INTERNATIONAL TRAVELERS SHOULD PLAN AHEAD, BOOK EARLY SAYS NEW STUDY FROM CHEAPAIR.COM
Earlier this week, CheapAir.com released its 2022 International Airfare Study uncovering how to get the best prices on international flights departing the United States. The study evaluated 917 million airfares across 10 global regions to assess when to buy flights for the best deal, the cheapest day to depart, the best-value month to travel and the impact of seasonal variations. While unprecedented factors are impacting airfare costs this year, such as oil price volatility, geopolitical landscape, current travel demand and airline staffing shortages, the key takeaway is to plan ahead and book early. The study revealed regardless of destination, the cheapest days to depart the U.S. for an international trip are Tuesday and Wednesday. It also showed that the most affordable month to travel is October and the most expensive month is December, depending on region and season.
"After long lockdowns, revenge travel is on the rise, but so are airfare prices," said Jeff Klee, CEO of CheapAir.com. "So, for those who want to travel abroad, the insights from this study are here to help them make smart buying decisions. Things to consider include not only price but also seasonality, payment options and the flexibility to cancel or reschedule. Tapping into the study's latest findings can help travelers make the best decisions to suit their individual needs." Following is a snapshot of the best time to buy, depart and travel for 10 regions covered within the International Airfare Study. Canada: The best window to purchase flights is 3.5 months to 10 months in advance of travel, with the average best day to buy approximately 205 days from departure. The cheapest months to travel are February and March while August and December are the most expensive.
Mexico: The best window to purchase flights is 1 month to 4.5 months in advance of travel, with the average best day to buy approximately 70 days from departure. The cheapest months to travel are January and February, while the rest of the year does not have a significant difference in fares. Caribbean: The best window to purchase flights is 1.5 months to 5 months in advance of travel, with the average best day to buy approximately 75 days from departure. The cheapest months to travel are September and October while July and December are the most expensive. ·Central America: The best window to purchase flights is 2 months to 5 months in advance of travel, with the average best day to buy approximately 88 days from departure. The cheapest months to travel are September and October while July and December are the most expensive.
Africa: The best window to purchase flights is 2 months to 10 months in advance of travel, with the average best day to buy approximately 213 days from departure. The cheapest months to travel are October and November while July and December are the most expensive. South Pacific: The best window to purchase flights is 9.5 months to 10 months in advance of travel, with the average best day to buy approximately 309 days from departure. The cheapest months to travel are January and April while October and November are the most expensive.
The study revealed regardless of destination, the cheapest days to depart the U.S. for an international trip are Tuesday and Wednesday.
South America: The best window to purchase flights is 1.5 months to 4.5 months in advance of travel, with the average best day to buy approximately 79 days from departure. The cheapest months to travel are September, October and May while July and December are the most expensive.
Asia: The best window to purchase flights is 10 months in advance, with the average best day to buy approximately 314 days from departure. The cheapest months to travel are January and April while December and August are the most expensive.
Europe: The best window to purchase flights is 1 month to 6.5 months in advance of travel, with the average best day to buy approximately 79 days from departure. The cheapest months to travel are October and November while May and June are the most expensive.
Middle East: The best window to purchase flights is 2 months to 10 months in advance, with the average best day to buy approximately 94 days from departure. The cheapest months to travel are October and November while December and July are the most expensive.
For more information, data and insights on the best ways to save on international airfare, especially specific details around regional seasonality and the best times to buy, check out the full CheapAir.com 2022 International Airfare Study.