8 Flight Booking Myths You Should Stop Believing

Air travel has become an integral aspect of our lives, leading many to seek out the most affordable flight tickets. While there are countless myths surrounding the best strategies for securing the lowest prices, it's worth examining how many of these claims are truly valid. Let's explore some prevalent notions about purchasing airline tickets and distinguish between what is true and what is merely a misconception.

1. MYTH: Tuesday is the cheapest day of the week to buy tickets

Many people think that buying plane tickets on a Tuesday will always get them the best deals, but that's not really the case. A 2017 analysis by Bloomberg showed that this "Tuesday rule" only applies to about 1.6% of domestic flights in the US, with an average saving of just $18, and only if you book right at midnight.

2. MYTH: The earlier you book tickets, the more money you'll save

It's a common belief that booking your tickets far in advance will save you money, but that's not always true. A study from CheapAir.com found that tickets bought between 203 and 315 days before departure tend to be about $50 pricier than those purchased closer to the travel date. The sweet spot for the best savings is actually between 21 and 115 days before you fly.

3. MYTH: Some destinations are always expensive

Another myth is that certain destinations are perpetually pricey. Research from GoBankingRates, using data from Hipmunk in 2018, showed that if you're flexible with your travel dates and willing to consider less popular cities, you can score some great deals. For example, flying to Sao Paulo in May could drop your airfare from over $2,000 to around $750.

4. MYTH: You must book all legs of a long-haul trip with the same airline

The idea that you need to book every leg of a long-haul journey with one airline to save money is a misconception. Travel experts like Kiwi.com suggest that mixing and matching different airlines, including budget options, can lead to significant savings, not just for international flights but also for domestic trips.

5. MYTH: Searching in incognito mode gets you a cheaper fare

There is little evidence that airlines raise prices because you searched a route before. Fares rise because the cheaper seats sell out. Incognito mode does no harm, but comparing a few booking sites and the airline’s own website on the same day helps far more.

6. MYTH: You always have to pay for an upgrade

In reality, not every upgrade requires an extra fee. Amy Lee from TravelNerd.com mentioned that if you buy a full-fare economy ticket with certain booking codes, you might qualify for free upgrades, particularly if you're a frequent flyer with a specific airline.

7. MYTH: All flight search engines are the same

A common misconception is that all flight search engines have the same pricing. According to research done by Frommer's, different booking platforms have varying abilities to show the best deals. Thus, it would be useful for travelers to search several engines to find the lowest fares.

8. MYTH: Non-refundable tickets can’t be refunded at all

It's a common misconception that non-refundable tickets are completely off-limits for refunds. In reality, airlines in India must refund the taxes and fees, such as the airport user development fee, even on non-refundable fares, and DGCA rules give a free cancellation or change window soon after booking directly with an airline, as long as the flight is far enough away. In the US, a similar 24-hour rule applies to tickets bought at least a week before the flight.