If you’re planning a trip to Britain, brace yourself for current airfare prices. Seems like only yesterday we could fly New York to London, roundtrip coach, for $250. Now we spend $725 to $1200 for the same tickets. Ouch! There are, however, a few tips to employ to find the cheapest fares.
Season
Obviously, low-tourist season, in the late fall/winter/early spring, offers the lowest fares—with the exception of the Christmas holidays. (Generally, these off-season dates are listed as November 1—March 14, excluding December 13-24.) Not everyone, however, rejoices at the idea of a winter holiday. Fortunately, there are additional tricks in the bag for capturing lower ticket prices. Timing is everything!
Purchase months in advance
An analysis of airfares by the Airlines Reposting Corporation has revealed that nowadays, one cops the best prices to Europe by buying airline tickets 21TO 22 WEEKS in advance! That’s about four and a half months. So buy your ticket today for a September trip!
Day of the week
The day of the week you purchase your ticket also impacts the price. Travel experts have this down to a science: For the cheapest tickets, purchase on Tuesdays at 3:00 p.m. EST. Why is this? Typically a few airlines release sale seats on Monday, then competitors scramble to match prices; by Tuesday, the dust has settled and consumers can start tapping into the sales. Wednesday is also a good day to buy, and sometimes Thursday—but by Fridays, prices have bounced back to the ceiling.
Day of departure
To get the lowest airfare, leave on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Saturday, and especially avoid a Monday, Friday, or Sunday departure. One needn’t be Sherlock Holmes to figure out the reason for this, right? Because the majority of people want to leave for a trip on Friday after work and return on Sunday in time for the new workweek--or leave on a Monday, at the start of the business week—seats on those days are scarce and expensive. If your departure dates are flexible, you can keep a few extra pence in your pocket!
Planning a trip to Britain? See VISIT BRITAIN
Or visit Anglophiles United HOMEPAGE
Season
Obviously, low-tourist season, in the late fall/winter/early spring, offers the lowest fares—with the exception of the Christmas holidays. (Generally, these off-season dates are listed as November 1—March 14, excluding December 13-24.) Not everyone, however, rejoices at the idea of a winter holiday. Fortunately, there are additional tricks in the bag for capturing lower ticket prices. Timing is everything!
Purchase months in advance
An analysis of airfares by the Airlines Reposting Corporation has revealed that nowadays, one cops the best prices to Europe by buying airline tickets 21TO 22 WEEKS in advance! That’s about four and a half months. So buy your ticket today for a September trip!
Day of the week
The day of the week you purchase your ticket also impacts the price. Travel experts have this down to a science: For the cheapest tickets, purchase on Tuesdays at 3:00 p.m. EST. Why is this? Typically a few airlines release sale seats on Monday, then competitors scramble to match prices; by Tuesday, the dust has settled and consumers can start tapping into the sales. Wednesday is also a good day to buy, and sometimes Thursday—but by Fridays, prices have bounced back to the ceiling.
Day of departure
To get the lowest airfare, leave on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Saturday, and especially avoid a Monday, Friday, or Sunday departure. One needn’t be Sherlock Holmes to figure out the reason for this, right? Because the majority of people want to leave for a trip on Friday after work and return on Sunday in time for the new workweek--or leave on a Monday, at the start of the business week—seats on those days are scarce and expensive. If your departure dates are flexible, you can keep a few extra pence in your pocket!
Planning a trip to Britain? See VISIT BRITAIN
Or visit Anglophiles United HOMEPAGE
