Photo: Jaromir Chalabala (Shutterstock)
If you want to save money on winter travel, book now. Demand after the pandemic is likely to remain elevated through 2021, which means that seat prices will only get more expensive as we near peak travel season. If you buy “off-season” winter rates now, the chances are that you will get a good deal. Here’s what you need to know.
Why tariffs should be more expensive this winter
Typically, you want to book airline tickets for vacation travel well in advance when tickets for flights tend to be less scarce. How early exactly? Scott Keyes from Cheap flights from Scott suggests a “Goldilocks Window” of three to six months for domestic flights and three to ten months for international travel.
However, since Many people skipped domestic flights in the last holiday season Due to the pandemic, there is likely to be an increased demand for air fares more people are planning to reunite with their families later that year. There is also strong demand for the tariffs for international travel, as the borders in Asia and Europe are currently either closed or have only been opened to non-essential travelers since the peak of the pandemic.
Plus, many airlines have eliminated switching fees so you don’t have to worry about waiting for the perfect deal. This means that you can book a flight now and change it later for free if a better offer comes up later, as you get the price difference back as a credit (exceptions apply: Read this Value Penguin article for more detailed information on the individual airlines). Even so, since you book early, chances are you’re still getting a really good price on a flight.
G / O Media can receive a commission
Also, when looking for a flight, keep in mind that sometimes two single plane tickets can be cheaper than round-trip tickets (not always, but worth a look). And since most travelers like to be at home on weekends, The point type recommends including an overnight stay on Saturday for return tickets, as the fare is likely to be cheaper.