For most travellers, booking a holiday involves navigating a sea of decisions, from choosing the best time to travel to picking the most affordable flights.
However, a well-known superstition can actually be a secret weapon to unlocking huge savings without the need for much overthinking.
Travel consultants at eShores shared that, while some travellers may shy away from certain dates due to fear of bad luck, there are hidden advantages to these so-called “unlucky” travel days.
In fact, one date in particular is being highlighted as the perfect opportunity to bag a bargain: Friday the 13th.
While many will avoid flying on this date due to superstitions, eShores points out that those who are fearless enough to do so can actually reap the rewards.
“Recent studies reveal flights to Europe were approximately 39 percent cheaper on these ‘unlucky’ dates,” explained an expert.
“The reduced demand can even lead to better seat availability and quieter airports, potentially resulting in a more relaxing start to your holiday.”
And it’s not just the cost of tickets that benefits from this date. Fearless flyers may also enjoy better seat availability and quieter airports, making the journey feel far more relaxed.
According to the experts, combining “unlucky” dates with unpopular flight times can amplify savings even further.
“Early-morning or late-night flights often see the steepest discounts, perfect for those looking to maximise their holiday budget,” the expert added.
The concept of avoiding ‘unlucky’ dates isn’t limited to Friday the 13th, as hotels often skip the number 13 when assigning room numbers, and many travellers steer clear of row 13 on an aircraft.
However, this superstition is not universal. In many Asian countries, the number 4 is deemed unlucky due to its association with death, while in Italy, it’s the number 17 that travellers avoid.
Despite the global variation, eShores suggests that those willing to overlook these cultural taboos could benefit from unexpected perks.
“For those willing to overlook these cultural superstitions, choosing ‘unlucky’ numbered rows on planes can lead to unexpected perks,” shared the expert.
“On larger or long-haul aircrafts, row 13, when available, is often located closer to the front, offering quicker boarding and disembarkation.”
