When is the worst time to buy plane tickets for the holiday season?

As the year comes to a close, many of us in Singapore are probably planning our year-end vacations, which are often booked around the school holidays around Christmas and New Year's Eve. However, if not prepared ahead of time, this might prove to be rather costly.

The allure of year-end travel is undeniable, with the promise of festive celebrations in exotic locales and a chance to escape the routine of daily life. However, this surge in wanderlust comes with a price tag that can quickly escalate if not managed carefully. The combination of high demand and limited supply during this peak season creates a perfect storm for inflated travel costs, particularly for those departing from Singapore's bustling Changi Airport.

For individuals traveling abroad from Singapore at this time, flight and lodging would most certainly be among the most expensive prices.

To control these expenses, you must prepare ahead of time. So, when is the worst time to book flights from Singapore for the year-end holiday?

Avoid Leaving It Last Minute

Booking a flight only a week or two before travel is not ideal. This is supported by data indicating that more travelers, particularly those in Asia, are choosing to buy their tickets in advance.

According to Skyscanner's most recent Horizons report (March 2024), there has been an increase in Asia Pacific passengers reserving more than 60 days in advance. Booking at least two months (or perhaps more) in advance increases your chances of avoiding the rush for restricted seats on popular year-end destinations like flights to Thailand or Japan.

Skyscanner has previously claimed that Singaporeans can save up to 15% by booking short-haul flights within Asia ahead of time. Although this data is from 2018, before the pandemic, the potential savings are likely significantly larger now, given the substantial rebound in demand for air travel following the COVID-19 pandemic years.

The post-pandemic travel landscape has indeed reshaped booking patterns and pricing strategies. With pent-up demand unleashed and airlines still recovering from the financial impact of COVID-19, the importance of early booking has been amplified. Industry experts suggest that the sweet spot for booking international flights now falls between 3 to 6 months prior to departure, especially for popular routes. This extended booking window not only offers better prices but also provides travelers with a wider selection of flight times and seat options, enhancing the overall travel experience.

Travel Destination and Day of Week Can Affect Costs

The earlier you book, the greater the discounts on flights to Europe during the Christmas season.

According to Skyscanner's Savings Generator, the best time to book a ticket from Singapore to Bangkok for December is 13 weeks in advance. For more popular itineraries, like as Phuket, the greatest deals are available when booked 25 weeks in advance.

Ideally, we should try to book year-end holiday flights at least three months in advance, which means tickets should be confirmed by mid-September at the latest.

Furthermore, the day of the week you book might affect the cost, as airline costs follow a weekly cycle. Booking early in the week is usually cheaper, especially on Tuesdays. The most costly days to book are usually Fridays and Saturdays. This is most likely due to the fact that most individuals have time to plan their vacations on weekends, resulting in an increase in reservations. Airlines, seeing the increased demand, boost their fares correspondingly.

It's worth noting that while Tuesday has long been touted as the best day to book flights, recent data suggests this trend may be evolving. Some studies now indicate that the difference in prices across weekdays has narrowed, with Sunday emerging as a potentially favorable booking day for international flights. However, the consensus remains that weekend bookings, particularly Friday and Saturday, tend to be more expensive. Savvy travelers are advised to use price comparison tools and set up fare alerts to track fluctuations and snag the best deals, regardless of the day of the week.

Stretching Your Budget for the Year-End Holidays

Taking a more systematic approach to arranging your year-end vacation might result in big savings on aircraft tickets. Booking ahead of time has become the standard during busy travel seasons, such as the summer months of June and July or the popular winter months of November and December.

In Singapore, school holidays have an impact on airline pricing, so traveling outside of these times might be an ideal method to save higher expenses if you don't have children.

The basic guideline is to avoid purchasing flights two to four weeks before your trip date, especially during high seasons. As many travelers prefer to plan ahead of time, the earlier you book, the higher your chances of obtaining reduced rates.

Delaying your ticket till the last minute, particularly on Fridays or Saturdays, might result in much higher flight charges in November and December. Taking the "early bird" strategy is frequently the best way to avoid a significant penalty in ticket pricing.

Beyond timing your bookings strategically, there are other ways to stretch your travel budget for year-end holidays. Consider alternative airports or nearby cities as your arrival or departure points, as these can sometimes offer significant savings. Flexibility with your travel dates can also yield benefits; flying on less popular days, such as midweek, can lead to lower fares. Additionally, signing up for airline newsletters and loyalty programs can give you access to exclusive deals and early bird specials that aren't available to the general public. By combining these tactics with early booking, travelers can maximize their savings and potentially upgrade their holiday experience without breaking the bank.