How to Use Fare Alerts to Find the Best Time to Book Flights

In the ever-changing world of air travel, finding the best deals on flights can feel like a never-ending challenge. Prices fluctuate constantly, and it’s hard to know when to book for the best savings. That’s where fare alerts come in. These powerful tools can help you track flight prices and snag the best deals, saving you both time and money. In this article, we’ll explore how to effectively use fare alerts to find the optimal time to book your flights.

What are Fare Alerts?

Fare alerts are notifications that inform you when prices for specific flights change. These alerts can be set up through various travel websites, apps, or directly with airlines. By monitoring your desired routes, fare alerts keep you informed about price drops, allowing you to book when prices are at their lowest.

Setting Up Fare Alerts

To get started with fare alerts, follow these steps:

1. Choose a reliable platform: Popular options include Skyscanner, Kayak, Google Flights, and Airfarewatchdog.
2. Select your route: Enter your departure and arrival cities.
3. Set your travel dates: If you’re flexible, consider setting up alerts for a range of dates.
4. Choose your alert frequency: Decide how often you want to receive notifications (daily, weekly, or real-time).
5. Enter your email address: This is where you’ll receive the fare alerts.

Maximizing the Effectiveness of Fare Alerts

To get the most out of fare alerts, consider these strategies:

1. Be Flexible with Dates

The more flexible you are with your travel dates, the better your chances of finding a great deal. Set up alerts for a range of dates around your preferred travel time. This allows you to compare prices and choose the most cost-effective option.

2. Monitor Multiple Routes

If you’re open to flying into or out of nearby airports, set up alerts for multiple routes. Sometimes, flying to a neighboring city and taking ground transportation can result in significant savings.

3. Start Early

Begin monitoring fares as early as possible, ideally 3-6 months before your intended travel date. This gives you a better understanding of price trends and increases your chances of catching a great deal.

4. Be Patient

Don’t jump on the first price drop you see. Prices can fluctuate multiple times before reaching their lowest point. Use fare alerts to track these changes over time and develop a sense of what constitutes a good deal for your route.

5. Act Fast When You See a Good Deal

While patience is important, it’s equally crucial to act quickly when you spot a great price. Fare alerts will help you identify these opportunities, but remember that low prices often don’t last long.

Understanding Price Trends

To make the most of fare alerts, it’s helpful to understand general price trends in air travel. While there’s no guaranteed best day of week to book flights, some patterns can guide your decision-making:

• • Midweek flights (Tuesday, Wednesday) are often cheaper than weekend flights.
• • Prices tend to rise as the departure date approaches, especially in the last two weeks.
• • Shoulder seasons (between peak and off-peak) often offer good value.
• • Holiday periods and major events can significantly increase prices.

Combining Fare Alerts with Other Strategies

While fare alerts are powerful tools, they work best when combined with other money-saving strategies:

1. Use Multiple Alert Services

Different platforms may have access to different fares, so using multiple services can increase your chances of finding the best deal.

2. Check Airline Websites Directly

Sometimes, airlines offer exclusive deals on their own websites that might not show up on third-party platforms.

3. Consider Package Deals

In some cases, booking flights together with accommodations or car rentals can lead to better overall savings.

4. Be Aware of Hidden Costs

When comparing fares, factor in additional costs like baggage fees, seat selection, and meal options to get a true picture of the total cost.

The Future of Fare Alerts

As technology advances, fare alert systems are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Some platforms now use artificial intelligence to predict price trends and recommend the best times to book. These predictive tools can add another layer of insight to your flight booking strategy.

Conclusion

Fare alerts are invaluable tools for anyone looking to save money on air travel. By providing real-time information on price changes, they empower travellers to make informed decisions about when to book. While they require some initial setup and ongoing attention, the potential savings make fare alerts well worth the effort. Remember, the key to success is combining fare alerts with flexibility, patience, and a good understanding of general pricing trends. With these strategies in place, you’ll be well on your way to securing the best possible deals on your next flight.