Suite Dreams Wellness Travel

The best time to book flights AND The best airline credit cards

Episode Summary

In this video, I talk about the most-asked-question of travel advisors: when the best time is to book flights. Flight prices depend on sophisticated algorithms, so nothing is 100% sure, but I share my top 7 tips on how and when to get the best fares. The second half discusses credit cards that earn travel miles. Which are the best airline credit cards? I discuss the major airline credit cards: Delta, Alaska, United, Southwest, JetBlue, and American. And if you don't normally fly on a certain airline, I add in three extra cards which are sure to help add up the travel points quickly!

Episode Notes

My advice for the best fares: 

• Travel during slower periods, such as January or May.
• Fares usually have the most adjustment 90-120 days prior to traveling. This can be good or bad, either raising or lowering flight costs.
• Some people say that certain days of the week are better for finding low fares. This is a myth. Airfares are constantly adjusting, and you can get low fares any day of the week, and any time of day.
• It IS true that flying on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Saturdays are often the least expensive days to travel.
• Book as early as you possibly can for holiday travel. You’re not the only one who wants to get away at those times!
• Airlines often include price hikes 21, 7, and 3 days prior to travel. Waiting to book till the last minute usually isn’t the best advice.
• For international travel, the sweet spot is often six to nine months prior to travel. If you’re traveling close to a holiday (or in Europe during the summer), nine to eleven months usually has the best rates, before everyone else has thought about it.

The names of the cards are:

• Delta SkyMiles American Express

• Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Credit Card

• United Explorer Card

• Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card

• JetBlue Plus Card

• Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard (American Airlines)

And the additional three are:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

• Chase Freedom Flex