Nearly three-quarters of U.S. travelers believe there’s a “best time of day” to book flights, and more than half think clearing their browser cookies will lower fares — neither of which is true, according to a new survey from CheapOair.
The online travel agency polled 1,000 U.S. travelers and paired the results with its own booking data ahead of National Cheap Flight Day (August 23). The findings suggest many of the booking “rules” clients bring to the table are outdated or flat wrong — useful ammunition for advisors fielding questions about why a fare looks the way it does.
Among the myths that don’t hold up at all: 74.4 percent of respondents believe in a magic booking hour, 50.4 percent believe clearing cookies lowers fares, and 48.2 percent believe repeatedly searching for a flight drives the price up. Other assumptions are shakier than travelers realize. Some 72.2 percent believe round-trip tickets always beat two one-ways, 68.1 percent believe budget carriers always have the lowest fare (added fees can erase the advantage), and 66.3 percent believe connecting itineraries are always cheaper than nonstops.
The biggest disconnect involves timing. While 54.7 percent of travelers believe the lowest fares appear months before departure, CheapOair’s booking data shows the most consistent savings come 30 to 60 days out.
“National Cheap Flight Day has never been one magical day when airfares suddenly drop,” said Yuvraj Datta, chief supply and revenue officer at Fareportal, CheapOair’s parent travel technology company. “As summer demand softens, travelers who compare their options are best positioned to find real savings.”
The date has historically marked the start of a broader low-fare window rather than a single-day sale. In prior years, CheapOair has seen average domestic fares run roughly 12 percent lower — and international fares roughly 17 percent lower — between late August and early September compared to earlier in the month.
Travelers remain split on where to hunt for deals: 30.6 percent favor booking directly with airlines, 29.4 percent prefer online travel agencies, and 27.5 percent turn to comparison sites.
To mark the occasion, CheapOair is offering $55 off booking fees with code FLIGHT55 on eligible bookings made August 17–27.
For more details, visit Cheapoair.com.
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