How to Find the Best Airline Tickets

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For those who fly often, these tips and tricks for the ideal seat or best fare may be second nature, but for some, a little guidance can offer ease and satisfaction while researching their next travel plans. Knowing when to buy your tickets can help you secure the flight time you want, the seats you prefer or the price that works for your budget. Getting all three is not always guaranteed, but you may get close if you follow these guidelines before you fly.

Time of Year is Key

Holidays, special events and weather patterns all play a part in ticket availability and cost. We know flying around Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year will be a heavier fare, but it’s also important to consider what’s going on at your destination. Holidays such as Semana Santa and Día de Muertos or big events like the Gastronomy Festival or the International Fishing Tournament can raise demand and make getting what you want a bit more difficult.

Travelling in Summer

Travelling in Summer

It may be warmer and wetter, but summer vacations in Puerto Vallarta can be ideal for availability and budget. July can be busy and pricey due to school vacations, but August and September are a thrifty traveler’s dream! Book your tickets 14 – 160 days out to find the best deals, and pay close attention around 47 days beforehand as that has been shown to be the sweet spot for ticket pricing with an average savings of $203.

Travelling in Fall

Travelling in Fall

The shoulder seasons are a trove of choice and value! Start looking around four months in advance and no less than 21 days before you wish to leave. Statistics show 69 days before you fly offers the lowest rates with an average savings of $83.

Travelling in Winter

Travelling in Winter

The peak season is perfect to escape the cold, dark days and warm up with a salty margarita at the beach, and airfare reflects this preference. Keep your booking window between 110 – 21 days out and be sure to check the flights 62 days in advance as that has been shown to be the ideal time to buy.  Your average savings can be up to $260 making the time and effort pay off.

Travelling in Spring

Travelling in Spring

March is filled with Spring Breakers and April with Easter celebrants, but flying can still be frugal if you search for your tickets 46 – 122 days before you depart. The lowest fares have been reported at 90 days before you wish to leave with an average savings of $263.

Days of the Week Vary in Price

Business travelers are aware that flights on Sundays can be outrageous and packed as everyone tries to return home before the week’s responsibilities begin. Choosing to fly on a Wednesday instead can save you up to $76 on average.

When booking your tickets, avoid the weekend rush and look to fly out or return or both if you can manage on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. These are the most economical ticket prices as the days are not popular for travel.

Getting What You Want

Getting What You Want

Lastly, if you are more concerned with preferred flight times and seating assignments, then be aware of advanced purchasing.

If you buy your tickets six to eleven months in advance, you are sure to get exactly what you want with at least a $50 premium added onto your ticket price. Four to six months in advance and you will begin to see lower rates while still having a wide selection to choose from.

If seating is not of great concern, flight options with cost benefits are best balanced at one to four months in advance. You can still place seating requests, but your first choice may not be available. Anything less than three weeks in advance and you will lose preference and advantage as the flights and seats fill up and cost rises due to last minute demand.

Keep it Simple

If spending weeks and months scouring ticket sites and flight schedules is more hassle than you intend to deal with, the best option for price, preference and ease of mind is Hotel Mousai’s Hotel + Flight package service. Give us your dates, and we will negotiate the details to give you the best airfare along with handling your reservations.

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