Are Fridays A More Expensive Day To Purchase or Have Fares Gone Up?

[RainbowsMist]

I've been watching a fare from Calgary, AB to MCO for my niece the past few days and Frontier had a price of 503 USD less than 12 hours ago, however I just went on to purchase it and it's now 686!!

Does the day of the week you purchase your tickets and time of day matter or have fares gone up that much overnight?

Thanks,
Kim

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Does the day of the week you purchase your tickets and time of day matter

Definately.

Flights leaving midweek are usually cheaper. Time of day also makes a difference. That's why you need to be flexible and check alternate days/times if you're looking for the cheapest fares.

 

[RainbowsMist]

What I meant to say was ...

The day of the week i am actually making the transaction (not flying). Are fares more expensive when you purchase them on a Friday (even if you are flying on a Wednesday).

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Who can say? Airlines constantly adjust their fares.

 

[kab407]

Typically, late Tuesday night (after AI ) or Wednesday mornings are the when the airline fares tend to be cheaper. However, it pays to check regularly and jump at what seems to be the best you are going to get. The worst that can happen is if it goes down, call and get the credit.

There is no rhyme or reason to the airline industry anymore.

 

[stacy~**]

i am new at this...not an expert BUT i have been watching several flights/fares for my august trip and they ALL went up this morning! continental and SW! ugh....and all my dh can say is "i told you so"!

 

[chipscinderelly]

Yes, often fares are higher to purchase on Friday through the weekend as more people purchase at that time due to work.

 

[NotUrsula]

Yes. Airlines often float price increases on weekends, when more leisure travellers are shopping for seats.

 

[paulmc80]

Geneerally, fares change late Tueday night based on the East Coast time zone, or early Wednesday morning. This is not a 100% rule of course, just usually the case. Usually over the weekends the sales, specials, or whatever else you'd like to call them are ended.

 

[RainbowsMist]

Thanks for the replies. Who knew there was so much to purchasing tickets?

 

[reeanna]

I have noticed the same thing re: purchasing airline tix on Friday...Here's a blurb I found on a travel advice website (Anitaanswer)...

"Atlanta, GA: What are the best days to buy airline tickets?"

"Anita Dunham-Potter: According to several airline representatives I have spoken with, Wednesday is the best day of the week to find the best deals on airfares -- it's also the day when Internet specials are released. Midnight and the wee hours of Wednesday morning are the best times to purchase since airline computers are freshly loaded with the new fares. Also, midnight is when airlines "purge" reservations that were not purchased within the 24-hour window. Conversely, Friday is the worst day of the week since airlines historically raise fares on that day. Friday tends to be the day airlines start their weekly "fare game" cycle whereby at least one airline (usually a discount carrier) starts lowering fares that are then matched or lowered by competing airlines."


Good luck!

 

[aubriee]

The above post is correct. I have a cousin (second cousin really) who works for American Airlines and she always tells me to purchase flights between midnight Tuesday night and before 10:00 am Wed mornings and about 45 days out. So far she's always been right (though I did purchase my flights for Sept early--with the fuel prices I was afraid they wouldn't get below $210.90--which is a good price out of DFW).

 

[Esmerelda]

Wow...Aubriee....finally...I have been trying to figure out for months why folks want to purchase their airfare a year in advance? I have never in my life purchased airfare that far out and I have snagged some great fares. A year in advance does not mean a cheaper airfare. Many times the airlines wait until a couple of months out to run a fare sale. (but not a year in advance). My thought is too alot can change in your life over a years time...that could make for some issues with a trip coming up. (ie: a new job, a new baby...a divorce..your moving..etc.)

I ditto that 45 days out....and as a seasoned traveler...it has always worked for me.

Esmerelda

 

[PURTYPAT1]

I have noticed the same thing re: purchasing airline tix on Friday...Here's a blurb I found on a travel advice website (Anitaanswer)...

"Atlanta, GA: What are the best days to buy airline tickets?"

"Anita Dunham-Potter: According to several airline representatives I have spoken with, Wednesday is the best day of the week to find the best deals on airfares -- it's also the day when Internet specials are released. Midnight and the wee hours of Wednesday morning are the best times to purchase since airline computers are freshly loaded with the new fares. Also, midnight is when airlines "purge" reservations that were not purchased within the 24-hour window. Conversely, Friday is the worst day of the week since airlines historically raise fares on that day. Friday tends to be the day airlines start their weekly "fare game" cycle whereby at least one airline (usually a discount carrier) starts lowering fares that are then matched or lowered by competing airlines."


Good luck!

Very interesting reeana thanks for sharing

 

[Mickey Fliers]

This is very interesting. I have been researching airfare for our Feb 2007 trip and had yet to purchase b/c the price seemed high. Well, I checked yesterday afternoon (Friday) and the price DROPPED $250 for the 4 tickets!!


I snatched those bad boys up!