The eternal question that occupies every traveler before buying a plane ticket: when is the cheapest time to fly? Many swear by early morning, even dawn, flights, while others prefer late evening departures in the hope of saving money. But is there a clear winner in this race? As travel experts, we will reveal that the situation is more nuanced, and the key lies primarily in flexibility.
In most cases, it is true that you can get cheaper plane tickets at the least popular times, i.e. early morning and late evening. But why is this, and what other factors should you consider when choosing the perfect flight? Let's look at it in more detail.
The Price of Early Rising: The World of Early Morning Flights
The thought of flights around six in the morning or even earlier is alarming for many. Waking up at three in the morning, limited public transport options, and the high price of airport coffee are all factors that take the pleasure out of traveling. That is precisely why these tickets are cheaper. Airlines also know that demand is lower at these times, so they try to fill the plane with more attractive prices.
Business travelers typically prefer the more comfortable flights between 8 and 10 am to arrive for a quick meeting, while families avoid early morning departures due to their children's schedules. However, if you are traveling alone or as a couple and are not afraid of an early wake-up call, you can save a significant amount of money. Another advantage is that morning flights are less likely to be delayed, as the delays that accumulate during the day do not yet affect them, and airports are also less crowded.
Late Evening Departure: Comfort or Risk?
The other lower price category is represented by departures after 9 pm. These flights appeal to those who want to maximize their last day at their destination or depart after a full day of work. Their prices are cheaper for similar reasons to morning flights: fewer people want to travel at night and look for accommodation in a foreign city in the middle of the night.
However, a serious risk factor now appears: delay. If the plane you are traveling on has already completed several flights that day, a small morning delay can turn into a serious delay by the end of the day. Therefore, late evening flights statistically have a higher chance of delays or even cancellations, which can create unpleasant situations upon arrival.
It's Not Just the Hour That Matters: The Hidden Logic of the Days of the Week
The most important thing we need to understand is that the price of a plane ticket is drastically affected not only by the time of day but also by the day of the week. The most expensive periods are usually Friday afternoon and Sunday evening, when weekend travelers and weekly commuters travel. In contrast, the middle of the week, especially Tuesday and Wednesday, is typically the cheapest.
If you really want to save a lot of money, the best strategy is to be flexible with your departure day. A Tuesday morning flight may be much cheaper than a Monday evening flight, even if both depart during the less popular hours. The dynamics of supply and demand are the most important factor here.
Here's How to Snatch the Best Deal: Pro Tips from UniFly
So how do you find the perfect value-for-money plane ticket? The answer lies in conscious planning and flexibility. Be open to traveling at times different from the usual. Use a flight search portal like UniFly.hu, where you can easily compare offers from different days and airlines. Set up a price alert for your chosen destination, so you will be notified immediately when prices drop. Remember, the cheapest ticket is often the one for which we are willing to accept some discomfort, whether it's an early wake-up call or a mid-week departure.