When is the Best Time to Buy Cheap Airfares?

I am not sure how “clairvoyant” I am but I will provide some facts that might shed some light on “When is the best time to buy air travel?”

I wish I could wave a magic wand and instantly tell you the exact and perfect time to buy air travel. In reality the best time to buy is city-pair specific and depends on your tolerance for risk.

That’s right!! Purchasing airline tickets is very similar to the stock market where there are normally only a few perfect times a year to purchase. Most people I speak to have more than a slight pang of anxiety just before hitting that button that dings their credit card because they know that the person on the plane next to them — just might be paying less.

That said there are many timely tips and tricks to making the perfect purchase. For those of you who wish to get into the details then read on — or skip to the end for the tips and tricks…

When is the best time to buy your airplane tickets?

Rick Seaney, here, CEO of FareCompare.com.

I’m often asked, When’s the best time to buy cheap airfares?

I have some answers and I think some of them will surprise you…