2024 Air Travel Tips: Save Money & Reduce Stress
Expedia®, one of the world’s largest travel companies, has released its annual 2024 Air Travel Hacks Report to help travelers save money and reduce stress during the busy holiday travel season. The report is based on an analysis of billions of data points and the most extensive air ticketing database in the world through collaboration with Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC) and OAG. Expedia’s research found that air travel is a leading cause of stress for 55% of Americans, who find it more daunting than filing taxes or visiting the dentist.
Expedia recommends that domestic airfare should be booked 28 days before departure. Travelers who book in advance can save up to 24% compared to those who book at the last minute, surpassing the 10% savings travelers saw on average in 2022. On the other hand, international airfare should be booked around 60 days out, and no more than 4 months out, for optimal availability and savings (around 10% on average). Last year, the sweet spot was closer to six months out.
The report also found that Sunday remains the cheapest day of the week to book flights, while Fridays are the most expensive. On average, travelers saved up to 13%. Another useful tip is to fly before 3 p.m. to minimize the impact of delays and cancellations. Flights departing after 3 p.m. statistically have a 50% higher chance of being canceled than earlier flights.
Expedia’s Price Drop Protection is another highlight of the report. More than a quarter (28%) of U.S. travelers continue checking ticket prices even after they’ve booked, but this new product issues a refund if the price of the ticket drops on Expedia after booking. The analysis also found that average ticket prices remain nearly flat compared to last year, and flight cancellation rates have improved (1.7% of flights compared to 4.1% in 2022), positive trends for travelers that cited finding a good deal (61%) and worrying about disruptions (28%) as big contributors to stress.
Melanie Fish, head of Expedia Group Brands public relations, said, “Fewer flights are being canceled, and technology is helping with tools in the Expedia app like Price Tracking and Price Drop Protection that make the whole booking and flying journey smoother.” Expedia’s annual Air Travel Hacks Report is a must-read for anyone looking to save money and reduce stress while traveling.
Melanie Fish, head of Expedia Group Brands public relations, said, “Fewer flights are being canceled, and technology is helping with tools in the Expedia app like Price Tracking and Price Drop Protection that make the whole booking and flying journey smoother.” Expedia’s annual Air Travel Hacks Report is a must-read for anyone looking to save money and reduce stress while traveling.
Average savings is 6% for domestic flights booked on Sunday.
On average, Friday is the most expensive day to book domestic flights.
28 Days
Travelers can save up to 24% compared to last minute bookings for domestic flights.
Travelers booking domestic flight departures on Saturday’s can save around 13% .
On average, Sunday is the most expensive day for domestic flight departures.
Travelers booking international flights on Sunday can save an average of 13%.
On average, Friday is the most expensive day to book international flights.
60 Days
Travelers who book international flights 60 days out can save around 10%.
Thursday international flight departures can save travelers up to 16% .
On average, Sunday is the most expensive day for international flight departures.
Average tickets prices have decreased by up to 3% compared to 2022.
Departures have a 50% higher chance of being cancelled than those that depart earlier in the day.
Data Sources:
Expedia, Annual Air Travel Hacks Report, https://www.expedia.com/newsroom/air-travel-hacks-2024/, Sept 2023
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