Myths About Booking Flights To Know Before Planning Your Next Trip
By NICOLE CORD-CRUZ
There's a belief that going incognito, using a VPN, or clearing your browser's cookies will give you better prices when looking for flights, but that's not true.
Browser Incognito
Your browsing activity does not influence ticket prices. Booking sites collect data from various sources that change in the blink of an eye, which leads to price changes.
There is no "best" day to book a flight because airlines employ dynamic pricing, which is determined by an algorithm that considers demand, time, fuel costs, and more.
No 'Best' Day
Instead of thinking about the best day to book, think about the best day to fly. Phil Dengler, founder of TheVacationer.com, said flights tend to be cheaper on off-peak days.
By booking too early, you miss out on discounts and deals that may pop up leading up to the flight. However, you get to choose from a wider pool of flights and seats.
Too Early
Try looking at prices 5.5 to 1.5 months in advance — CheapAir.com calls this the "prime booking window." However, it's still not guaranteed that you’ll get the cheapest tickets.
While last-minute discounts were once offered to fill up an aircraft, now, planes tend to be overbooked. The closer the flight, the more expensive it will be for a ticket.
Too Late
If you still choose to stall booking, Scott Keyes, founder of Scott's Cheap Flights, recommends booking 21 days before, as certain deals lapse after this period.
Skiplagging involves booking a cheaper flight with a layover at your destination. It may yield savings but is considered unethical.
Skiplagging
It is not illegal, but it is frowned upon by airlines. Major U.S. carriers are likely to charge you later, suspend your account, ban you, or take legal action as penalties.