Experts debunk the legend about the benefits of early booking tickets for the New Year

In the travel service Tutu conducted an analysis of information on tickets sold before last New Year to establish whether it was possible to save those who bought a ticket in December, and those who took care of it for several months.

Analysis of information on tickets sold before 2019 shows that the benefit of early booking tours for holiday dates is a myth.

There and back tickets with departure from Moscow were analyzed. Directions were selected from the top 10 most popular for last year’s sales for the New Year (in Russia, Europe, near and far abroad).

Experts of the company report that people who buy tickets for more than six months, save very rarely, because not all airlines are available. “Most passengers buy a ticket for the New Year holidays no more than six months before departure. Regular sales with greater booking depth are not many.”

Those who flew to celebrate the New Year in the Russian city, most profitable bought a ticket in four months. The best tickets to Europe were sold six months before departure. Those who bought tickets to neighboring countries less than a month before departure saved more passengers who booked a ticket in two months, the company said.

Experts believe that the price increases with decreasing time before departure. If you purchase a tour in about six months, the savings will be 15-20%, three months before departure and less savings - less than 5%, but there is an opportunity to choose the right flight.

“Buying in advance (more than six months) is more expensive than in six months, but slightly cheaper than at the last minute. Explained by a greatly reduced range, only top airlines start selling in more than six months.”

In Tutu specify that in some directions the purchase of a ticket for 3-4 months will be more expensive than 2-3 weeks before departure. For example, Moscow – Sochi, Moscow – St. Petersburg, Moscow – Munich.

“All destinations behave slightly differently each year, depending on demand and the rate of redemption of tickets. On long-distance destinations with transfers and a variety of flight options with different airlines, the range of prices and the possibility of saving is much greater (up to 50%) <...> savings with low booking depth are on the convenience of flight. Some are willing to buy cheaper with a big transfer, and some are not.”

Source: ria