How to Figure Out the Best Time to Buy Plane Tickets

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By Steve Cielto
User-Submitted Article

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Cheap Airplane Tickets

You ever wonder why some people can be on the same flight and pay drastically different rates for their tickets.
One passenger for example can pay $400 for his ticket but someone in the next seat only paid $80! Well there is a method to getting the cheapest tickets by buying them at the right time.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

computer
internet

Step 1

For this to work you must either buy your ticket online directly from the airline's website or call the airline directly, do not use the comparison shopping sites.
Step 2

Many consumers book a reservation but fail to purchase it. The computer systems of most airlines get rid of the reserved but unbooked fare reservations at certain set times according to the airline. Buying your ticket right after this happens will result in significant discounts.
Step 3

For most airlines this is every Wednesday between midnight and 1a.m. in the time zone of the airline's headquarters.
Step 4

For example United Airlines headquarters is in Chicago so go directly to United Airlines website on a Wednesday between 12a.m. and 1a.m. eastern time and buy your ticket then.

Tips & Warnings

If you do not have internet access you can always call the airline directly.
Make sure to use the time zone of the airline's headquarters and not your time zone.
Do not use comparison sites since they are not updated with this info.
Not all airlines change over on Wednesday, you can always call your favorite airline to find out when their change is.