October 2007 Cheapest Days to
Travel
Trips that start and/or end midweek (Tuesday,
Wednesday and Thursday) are cheaper and easier.
That's because the airlines' lowest off-peak fares
are available on those days and since you're
traveling off-peak, the airport parking lot will be
less crowded, airport lines will be shorter, and you
might even end up with an empty seat next to you on
the plane!
The golden rule of flying round-trip is "Stay Over
Saturday Night". For example, if you're flying from
Miami to San Francisco on a Tuesday and you want to
return to Miami before Sunday morning,
it's going to cost you extra. This is because
business travelers tend to want to be home for the
weekend.
Occasionally, a low fare will be introduced that
does not require a
minimum stay. This usually occurs in the corridor or
shuttle markets such as San Francisco to Los Angeles
or Boston to
Washington. 12 Midnight Saturday night is the magic
instant. To get the discount, you must be at your
destination during this instant.
If you are scheduling flights that are sooner than
21 days from now, they are likely to be more
expensive. Not only do
airlines like to be able to plan ahead, but they
also figure that if you have to fly on short notice,
you may not have a choice.
The advance purchase schedule varies from 21 days to
3 days. The lowest transcontinental fares usually
require a 21 day advance. There is usually a 14 day
advance purchase fare,
and there may be a 7 day advance purchase too.
Occasionally there will be special 3 day advance
fares.
These usually appear during fare wars and last only
a short while. This system is a great way to find
information and make
a reservation during a fare war without
waiting on hold forever.
Thank you,
Terry Hudson
www.fivedaytrips.com
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