Skyscanner’s Savings Generator Can Save 31% on Flights for Summer Vacation

Global travel site Skyscanner has launched the new and expanded summer edition of its Savings Generator tool to help travelers save on vacation travel © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

While 61% of Americans are planning to get away this summer, 69% have yet to book their summer vacation, according to  Skyscanner’s latest research in association with OnePoll. Even as 74% of US travelers feel confident they know how to find the best vacation deals. global travel site Skyscanner has launched the new and expanded summer edition of its Savings Generator tool to help travelers save big this summer.  

Whether you’ve yet to book your trip or are tempted to book another vacation this summer (82% of Americans that have booked are tempted if the price if right), Skyscanner’s Savings Generator is on hand to find you the cheapest week of the summer to travel to a selection of the most popular routes from the US including to the UK, Italy and Spain. 

The global travel sitecurrently searches over 80 billion prices every single day, so Skyscanner’s experts have crunched the numbers to share some simple dos and don’ts for grabbing the best bargain this summer:  

1. Travel the last week of the school summer holidays (instead of the first) and save 31% 
Despite over half of Americans (54%) sharing that they know that there are cheaper weeks of the summer holidays to travel, Skyscanner’s data shows that on average travelers can save 31% by travelling the last week versus the first week of the school summer holidays- meaning an average saving of $1224 for a family of four!  

2. Want to save big this summer?  Travel on a Sunday (most of the time)! 

Travelers who are flexible and can fly on less popular days of the week can save up to 5% on the cost of their flights this July and August according to Skyscanner’s Summer Savings Generator. An added bonus? The airports are likely to be less crowded too.  Since 73% of Americans say they would be willing to change the day and/ or week of their summer vacations to save this year, it pays to do your research by using Skyscanner’s Whole Month view.   

3. There are still cheap deals – just search EVERYWHERE for the very best prices  

US travelers yet to book their summer trip estimate flights will cost $223 per person on average, however Skyscanner can reveal deals to vacation favorites including Nashville from $73, Orlando from $70, and Las Vegas from $169 round trip in June. Let Skyscanner’s algorithm find the cheapest deal – just type in ‘Everywhere’ with your travel dates.  

“We know how much US travelers look forward to and research their summer vacations, especially this year,” comments Skyscanner’s Travel Trends and Destination Expert Laura Lindsay. “Therefore it’s our duty to analyze all the data we have access to and share this insight via our Savings Generator, updated for Summer 2023  so US travelers know how to make their money go further this summer. 

“Our research shows that Americans are willing to make sacrifices, including fewer meals out and less takeaways and coffees during the year, in order to save for their summer vacations, but are less likely to shop around in the way they would when doing their weekly shopping or purchasing clothes. We’re aware that the summer can be a costly time to travel, so we’ve updated our Savings Generator to help US travelers easily see how to get away within budget this summer. 

“There’s so much money to be saved if consumers compare their travel options, so we’re building the tools for travelers to do this quickly and easily.  We encourage all travelers to take note of our savvy tips and utilize the tools on our site like our Calendar View and Everywhere Search to save big this summer,” Lindsay says.  

The Skyscanner/OnePoll research conducted in May 2023 with 2000 US respondents also showed:

• Thirsty for travel but leaving it to the last minute– while 61% of Americans are planning to get away this summer, 30% have yet to book. And of those yet to book, 43% cited they’re still deciding on dates and 42% are waiting to find the best deals 
• Americansthink they’re more travel deal savvy than perhaps they actually are – while 55% of American travelers feel like they found a good travel deal this year, only 4% are searching for travel during the cheapest possible week of the summer 
• Keen for further escapes this summer– 82% of Americans say they would be tempted to book another summer holiday this year if the price were right. 
• Americans think flights will cost more than what’s actually available – Americans yet to book their summer trip estimate flights will cost $223 on average, however Skyscanner can reveal deals to Chicago, Miami, and Nantucket for less than $150 return 
• Flexibility rules– 73% of American travelers say they would be willing to change the day and/ or week of their summer holiday to a different time to save money 

Skyscanner is a global leader in travel helping travelers plan and book their trip with ease and confidence. Every month Skyscanner connects over 100 million travelers in 52 countries and 30 languages to more than 1200 trusted travel partners so they can find the best flight, hotel or car hire options. 

Making use of the latest technology, Skyscanner simplifies the complexity of travel and provides honest and transparent solutions, searching more than 80 billion prices every day so travelers can be sure they’ve seen the best possible options, all in one place. 

Founded in 2003, Skyscanner has offices worldwide, in Europe, Asia-Pacific and North America where traveler-first innovations are developed, powered by data and insights. Skyscanner is committed to helping shape a more responsible future for travel in collaboration with our partners, so that every traveler can explore our world effortlessly for generations come. 

See www.skyscanner.com; www.skyscanner.com/tips-and-inspiration/best-time-to-book-savings-generator

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Expedia Releases Top Air Travel Hacks for 2023

Expedia® released its 2023 Air Travel Hacks Report, providing the latest essential tips to save travelers time and money on flights © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Expedia® released its 2023 Air Travel Hacks Report, providing the latest essential tips to save travelers time and money on flights. Created in partnership with Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC) and leveraging insights from its global air ticketing database, the annual report has become an authority for eight years running on air travel trends, revealing data-backed hacks for travelers, including:

Top tips from the 2023 Air Travel Hacks report include:

• Book airfare on a Sunday to save up to 15%.1 Travelers who book on Sundays instead of Fridays tend to save, on average, around 5% on domestic flights and 15% on international flights.
• Book at least a month before domestic flights and six months before international flights to save 10%.2 Travelers that booked in these periods saved 10% on average compared to those who waited until the last minute.
• Depart before 3 p.m. to reduce chance of cancellations.3 Based on year-to-date flight status data, flights that depart after 3 p.m. have a 50% higher chance, on average, of being delayed than those that depart earlier in the day.
• Depart on a Wednesday to save up to 15%.4 Avoid departing Saturday – Monday, which are the priciest days, on average, to start a trip.
• Plan using price alerts. Take the guess work out of deciding when to book with the Price Tracking and Prediction feature on the Expedia app, which uses exclusive data to pinpoint the best time to book and notifies travelers when flight prices change.*

“This report and Expedia’s new Price Tracking and Predictions feature on the app do more than save people money,” said Jon Gieselman, president of Expedia Brands. “It’s about the time savings and peace of mind that comes with knowing you have machine learning informing your booking decisions and a tool at your fingertips that does the work of price tracking for you.”

“While it has been a volatile recovery, our data indicates travel is beginning to normalize with travelers taking advantage of flying again,” said Chuck Thackston, managing director of data science and research at ARC. “Airlines have improved their performance while both capacity and traveler demand continue to increase. We’re also starting to see business travelers return to the skies following the surge of leisure travel in the first half of 2022.”

View the full 2023 Air Travel Hacks report on the Expedia blog, including more ways to avoid flight delays, maximize loyalty and rewards programs and save on every trip.

Use Expedia’s mobile app or visit expedia.com to plan your journey.  

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AAA Advises to ‘Buckle Up: Thanksgiving Travel to Rebound Almost to Pre-Pandemic Levels’

Airports and roads may seem jam-packed this year as AAA predicts 53.4 million people to travel for the Thanksgiving holiday, up 13% from 2020. This brings travel volumes within 5% of pre-pandemic levels in 2019, with air travel almost completely recovering from its dramatic fall during the pandemic, up 80% over last year. © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Airports and roads may seem jam-packed this year as AAA predicts 53.4 million people to travel for the Thanksgiving holiday, up 13% from 2020. This brings travel volumes within 5% of pre-pandemic levels in 2019, with air travel almost completely recovering from its dramatic fall during the pandemic, up 80% over last year. As restrictions continue to lift and consumer confidence builds, AAA urges travelers to be proactive when making their travel plans this holiday season.

“This Thanksgiving, travel will look a lot different than last year,” said Paula Twidale, senior vice president, AAA Travel. “Now that the borders are open and new health and safety guidelines are in place, travel is once again high on the list for Americans who are ready to reunite with their loved ones for the holiday.”

With 6.4 million more people traveling this Thanksgiving coupled with the recent opening of the U.S. borders to fully vaccinated international travelers—people should prepare for roads and airports to be noticeably more crowded.

2021 Thanksgiving Holiday Travelers
	Total	Automobile	Air	Other (Bus, Train, Cruise)
2021 Forecast	53.4M	48.3M	4.2M	1M
2020 Actual	47.1M	44.5M	2.3M	281,000
2019 Actual	56M	49.9M	4.6M	1.5M
Change YOY 2019 to 2021	−5%	−3%	−9%	−31%
Change YOY 2020 to 2021	+13%	+8%	+80%	+262%

“International travel re-opening will allow people to reconnect with friends and family and explore new places, while also giving a much-needed boost to the economy,” continued Twidale. “But it also means airports will be busier than we’ve seen, so travelers must plan for long lines and extra time for TSA checks.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released its recommendations for holiday gatherings and related travel, saying that the best way to minimize COVID-19 risk is to get vaccinated if you’re eligible. However, everyone’s situation is unique and therefore, AAA urges anyone considering gathering or traveling for Thanksgiving to consult CDC guidance before finalizing holiday plans.

Navigating the New Travel Landscape

This year’s forecast marks the highest single-year increase in Thanksgiving travelers since 2005, bringing travel volumes close to pre-pandemic levels in 2019. Despite gas costing over a dollar more per gallon than this time last year, 90% of people plan to travel by car as their preferred mode of travel. Although the car is still the most popular choice for travelers, a greater share will opt to travel by air and other modes such as bus, train or cruise this year. Whether you plan to do so by car or plane, it’s important to know how to navigate the new travel landscape to avoid unnecessary stress and challenges on the way to your Thanksgiving destination.

Be Proactive. Book flights, car rentals, accommodations and other activities as early as possible. Prices are not going down and are still somewhat impacted by the limited capacity of flights and staffing challenges faced by many industries. Consider working with a travel advisor who can make any last-minute changes to travel plans, explore travel insurance options and help plan a trip that meets your needs and comfort level this holiday season.

Air—Even with air travel seeing a boost this year, AAA finds that the average lowest airfare is 27.3% less than last year coming in at $132. Tuesday and Wednesday are still the most expensive and heaviest travel days with Monday being the lightest and least expensive. Those wanting to book last-minute travel will find the best fares about two weeks prior to Thanksgiving but keep in mind availability may be limited.

Hotels—Mid-range hotel rates have increased about 39%, with average nightly rates ranging between $137 and $172 for AAA Approved Hotels.

Car Rentals—Daily car rental rates have increased 4% compared to last Thanksgiving at $98. Over the summer, consumers experienced high costs and limited availability of rental cars in some markets, due to the semi-conductor chip shortage impacting automakers. While this shortage has subsided, it is possible it could return as the holidays near.

Be Patient. The roads and airports will be busy so plan ahead.

Arrive at the airport early so you’ll have plenty of time to get through longer TSA lines and other travel checkpoints. For domestic travel, AAA suggests 2 hours ahead of departure time and 3 hours for international.

Consider booking a flight during non-peak travel periods to cut down on wait times.

Hit the road when there’s less traffic and allow for extra time when traveling to your destination.

Be Prepared. For the 48.3 million Americans hitting the road, make sure you and your vehicle are ready for the trip ahead as AAA expects to respond to over 400,000 for help over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. If your vehicle has been sitting idle, AAA suggests getting an inspection to check key components like the battery, fuel system, tires, brakes and fluid levels. These systems are particularly vulnerable to deteriorating if a vehicle sits too long without proper care or maintenance.

Be Protected—Both You and Your Trip.  If you plan to travel during the holidays, it’s essential to do so safely and understand how to protect yourself, your loved ones and your investment while traveling. Also, as travel restrictions remain in flux, it’s essential to know requirements and recommendations based on your vaccination status, where you’re traveling from and your destination. AAA’s COVID-19 Travel Restrictions Map and TripTik.AAA.com are also helpful resources travelers may use for free to understand closures, recommendations and requirements when traveling in the U.S.

Travel insurance—AAA highly recommends travel insurance to cover unexpected delays or trip interruptions. It is best to consult the expertise of a travel advisor who can guide you on the coverage options available for your specific trip, including if your destination requires visitors to carry travel insurance.

Clean accommodations—When booking a place to stay, look for accommodations that prioritize cleanliness and have implemented additional housekeeping standards since the start of the pandemic. Earlier this year, as part of its Diamond designation, AAA enhanced its housekeeping evaluation to include objective, scientific validation of the cleanliness of common surfaces throughout hotels. Hotels that meet these new standards are now recognized as Inspected Clean and a current listing can be found here.

Safe travel = smart travel—Everything from airports to restaurants to attractions will be busier this Thanksgiving, which means more people congregating. Masks are still required for everyone on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States and in U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and stations. The CDC also recommends everyone wear a mask indoors in public if they are in an area of substantial or high transmission.

Domestic and international travel guidelines—As of November 8, the U.S. opened its borders to fully vaccinated travelers. The CDC has updated its guidance to reflect these changes. When traveling within the U.S., fully vaccinated travelers do not need a negative viral test or to self-quarantine. For international travel, refer to the CDC for specific guidelines.

Travelers Headed to Big Cities and Beaches This Thanksgiving

AAA Travel continues to see a strong recovery that began over the summer and will continue into the holiday season. AAA booking data reveals that big cities and tropical destinations are topping travelers’ list this Thanksgiving both domestically and abroad:

2021 Top Thanksgiving Destinations
U.S Destinations	International Destinations
Orlando, FL	Cancun, Mexico
Anaheim, CA	Montego Bay, Jamaica
Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX	Aruba
Phoenix, AZ	Los Cabos, Mexico
Honolulu, HI	Nassau, Bahamas
Kahului, Maui, HI	St. Lucia, West Indies
Atlanta, GA	Dublin, Ireland
Tampa, FL	(tie) Tel Aviv, Israel and Calgary, Canada
Ft. Lauderdale, FL	Paris, France

Roads Will Be Bustling

INRIX, in collaboration with AAA, predicts drivers will experience the worst congestion heading into the holiday weekend as commuters leave work early and mix with holiday travelers. Major metro areas across the U.S. could see more than double the delays versus typical drive times, with drivers in Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles and New York City likely to experience more than three times the delays.

“Thanksgiving is one of the busiest holidays for road trips and this year will be no different even during the pandemic,” says Bob Pishue, Transportation Analyst, INRIX. “Drivers around major metros must be prepared for significant delays, especially Wednesday afternoon. Knowing when and where congestion will build can help drivers avoid the stress of sitting in traffic.”

Worst Corridors and Times to Travel
Metro Area	Corridor	Peak Congestion	% Over Normal
Atlanta	I-85 S, Clairmont Rd to MLK Dr	Wed, 1:30 – 3:30PM	340%
Boston	I-93 N, Quincy Market to MA-28	Wed, 1:00 – 3:00PM	240%
Chicago	I-290 W, Morgan St to Wolfe Rd	Wed, 2:45 – 4:45PM	329%
Detroit	I-96 W, 6 Mile Rd to Walled Lake	Wed, 2:00 – 4:00PM	211%
Houston	I-10 W, Sjolander Rd to TX-330	Wed, 3:15 – 5:15PM	344%
Los Angeles	I-5 S, Colorado St to Florence Ave	Wed, 3:45 – 5:45PM	385%
New York	I-495 E, Borden Ave to Little Neck Pkwy	Wed, 2:30 – 4:30PM	482%
San Francisco	I-80 E, I-580 to San Pablo Dam Rd	Wed, 4:00 – 6:00PM	278%
Seattle	I-5 S, WA-18 to WA-7	Wed, 4:00 – 6:00PM	257%
Washington DC	I-95 S, I-395 to VA-123	Wed, 2:00 – 4:00PM	230%
Source: INRIX

Daily Worst and Best Times to Travel
Day	Worst Time	Best Time
Wednesday	12:00 – 8:00PM	After 9:00PM
Thursday	12:00 – 3:00PM	Before 11:00AM
Friday	1:00 – 4:00PM	Before 11:00AM
Saturday	2:00 – 7:00PM	Before 12:00PM
Sunday	1:00 – 7:00PM	Before 12:00PM
Source: INRIX

Expected Number May Change

AAA notes that the actual number of holiday travelers could fluctuate as we approach Thanksgiving. If there is an increase in reported COVID-19 cases, some people may decide to stay home, while others may note the progress in vaccinations and make last-minute decisions to travel. AAA recommends working with a travel advisor who can help you plan a vacation that meets your needs and comfort level this holiday season. To get started and to learn more, visit AAA.com/Travel.

AAA provides more than 62 million members with automotive, travel, insurance and financial services through its federation of 30 motor clubs and nearly 1,000 branch offices across North America. Since 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for safe mobility. Drivers can request roadside assistance, identify nearby gas prices, locate discounts, book a hotel or map a route via the AAA Mobile app. To join, visit AAA.com.

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Comedian Harrison Greenbaum explains REAL ID in 60 Seconds

USTOA partnered with comedian Harrison Greenbaum, who hilariously attempts to explain REAL ID in a 60 second video. Travelers can watch (and learn) by visiting youtube.com/USTOA.

NEW YORK –With an October 1, 2020 deadline looming for travelers to possess a REAL ID compliant travel document, the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) has compiled a simple tool kit for travelers and travel advisors.

Many states in the U.S. have only recently began issuing compliant licenses and state identification cards, which means that travelers may still hold a non-REAL ID compliant license that will not suffice for domestic air travel. Most recently, the Department of Homeland Security has made the decision to allow electronic submissions of the documents that are required to obtain a REAL ID, a positive step ahead of the deadline.

To lighten the mood and creatively share this information, USTOA partnered with comedian Harrison Greenbaum, who hilariously attempts to explain REAL ID in a 60 second video. Travelers can watch (and learn) by visiting youtube.com/USTOA.

“Travelers can also learn more about REAL ID by visiting the USTOA Travel Blog, which is constantly being updated with stories and tips from industry professionals,” said Terry Dale, president and CEO of USTOA. “Plus, with everything from passport and visa advice, to packing secrets and trip inspiration, it’s a helpful resource to stay up to date and continue learning.”

Read the USTOA Travel Blog at ustoa.com/blog.

Representing nearly $19 billion in revenue, the member companies of U.S. Tour Operators Association provide tours, packages and custom arrangements that allow 9.8 million travelers annually unparalleled access, insider knowledge, peace-of-mind, value and freedom to enjoy destinations and experiences across the entire globe. Each member company has met the travel industry’s highest standards, including participation in the USTOA’s Travelers Assistance Program, which protects consumer payments up to $1 million if the company goes out of business.  As a voice for the tour operator industry for more than 40 years, USTOA also provides education and assistance for consumers and travel agents.

For more information on USTOA, visit www.ustoa.com, call 212-599-6599, or email information@ustoa.com.

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Countdown is On When REAL ID Will Be Required to Travel by Airplane

The countdown is on when air travelers will be required to have REAL ID – an enhanced drivers’ license, passport or military ID – in order to get on an airplane. The deadline for REAL ID enforcement is October 1, 2020 © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

The countdown is on when air travelers will be required to have REAL ID – an enhanced drivers’ license, passport or military ID – in order to get on an airplane. The deadline for REAL ID enforcement is October 1, 2020.

According to the US Travel Association, 99 million Americans are likely without any form of REAL ID. Anyone who shows up at the airport next October 1 without the correct ID risks being turned away from getting on a plane.

U.S. Travel leaders fear that individuals who only travel occasionally, such as to visit family over the holidays, are most likely to be affected.

“Significant lack of awareness is one of the challenges we face as the REAL ID enforcement deadline approaches next year,” said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow. “We are concerned not only about the post-deadline effects for major travel times like Thanksgiving, but also about the significant crunch at state DMVs throughout next year as people scramble to obtain their REAL ID.”

The message that must be repeated to get people #RealIDready, Dow said. “At a minimum, check for the star that appears in the top right-hand corner of most REAL IDs—but ideally, contact your DMV directly to find out if you’re compliant.

“The holidays are a time when less-frequent flyers might be thinking about air travel, and there is always ample news coverage of holiday travel projections and conditions at U.S. airports,” Dow said. “The next two months are going to be critical for closing the REAL ID awareness.

Over the course of the year, people who need to renew their licenses should make sure it is upgraded to be REAL ID compliant. Also take into account the time-lag to renew a passport, which can take six weeks (and many foreign countries require at least one month extra time before expiration).

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WalletHub Study: 2016 Best & Worst Airlines

Flying American Airlines into Flagstaff, Arizona © 2016 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

WalletHub has just announced its list of 2016’s Best & Worst Airlines in order to help consumers prepare for the busy summer travel season.

“Everyone can compare airlines based on price, but it’s much more difficult to weigh your options when it comes to other aspects of the air travel experience. WalletHub’s report therefore focuses on quantifying those aspects – delays, baggage issues, pet care, passenger comfort and more – in order to help travelers make more-informed decisions.”
Among the highlights:

• Best & Worst Overall: Virgin America (soon to be part of Alaska Airlines) and JetBlue top the list of 2016’s best airlines, while United, American and ExpressJet are the worst.
• Most & Least Reliable: Delta is the best airline for avoiding cancelations, delays and mishandled luggage, while ExpressJet and Envoy Air are the worst.
• Most & Least Comfortable: JetBlue offers the most comfortable in-flight experience, while Spirit and Frontier are the least comfortable.

For the full list of 2016’s Best & Worst Airlines, visit:
http://www.wallethub.com/edu/best-airlines/20916/

For CardHub’s report on 2016’s Best & Worst Frequent Flyer Programs, visit:
http://www.cardhub.com/edu/best-frequent-flyer-program/

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Norwegian Air Moves to Institute New Cockpit Policy, in Wake of Germanwings Tragedy

In the wake of the Germanwings tragedy, Norwegian has decided to change its cockpit procedures so that two crew members always are present in the cockpit.

“Norwegian has been looking into changing its cockpit procedures for a while,” the company said. “However, in light of the tragic Germanwings accident, we are speeding up the process so that two crew members always are present in the cockpit. This means that if one of the pilots leaves the cockpit, one crew member must replace him/her during this time. Our passengers’ and crew’s safety always comes first, which is why we have decided to change our procedures, in line with US regulations.”
Today, there are no European regulatory requirements stating that two crew members must be in the cockpit at all times.

The new procedures will be implemented as soon as Norwegian has received an approval from the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority.

Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA, commercially branded “Norwegian”, is a low-cost airline listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange. Norwegian is the second largest airline in Scandinavia and third largest low cost carrier in Europe. The company reported its highest ever passenger figures in a single year with almost 24 million passengers in 2014.

Norwegian has a route portfolio that stretches across Europe into North Africa and the Middle East, as well as long-haul flights to the US and Southeast Asia. The company has a total of 424 routes to 130 destinations and employs approximately 4,500 people in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Estonia, UK, Spain and Thailand.

The company has 258 undelivered aircraft on firm order. Norwegian was founded in 1993 and its headquarter is in Fornebu, Norway.

Norwegian offers better leg room than most competitors, in-flight WiFi on short haul, world-class punctuality and a fleet of 96 aircraft with an average age of only four years. In 2013 and 2014, Norwegian was voted Europe’s best low-cost carrier of the year by the renowned SkyTrax World Airline Awards. In 2014, Norwegian also won three prizes at the prestigious Passenger Choice Awards for Best Airline in Europe, Best Inflight Connectivity & Communications and Best Single Achievement in Passenger Experience for its moving map on the 787 Dreamliners. In addition, Norwegian was awarded Europe’s best low-cost airline by AirlineRatings.com for the second year running.

 

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CheapAir Study Points to Best Time to Purchase Flight to Get Best Fare

A study by CheapAir found that the best time to buy airline tickets to Europe to get the best fare is 276 days in advance © 2015 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

CALABASAS, Calif. — Air travelers are always asking, “When is the best time to book my flight to…”? After analyzing 1.5 billion air fares, CheapAir.com has determined that in 2014 the best domestic fares were found booking, on average, 47 days in advance, while international fares should be purchased further ahead.

This was based on a review of almost 5 million trips, covering 15,000 markets, watching fares booked between 1 and 320 days in advance.

“When you buy your flight makes a huge difference,” said CheapAir CEO Jeff Klee, who noted that the study found that the price of an average trip changes 70 times during the period it’s available for sale. “No one wants to find that the person sitting next to them on a flight paid $100 less for their ticket. We spend a lot of time collecting and analyzing fare data so our customers can make more informed decisions.”

In fact, the study found that the average savings that could be achieved from buying on the “best” day versus buying on the “worst” was $201 per ticket.

Analysis of the data revealed a general pattern that, beginning when flights open for sale 11 months in advance, fares tend to drop slowly but steadily until reaching a low point somewhere between 27 days and 114 days out. CheapAir calls that three month window, between one and four months in advance, the ‘prime booking window.’ “Way more often than not, the best fare for a domestic trip will be offered at some point during that window,” Klee said.

Not surprisingly, the study revealed that travelers should make sure to buy their ticket at least 14 days in advance, or pay an average of $111 more. That amount jumps to $174 more if you buy within 7 days.

But it also revealed that buying a ticket too early, can be costly, too. Tickets tend to be about $50 more expensive than their eventual low point when flights first open for sale.

The study found different dynamics exist for domestic and international flights, concluding that for international flights it is generally best to book earlier than the recommended window for domestic. The best time to buy cheap airline tickets to Latin America, for instance, averaged out to 96 days in advance. To Europe it was 276 days – that’s about 9 months!  Mexico was close at 251 days and Asia was even more extreme at 318 days.

Of course, airlines are constantly monitoring booking trends and have their own yield algorithms that tell them when to drop prices.

The CheapAir.com blog offers more details on the study and when to buy airline tickets.

For travel advice, deals and inspiration connect with CheapAir on Facebook, CheapAir on Google+ and CheapAir on Twitter.

 

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5 Best Airports to Get Stuck At

Flying into West Palm Beach, Florida, considered one of the best airports to spend time © 2015 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Tens of thousands of travelers are discovering that flying can involve a lot of waiting at airports.

Select airports throughout the country are incorporating a multitude of options into their facilities such as world-class dining, kid-friendly play areas, and special features to ensure their travelers depart to destinations happily.

Amenities such as free Wi-Fi, 24 hour restaurant options, and availability of comfortable furniture are no longer a luxury but a necessity.

MissTravel.com, the dating destination site, polled 52,347 individuals to find out where their favorite U.S. airports were. Members were asked to rank airports in major cities based on The 4 C’s: comfort, convenience, customer service, and cleanliness. The top five favorite U.S. airports of MissTravel site users are listed below (in no particular order).

2014’s Best Airports: Based on Travel Preferences of 52,347 American Individuals

PDX: Portland, Oregon

SAV: Savannah, Georgia

SFO: San Francisco, California

PBI: West Palm Beach, Florida

PHL: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Portland has a reputation for hipsters and their airport is certainly trendy. Shopping options like Nike, Kiehl’s and Brookstone allow passengers to kill time while waiting for their flight. If shopping isn’t an option, free WiFi is given to all travelers upon arrival.

While visiting Savannah, travelers are transported in time to a historic southern street, complete with benches, a mock square, and a large clock under gorgeous glass ceilings.

The San Francisco airport also offers passengers free WiFi and is strewn with modern shops and elegant dining options. This airport has a completely modern aesthetic, even the bathrooms appear as if they are made of faux wood.

Visiting Florida? PBI remains the easiest Floridian airport to navigate because it is more compact than others in the area. Bonus points, there is a putting green for golf lovers, just past security!

If you are traveling through the Philadelphia airport, be sure to pack your workout clothes. Philly’s “Just Plane Fun” fitness area has elliptical machines and stationary bikes for the traveler who is trying to remain active.

“Today, airports are stepping up their game to attract new travelers or create loyal customers,” explains CEO and Founder of MissTravel, Brandon Wade. “The airports on this list are innovators due to their building design, customer service, and first-class amenities. Other airports should follow suit, or they could quickly lose clientele.”

 

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Passenger Group Calls on Airlines to Disclose Routes That Fly Over Conflict Zones

Following the missile strike that downed MH-17 as it flew over eastern Ukraine, FlyersRights.org, the largest US-based airline passenger organization, has called on all airlines to provide passengers on international flights with detailed route maps on their web sites, so passengers can decide whether to take such flights for themselves.

“Airlines should no longer be able hide behind weak and ambiguous international regulation and confidential warnings that are not shared with passengers,” Paul Hudson, the group’s president and longtime member of the FAA and TSA advisory committees on aviation safety and security stated.

“After the bombing of Pan Am 103 over Lockerbie, it came to light that governments and airlines had received specific warnings of a likely bombing, but chose to hide this knowledge from passengers and flight crews, those actually at risk. Now it has been revealed that some airlines were flying over eastern Ukraine despite danger warnings that were not shared with passengers.”

“Today despite known dangers and the MH 17 shoot down, passengers are not being informed of dangerous flights over or near numerous conflict zones with missile systems capable of shooting down commercial airliners at over 30,000 feet. Such areas in addition to Ukraine and Russia, include Syria, Iraq, Egypt-Sinai, Israel-Gaza, the China Sea, North Korea, Pakistan-Afghanistan. Other conflict areas are known to have anti-aircraft weapons capable of downing low flying aircraft including Libya, Yemen, and Mali.”

“An emergency meeting of the UN International Civil Aeronautics Organization (ICAO) is being held to discuss the situation, but passenger representatives have unfortunately again been excluded from meetings between airlines and regulators, as they were previously after the mysterious disappearance of another Malaysian airliner over the Indian Ocean.”

See: flyersrights.org

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