The Best Time to Book International Flights for the Lowest Fares

International flights are a great way for Indian citizens to explore other countries and cultures. But booking international flights can be expensive, particularly for those traveling on a budget. Luckily, there are some tips and tricks for finding the best time to book a flight for the lowest fare. In this listicle, we'll look at 10 tips and strategies for finding the best time to book an international flight from India to get the lowest fare. Read on to get the best prices on your next international flight.

1. Start Your Search Early

The best way to get the lowest fare on international flights is to start your search early. Research shows that the average fare decreases the further out in advance you book the flight. Airlines usually start offering discounts on fares two to three months before the flight date, making this the ideal time to start looking for deals. Most low-cost carriers also release their cheapest fares at least two weeks before the flight date, so it's worth keeping an eye on the airline's website for the best prices.

2. Consider Multiple Airports

If you're looking for a bargain on international flights, consider looking at flights departing from alternate airports. Sometimes, the same route from one airport to another may be significantly cheaper than the same route from another. For example, flights from Chennai International Airport to London Heathrow may be significantly cheaper than from Cochin International Airport to the same destination. If you're flexible about which airport you depart from, it can save you a lot of money on international flights.

3. Choose Your Timing Carefully

When it comes to booking flights, timing is key. Airlines usually adjust their fares depending on the time of day, the day of the week, and even the season. For example, most international flights are usually cheaper when they depart during "red-eye" hours (between 12 am and 6 am). Weekdays are usually the cheapest days to fly, while weekend flights tend to be more expensive. Furthermore, the right season can also make a big difference in the cost of your flight. For instance, if you're looking for a bargain on flights to Europe, try to book in late winter or early spring. In contrast, if you're looking for a cheaper fare for flights to the US, look during the fall months.

4. Sign Up for Price Alerts

Price alerts are a great way to get an idea of the average cost of flights from India to other parts of the world. Many airlines offer price alerts via their websites and apps, allowing you to be notified whenever the fare for a certain flight drops. This can give you an idea of when the best time to book is and is a great way to save money without having to do exhaustive research.

5. Consider Budget Airlines

Budget airlines often offer the most competitive fares on international flights. These airlines usually offer low fares and add-on services, such as in-flight meals, baggage allowance, and seat selection. However, these extras can add up, so if you're on a tight budget it's best to avoid them. It's also worth noting that budget airlines usually require you to pay for the full cost of your flight ahead of time, so make sure you have enough funds ready before booking.

6. Be Flexible With Your Dates

Being flexible with your dates and times can also help you save money on international flights. If you're able to be flexible, try to look for flights during off-peak times, such as mid-week or late evening. Additionally, airlines often offer discounts for flights during certain days of the week, such as Tuesdays and Wednesdays. If time is not an issue, try looking for the cheapest days to fly and use the money you save to enjoy your destination even more.

7. Use Reward Programs

If you travel often, you may want to consider signing up for reward programs with your favorite airlines. These programs allow you to accumulate points or miles, which can then be used towards future flights or discounts. Airlines also often have special promotions for members of their reward programs, so this can be a great way to save money on international flights.

8. Take Advantage of Hidden City Tickets

Hidden city ticketing is a great way to save money on international flights, particularly when you're traveling to a popular destination. It works by booking a flight to a different, often cheaper, city in the same country and then getting off the flight at your desired destination. For example, if you're looking for an inexpensive flight to London, you may want to book a flight to Manchester instead, since the flight fares are usually lower. Then, once you're on the flight, you can get off at London and never take the flight to Manchester.

9. Look for Last-Minute Deals

If you're willing to take the risk of booking last-minute, you might be able to find good deals on international flights. Airlines often have flash sales, offering discounted fares for last-minute travelers. So, if you don't mind flying out within a few days, you should keep an eye out for such deals. You can also look for deals on budget airlines as these companies tend to offer discounted fares for last-minute bookings.

10. Compare Flight Prices With Travel Agents

Finally, if you're looking for the best deal on international flights, then it's worth comparing prices with travel agents. Travel agents are well-connected and often have access to special discounts and exclusive offers. Additionally, they can also help you find the best times to book and provide advice on destinations and flight times. So, if you want to save money on international flights, it's worth considering using a travel agent.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are plenty of ways to get the best deal on international flights from India. From starting your search early to taking advantage of last-minute deals, there are plenty of ways to get the lowest fare for your next international trip. All you need to do is do your research, be flexible with your dates, and compare prices with travel agents for the best deals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Discover the most frequently asked questions and answers about booking the cheapest international flights.

What's the best time to book an international flight?

The best time to book an international flight is typically two to three months before the flight's departure, as airlines usually offer discounts on fares during this time. Additionally, weekdays are usually the cheapest days to fly, and budget airlines typically release their cheapest fares at least two weeks before the flight date.

How can I get the lowest fare on an international flight?

There are several ways to get the lowest fare on an international flight, such as starting your search early and taking advantage of last-minute deals. Additionally, if you're flexible with your dates and times, you may be able to find cheaper fares. You can also consider using budget airlines, and take advantage of reward programs and hidden city tickets to save money.

Are there any other tips for saving money on international flights from India?

Yes, there are several other tips and tricks for getting the best deal on international flights from India. Some of these include looking at flights departing from alternate airports, signing up for price alerts, and comparing prices with travel agents. Additionally, you can consider flying during red-eye hours or during off-peak times, as these are usually more affordable than peak times.