The research, carried out by online travel agency Opodo during it’s annual flight price analysis, looked at return-flights departing from UK to all destinations between November 2016 and October 2017.
The study revealed a 48 per cent saving on domestic, short haul and long-haul routes with the lowest prices available 42 days in advance of departure, while prices for last minute flights tend to spike seven days before departure. This figure is the average saving compared to cost of airfare during the rest of the year.
The optimal time to book long-haul flights appears to be in September and those opting for domestic routes in the UK should book in October for the lowest prices. It was also found that January is the cheapest month in which to book short-haul flights.
The best day of the week to make a booking has also been revealed. Purchasing flights on a Sunday is likely to offer the cheapest rates for domestic travel, while long haul flights are best booked on a Tuesday while Wednesdays are best for short haul.
- Six weeks ahead of departure is the sweet-spot for booking the cheapest flights worldwide
- Save almost 50 per cent on the average airfare when booking 42 days in advance
- Prices for last minute flights tend to spike seven days before departure
- Long haul is best booked in September and domestic flights are cheapest in October while January is the best month book short haul flights
- Book on Sunday for domestic flights, Tuesday for long haul and Wednesday for short haul
