FOLLOWING an analysis of over one billion flight searches, travel tool Kayak.sg has unveiled when Singapore travellers should book flights in order to get the lowest prices.
Visits to popular Asian cities should be booked two to three months in advance to save up to 56 per cent on airfares. For instance, trips to Bali and Hong Kong can see potential savings of over 40 per cent when booked two months in advance, while Tokyo and Taipei is best booked five months in advance with savings amounting up to 63 per cent compared to the most expensive month to book.
As well, it is more cost-saving to travel to Asian cities on weekdays. Travellers are advised to depart on a Wednesday and return on a Tuesday for trips to Hong Kong or Bangkok. Trips to Tokyo and Chennai sees cheaper fares when departure and return is booked for a Friday.
For longhaul destinations like Los Angeles or Paris, it is recommended to book up to six months prior to departure while other popular international cities like Melbourne or London is best booked three to five months earlier, with savings of up to 48 per cent on airfares for the latter.
The best way to save on airfare for international flights to cities such as Zurich, Perth and Los Angeles is to book departure and return on the same weekday, where Saturdays are recommended for these cities.
It is also recommended to consider the hour of day when making bookings. For instance, savings of up to 34 per cent on airfares can be enjoyed should flights be booked in the morning at around 08.00 as compared to the most expensive hour to book.
An infographic on the analysis can be viewed here.
