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Here are the best times to travel - Tips from Refundmore

October 2024

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Here are the best times to travel

Finding the best time to travel can save you both time and money. Whether you are planning a holiday, a business trip, or a spontaneous getaway, it’s worth considering which days and periods are the most advantageous. Refundmore is ready with a handful of useful tips, so you know which periods and specific days to avoid, when the most delays and cancellations occur, and when you can find the cheapest and most expensive flight tickets.

 

Should you be unfortunate enough to experience a flight delay or cancellation during your trip, we are also ready to help you obtain the compensation you are entitled to.

 

Which periods or specific days should be avoided?

When planning your trip, it's important to be aware of certain periods and days that are best avoided. These times are often marked by high prices, crowded airports, and an increased risk of delays.

 

Peak seasons and holidays

Peak seasons such as summer vacation, Christmas, and New Year are generally the most expensive and busiest times to travel. Flight prices increase significantly during these periods, and airports are filled with travellers. The same applies to Easter holidays and other national holidays, when many people plan their trips at the same time.

 

Weekends

Weekends, especially Fridays and Sundays, are some of the most popular days to travel. This is because many prefer to travel when they are off work. As a result, ticket prices can be higher, and airports more crowded. If possible, plan your trip for midweek to avoid this congestion.

 

When do most delays and cancellations happen?

Understanding when there is the highest risk of delays and cancellations can help you plan a more hassle-free trip. Certain times of the day and year are known for having higher occurrences of these problems.

 

Weather conditions

The winter months are often marked by bad weather, which can lead to delays and cancellations. Snow, ice, and heavy rain can cause issues at airports, especially in northern regions. Therefore, it can be a good idea to avoid traveling during these periods if possible.

 

Busy times of the day

Delays are also more common during the busiest times of the day. Flights departing early in the morning generally have fewer delays than those leaving later in the day. This is because delays often accumulate throughout the day. To minimize the risk of delays, you can opt for an early departure.

 

When are tickets the cheapest and most expensive?

Finding the right balance between price and convenience can be challenging, but with a bit of planning, you can find the best deals. Here are some tips on how to find the cheapest and most expensive flight tickets.

 

The cheapest tickets

Generally, tickets are cheapest when you book well in advance. Ideally, purchase flight tickets around 6-8 weeks before departure. Tickets bought during this timeframe tend to be cheaper than those purchased either very early or at the last minute.

 

Traveling outside of peak seasons can also result in lower prices. For example, tickets are typically cheaper in January and February, after Christmas and New Year, as well as in September and October, after the summer holidays have ended.

 

The most expensive tickets

As mentioned earlier, tickets are most expensive during peak seasons and around major holidays. Last-minute tickets can also be very costly, as airlines know that travellers are often willing to pay more to secure a seat.

 

Best time to buy flight tickets

Knowing when to buy flight tickets can save you a lot of money. Besides avoiding busy periods, you can also look at flight tickets well in advance of your departure and monitor the price for a short period.

 

Check price monitoring tools

Using price monitoring tools can also help you find the best deals. These tools track ticket prices and send you notifications when prices drop.

However, while price monitoring tools are great for tracking, we always recommend buying your flight tickets directly from the airline or through an authorised travel agent.

 

Early bird and last-minute

Although it is generally best to book well in advance, there can also be good deals to be found at the last minute, especially if airlines want to fill empty seats. If you are flexible and can travel on short notice, last-minute tickets can be a cost-effective option.

 

If the unexpected happens

You have planned your holiday meticulously, but then you receive the disappointing news that your flight is delayed or even cancelled. Fortunately, there is help available!

 

At Refundmore, we are experts in securing the compensation that air passengers are entitled to if they experience a cancellation or delay with their flight.

Apply for compensation and quickly find out if you are entitled to compensation.

 

By Sine Wainoe