The skies are calling, and with Expedia’s 2024 Air Travel Hacks Report freshly released in Singapore, travelers now have a treasure trove of wisdom at their disposal. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or planning your next getaway, this report is your guide to saving time, money, and sanity while soaring through the clouds. From the ideal booking time to dodging cancellations, we’ve got you covered.
The Current Air Travel Dilemma
As wanderlust souls begin to map out their holiday escapes, many are experiencing a mix of anticipation and anxiety. In a survey of 1,000 Singapore flyers conducted by Expedia, a startling 32% admitted that air travel appears more daunting than filing taxes (22%) or the dreaded dentist visit (27%). Additionally, 22% found the process of snagging a good flight deal to be particularly stressful. Surprisingly, more than a quarter (26%) couldn’t resist the urge to revisit ticket prices even after making a booking, wondering if there were extra savings to be had.
2024 Air Travel Hacks
When to Book
- Sundays Are the Savings Day: Booking your airfare on a Sunday could slash your expenses by an average of 27%. Those who opt for a Sunday instead of a Friday save roughly 11% on economy flights and a whopping 36% on premium bookings.
- Plan Ahead: Booking your flights four to five months in advance can lead to significant savings. Travelers who secured their tickets 128 to 142 days before departure saved an average of 10%, compared to last-minute planners. It’s worth noting that international airfares tend to surge nine weeks before departure.
When to Travel
- Choose Thursdays: Departing on a Thursday can trim your expenses by up to 30%. In contrast, Sundays prove to be the costliest days to embark on your journey, on average.
- Daylight Departures: Opt for daytime flights to minimize the risk of cancellations. Although some prefer to maximize their time by taking red-eye flights, it’s worth noting that data from this year indicates that flights departing after 9 pm face a 74% higher average cancellation rate compared to earlier departures.
Money-Saving Tools
- Price Tracking: Expedia’s app comes to your rescue with its Price Tracking feature. It eliminates the guesswork by notifying you when flight prices change and even suggests the optimal time to book.
- Bundling: Simplify your travel planning with Expedia’s all-in-one vacation packages. Whether you book flights, hotels, and activities together or separately, Expedia makes it easy for you to keep track of your journey and save while doing so.
2024 Air Travel Trends
- Recovery in Progress: Scheduled long-haul flights have rebounded to 93% of their 2019 levels, while short-haul flights stand at 79%, with a continuing upward trajectory. Average economy ticket prices have even decreased by 9% compared to 2022.
- Popular Destinations: Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Penang continue to be beloved destinations among Singaporean flyers. Meanwhile, according to Expedia’s flight demand data, Taipei emerges as the fastest-growing destination.
Expedia’s annual Air Travel Hacks Report is a goldmine of insights, backed by an analysis of billions of data points. With the most extensive air ticketing database in the world, a collaboration with Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), and the data powerhouse OAG, it’s your ultimate guide to data-driven travel tips. For more than a decade, Expedia has been your trusted source for navigating the skies and making your journeys as smooth as can be.
