wider range of seat options.”
The pilot further added: “Beyond the immediate savings, Sunday evening bookings allow travellers to avoid the mid-week price hikes often caused by last-minute business travel bookings and mid-week vacation planners. This time slot is less congested, making it easier to spot and secure deals without the rush and stress of peak booking times.”
“Travellers can also take advantage of flexible ticket policies that are sometimes more generous at the start of the week, providing peace of mind with options for changes or cancellations if plans shift unexpectedly. This blend of strategy, timing, and flexibility makes Sunday evening an optimal choice for smart travellers.”
