With Inflation at a record high and energy prices barely falling in Europe, how to offset the rise in air fares for business travellers?
According to an OAG survey carried out in the spring among 1,400 North American business travellersthe breaking point in the purchase of a ticket is around a increase of at least $200. At that time, business travellers were only 17% to be ready to take their plane ticket compared with 79% if the price rises by $50 and 43% if it rises by $100.
However, the increase in ticket prices - particularly long-haul - now exceeds 200 dollars/euro on many routes. Experts are predicting that prices will rise again at the end of the year, with air capacity falling over the winter.
Hence the importance of these "tips" offered by Expedia to travellers. The study takes into account a return flight from the United States. But the advice is valid for other destinations too!
Make a reservation
According to Expedia, booking on a Sunday saves up to 15 % on average on international flights. While the best day of the week to book has been Sunday for the last four years, travellers saved 5 % more on average in 2022 than in 2021.
Booking an international flight 6 months in advance saves 10 % on average according to Expedia. Travellers who booked around six months before an international trip saved an average of 10 % compared with those who waited two months or less before booking.
When should you travel?
Leaving on a Wednesday can offer average savings of 10% on travel compared with a departure at the beginning of the week or at the weekend.
Avoiding in-flight incidents
Expedia advises departing before 3pm to reduce the risk of flight cancellations. Whereas an early morning departure gives you the best chance of a smooth journey. According to flight status data since the start of the year, flights departing after 3pm are most likely to be cancelled. The potential for cancellation is in fact around 50 % more than for flights at the start of the day.
Travel outside peak full stops. The data shows that avoiding peak full stops can have benefits other than simply saving money. Historically, flight delays were shorter in March and April than in the summer months, falling by around 40 minutes. At the end of the summer, delays began to fall again, making autumn an attractive time to travel by plane.
On the whole, airlines have steadily improved their services, thehe total number of cancellations fell from over 7 % at the start of the year to around 3 % in August. The trend should continue in a positive direction for travellers, meaning that 2023 should see a significant reduction in the risk of flight disruptions.
The ideal combination of transit time and price
According to OAG, most travellers favour the shortest journey time to their final destination. Few passengers are prepared to wait 3 or 4 hours on a stopover, even if it saves them 100 to 200 dollars. on the price of the ticket. On the other hand, more of them are willing to wait three to four hours if it means that they have to pay a higher fare. saves 300 to 400 dollars. On the other hand, passengers refuse transit for more than 5 hours, regardless of the price of the ticket.
