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Airline tickets are cheaper at night: Myth or reality?

written by
Natasha Machado
4/6/2024
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5 min
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Airlines use several factors to calculate the price of tickets, and the time of purchase is not always the most relevant. In this article, we will explore the main elements that influence flight prices and discover whether late-night promotions are really advantageous.

Factors that influence ticket prices

Have you ever heard that buying plane tickets at dawn is cheaper? Many people believe this myth and stay up late into the night, hoping to find unmissable promotions. But does this strategy really work? To better understand how airlines determine ticket prices, we need to delve into the logic behind promotions.

  • Seasonality: The law of supply and demand is one of the main determinants of ticket prices. During high season periods, such as holidays and school holidays, demand increases, and flight prices also increase. On the other hand, less crowded days of the week, such as Tuesdays and Wednesdays, tend to have more attractive prices.
  • Tariff system: Airlines divide seats into different fare classes, each with its own value. As seats are reserved and the boarding date approaches, prices may vary. In addition, the services offered, such as the possibility of changing dates, baggage allowance and seat selection, also have an impact on the final price of the ticket.
  • Competition: The prices charged by competing airlines may also influence the price of tickets. On more contested routes, fierce competition is common, which can result in more affordable prices for travelers.
  • Advance of purchase: Generally, the earlier you book your ticket, the greater the chances of finding lower prices. This is because airlines usually offer a limited amount of seats at promotional rates, and those tend to sell out quickly.

Another factor that may influence the price of tickets is the need to Learning a language abroad. Many students seek flights to destinations where they can improve their language skills, which may increase demand for certain routes. The same is true for those who wish to study a University abroad, increasing the demand for flights to renowned university cities.

Demystifying late-night promotions

Despite popular belief, there is no concrete evidence that buying plane tickets at dawn is always more advantageous. Promotions can appear at any time of the day, depending on the airline's sales strategy.

It's important to remember that ticket prices are constantly fluctuating, based on the factors mentioned earlier. So staying up late doesn't necessarily guarantee that you'll find the best discounts.

In addition, many airlines use cookies to monitor user behavior on their websites. This means that, if you search repeatedly for the same route, prices may end up increasing, as the system identifies an increase in demand.

Tips for saving money when buying plane tickets

1. Be flexible with dates: If possible, avoid traveling during high season periods and opt for less crowded days of the week, such as Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

2. Buy in advance: The earlier you book your ticket, the greater the chances of finding lower prices.

3. Compare prices: Use price comparison tools, such as Skyscanner, to find the best deals between different airlines.

4. Consider flights with a stopover: Direct flights tend to be more expensive than those with connections. If you have time available, consider taking breaks to save money.

5. Sign up to receive price alerts: Many travel sites offer the option of creating price alerts for specific routes. This way, you will be notified when there is a drop in ticket prices.

Be Easy

If you are planning to study or work abroad, having the support of a specialized exchange agency can make all the difference. A Be Easy Exchange offers a wide range of services to help you fulfill your dream of living an international experience.

Our team is ready to assist you at every stage of the process, from choosing the ideal destination to organizing the trip and buying airline tickets.

Contact us today and discover how we can help you turn your dream into reality!

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Natasha Machado
Founder e CEO, Be Easy