When it comes to getting the best deal on flights, everyone has a different rule they swear by. One of my friends tells me to clear my search history before booking; another to always search in ‘incognito mode’; a third to book on a phone rather than laptop, ‘because cheaper options always come up that way’.
Well, we finally have some definitive answers. TikTok star and former flight attendant Jeenie Weenie has partnered with travel site Expedia to share the cheapest time to book your flights, as well as a few other nifty hacks to make your experience, from planning your dream getaway to jetting off, as smooth as possible.
Always book on a Sunday for the cheapest flights
According to Expedia, the best day of the week to book your flights is a Sunday. Travellers will save around 21% of domestic flights and 22% on international flights compared to if they booked on a Friday.
The best day to travel on? Confusingly, Friday. Travellers who leave on the last day of the working week will save 14% compared to those who depart on a Sunday, which is the most expensive day to fly.
If seat selection is available, go as far forwards as possible
When it comes to selecting seats, most of us either try to bag an exit row (that sweet, sweet extra leg space) or put up with what we are randomly allocated. But Weenie says your best bet is to sit as far forward as possible, because you get the best grub!
‘If you want the best choice of meal, sit near the front,’ Weenie suggests. ‘That way, they won’t have run out of any options by the time they get to your row.’ It also means your food will be piping hot, too!
Take a power socket splitter for guaranteed charging
Some airlines operate so that power outlets are shared between a row of three seats, and that aside, if we’re being honest, some plugs simply don’t work. But taking a splitter that turns one power outlet into two is a simple way to ensure there’s no arguing over who uses the socket, Weenie says.
Or, if your power source doesn’t work, it means you’re not putting out a neighbour by asking them to share with you as you can simply offer up your splitter.
If you want a quiet flight, travel on a Tuesday
If you are easily irritated by overcrowded spaces and crying babies, the best day to fly on is a Tuesday. Airports are less busy then, which is the quietest time for travel.
A quieter flight also means you might be able to bag extra space on the plane. Weenie’s nifty hack? If you’re travelling as a duo, one of you book the row’s window seat and another the aisle. Nobody will book the middle seat unless they absolutely have to (unlikely on a flight that isn’t full), so you could well end up with a whole row to share.
