The global aviation industry recovered to pre-pandemic levels in 2024 and is projected to continue growing at 3,8% annually for the next two decades, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The year-end period marks a peak season for travel and aviation, with shopping rates reaching 82%, the highest across all sectors, data from logistics provider Meteor Space indicates.

Considering factors such as price, availability, crowdedness, and travel distance, experts offer useful tips for those preparing to book flights.

Plan early

Booking flights as soon as tickets are released is highly effective, typically between ten and twelve months before the departure date, according to Skyscanner, an air travel and tourism search company. "It is advisable to book as early as possible for attractive offers. Airfares depend on supply and demand, so prices are often cheaper when there are many seats available. As seats fill up, prices increase," shared Martin Nolan, a Skyscanner expert.

However, because airlines closely monitor demand, prices may decrease closer to the flight date if fewer seats are sold than expected, such as during off-peak travel periods or for less popular routes. Conversely, for popular routes, airlines may increase capacity.

"This means airlines might switch to larger aircraft, add flights, and then launch flash sales," Nolan stated. He recommends signing up for email notifications and following airline social media accounts for the latest updates.

Many factors contribute to finding cheap tickets, with timing being the most crucial. *Photo: VJA*

Choose the right time

If early planning is not possible, travelers can still find suitable flights closer to the departure date, according to John Grant, an analyst at Global Air Data Provider (OAG). He advises booking between five months and six weeks before departure, a period when airlines have identified trends and will stimulate demand with price reductions. Skyscanner offers advice based on flight type:

For short flights (under three hours): book one to three months in advance.

For long flights (over six hours): book two to six months in advance.

The Air Hacks 2025 report from online travel company Expedia indicates:

For domestic flights: book 34 to 86 days in advance, saving 25% compared to last-minute bookings.

For international flights: book 18 to 29 days in advance, saving 17% compared to booking three months or more in advance.

However, not booking early does not always mean missing out on cheap tickets, but this approach is "high risk." "On one hand, travelers might snag a bargain, but on the other, they could face sold-out flights or significantly higher fares," Expedia noted, adding that travelers choose this risk when price is not the sole deciding factor.

Book on sunday

Many have long believed tuesday is the best day to book flights, as airlines often announce new prices on monday. However, research from Expedia presents different findings.

From the Air Hacks 2025 report, Expedia analyzed global travel and aviation databases through a collaboration with US air data and travel services provider ARC and OAG. The results show that regardless of the destination, sunday is the best day to book tickets. Travelers can save 6% on domestic flights and 17% on international flights compared to booking on monday and friday, the two most expensive days.

Book premium tickets two weeks in advance

Expedia's research also indicates that the best time to book premium economy (premium) flights, both domestic and international, for travelers departing from the US, is 10 to 17 days before departure. However, even booking 90 days in advance helps save 10% compared to the most expensive period, which is 160 days before the flight.

Demand for premium seats is increasing globally, as the price gap between premium and economy tickets has decreased by 10% compared to 2019. This could lead to premium seats selling out faster than before the pandemic.

For first class and business class flights, it is advisable to book earlier, even up to nine months in advance, especially for peak season.

Prepare early for holidays

It is important to prepare early for holiday trips, as airfares will "surge."

With the rise of hybrid work models, combining both in-office and remote work, many people will have more flexibility in their schedules and vacation time. This also impacts flight booking habits, according to Nolan. Travelers are spreading their trips more evenly throughout the year.

Beyond major holidays like new year, consider national holidays in your destination countries when planning, as these occasions can increase ticket prices and lead to crowded destinations.

If you are traveling during a holiday and fixed dates are necessary, experts advise booking as early as possible to ensure you secure your desired flights and avoid travel difficulties.

By Tam Anh (via *Lonely Planet*)