Have you heard this before? If you search a certain way, with a certain browser, on a certain day, you will get the best flight deals! There is only one problem: there is no data to support any of that! With that here are five of the most common flight myths and actual truth ( supported by data)
MYTH 1-> SEARCH WITH INCOGNITO
Origin: Online companies track browsing habits. Airlines increase prices for multiple searches on the same route. Use "incognito mode" to avoid tracking.
REALITY-> There is no evidence to support cheaper prices when using incognito mode
MYTH 2-> BOOK ON TUESDAY
ORIGIN: Historically, airlines would load their new or discounted fares into reservation systems on Monday night, which made Tuesday the best day to book flights.
AI dynamic pricing is used by airlines. There is little to no difference based on the day of the week. However, Tuesday is the cheapest day to fly!
MYTH 3-> NO REFUNDS ON NON- REFUNDABLE TICKETS
ORIGIN: NON-REFUNDABLE Tickets are non-refundable. Self explanatory
REALITY: Customers have 24 hours under the law to cancel ANY ticket and receive a full refund; there are some exceptions for last-minute tickets.
MYTH 4-> BOOK EARLY FOR THE BEST DEALS
ORIGIN: Book a ticket as far in advance as possible to ensure low demand (i.e., low prices) at the time of booking.
REALITY- Airline ticket prices do not change much between 3-9 months in advance; dates around holidays, festival, etc are exceptions
MYTH 5-> WEBSITE CAN PREDICT PRICES
ORIGIN: Increasingly sophisticated technology can do anything.... right?
Reality: Airlines and websites use historical prices to create "educated guesses" or predictions.
Remember, the best time to book a flight (with cash or points) is when there is a deal! Flexibility is the most important factor in finding the best deals!