Scoring Cheap Flight Tickets: When to Book International Flights

Navigating the complexities of airfare pricing might seem daunting, but finding a great deal could be simpler than you think. The best time to book might just be when you spot a price that fits your budget.

This straightforward approach, backed by a bit of strategic planning and the use of current data, can lead you to substantial savings.

This guide will equip you with the essential tips for booking cheap flight tickets from Singapore, ensuring your travel adventures are both memorable and affordable.

Understanding how airfare is determined is key to finding cheap tickets. Several factors influence the cost of flights, making prices fluctuate more than the stock market at times.

Here's what could be impacting the price of your next international ticket:

• Competition Among Airlines: More airlines on a route typically drive prices down due to competitive pricing.

• Seasonal Travel Patterns: Flying during the off-peak seasons often results in lower fares, whereas peak times see heightened prices.

• Booking Timing: Identifying the optimal booking window is crucial; too early or too late can mean missing out on the best rates.

Additionally, external factors such as international fuel prices and varying taxes also play significant roles.

So, when is the optimal period to book the cheapest flight?

Airlines generally release their seats a couple of months in advance, with some, like Singapore Airlines, offering visibility up to nearly a year ahead. While this might seem the ideal time to lock in rates, the real sweet spot for booking usually falls between two to eight months prior to departure.

This window allows travellers to capitalise on the best balance between early bird rates and last-minute fare hikes.

For those looking to maximise savings, avoiding peak travel periods like major holidays and school vacations can also lead to more favourable pricing, as airlines are keen to fill seats during these lower-demand times.

To ensure you never miss a deal, setting up fare alerts through travel platforms can be invaluable. Tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner allow you to monitor price fluctuations for specific routes and notify you of price drops, making it easier to book when prices are at their lowest.

While pinpointing the exact best day to purchase international flight tickets can be elusive, statistical data suggests that flying out on Tuesdays and Wednesdays offers the most economical rates.

Also, having some flexibility in your travel dates can open up opportunities for cheaper direct flights, which are generally more expensive than those with stops. Utilising flight search engines that feature flexible date options can highlight the most cost-effective days to fly. For instance, selecting a departure on a Tuesday might reveal significantly lower fares than starting your journey closer to the weekend.

Additionally, participating in airline loyalty programmes might occasionally yield direct flight discounts or other perks like upgrades, making even the more costly direct routes more accessible. These programmes are designed to reward frequent flyers, but even occasional travellers can benefit from signing up and tracking their flights for potential savings.

>> Learn more: Cheapest flights from Singapore to popular travel destinations

Finding the most affordable international flights requires a mix of savvy search strategies and alertness to promotional offers. 

Google Flights and Skyscanner are quintessential tools for beginning your search. These platforms not only provide a comprehensive view of available flights but also feature functionalities that help pinpoint the most economical options. 

For example, using Google Flights, you can input your travel details and utilise the calendar's colour-coded dates—green indicates the cheapest options available at the time of your search.

Once you've identified a potentially good deal, Google Flights can further assist by showing a price history graph. This graph assesses whether the current price is higher or lower compared to traditional rates, helping you decide on booking now or hold out for a possible price decrease. In instances where prices seem unusually low, it might be worth making an immediate booking as airfares can fluctuate rapidly.

To enhance your chances of catching the best deals, it's also advisable to subscribe to airline newsletters and set up price alerts on your preferred travel websites. These alerts can notify you of price reductions and flash sales, providing opportunities to book flights at significantly reduced rates.

Airlines often release limited-time offers or error fares to their newsletter subscribers before the general public, giving you a head start in securing cheap flight tickets.

>> Learn more: Best credit card flight promotions and discounts 2025

Choosing to fly on significant holidays can surprisingly lead to lower airfares.

While most travellers prefer to fly just before or after holidays, opting to travel on the day itself—like Christmas or New Year's Day—can be significantly cheaper. This tactic is particularly effective during major local public holidays as well.

Additionally, travelling during less popular times, such as the shoulder or off-peak seasons, can also yield more affordable ticket prices, as airlines lower fares to fill seats during these less busy periods.

If your main goal is to find the cheapest possible flights rather than travelling to a specific destination, tools like Google Flights' Explore feature or Skyscanner’s "Everywhere" search can be invaluable.

By entering only your departure city, these tools provide a range of cost-effective travel options to various destinations. For instance, a flexible search might reveal an unexpected bargain, such as a low-priced flight from Singapore to elsewhere during a less busy travel month, providing substantial savings.

Utilising price trackers is another excellent way to monitor airfares for specific routes or even for various dates if your schedule allows flexibility. Services like Google Flights allow you to set alerts that notify you of any price changes. This way, you can book when prices dip.

For those open to last-minute plans, keeping an eye out for flash sales or last-minute deals through airline apps and social media can lead to great finds. Also, browsing in incognito mode or clearing your browser cookies can help prevent price increases triggered by your search history.

Worried about fluctuating flight prices? Google Flights' new Price Guarantee feature offers peace of mind. This tool not only helps you identify the best time to book by analysing price trends but also offers a unique guarantee. Eligible flights display a "Price Guarantee" badge, indicating Google's confidence in the current price. If the price drops before takeoff, Google will reimburse you the difference via Google Pay, ensuring you secure the best possible deal.

>> Learn more: Which credit card is best to buy airline tickets and hotels in 2025?

Travel credit cards are also a game-changer for frequent flyers, offering a spectrum of rewards that can significantly reduce travel expenses. These cards often come with transferable points systems, allowing you to choose from a variety of airline partners and ensuring the best possible deals on airfare. 

Benefits like sign-up bonuses, earning miles on everyday purchases, and exclusive airline ticket discounts can add substantial value. Furthermore, savvy travellers should look out for cards that provide additional perks such as bonus points on flight bookings, which can be redeemed to cover future travels, effectively lowering the overall travel costs. It's also wise to stay informed about any bank-airline collaborations, which can offer exclusive discounts and deals that are not widely advertised.

While there's no perfect day or time to secure international flight tickets, adopting certain strategies can enhance your chances of landing a great deal.

Firstly, consider flying during the shoulder seasons or on actual holidays when demand is lower, leading to cheaper fares. It's also beneficial to start monitoring flight prices well in advance—ideally between two to eight months before your intended travel dates. Employ tools like price trackers to receive alerts on fare drops and act quickly on limited-time offers.

For those unable to book during off-peak times, planning ahead and making use of digital resources can help pinpoint the most economical options, ensuring you don't miss out on potential savings even during peak travel periods.

To get the most out of travel expenses, choose a credit card that aligns with your travel habits and rewards preferences. 

In 2025, several top-tier travel credit cards offer substantial perks that cater to diverse needs. Some of these include: 

Travel insurance is essential for peace of mind, but it can also be a cost-saving tool. Services like SmartDelay offer additional comfort by providing lounge access during flight delays — an often-overlooked benefit that can save you money on food and beverages at the airport.

Enrolling in SmartDelay is straightforward for those who purchase travel insurance via SingSaver. This service not only benefits you but also your travel companions, offering lounge access to up to four additional passengers on the same booking.

By choosing a comprehensive travel insurance plan, you can protect your investments against unforeseen circumstances while enjoying added perks such as lounge access during delays.

Dreaming of a business class experience without the hefty price tag? While tricky, there are ways to increase your chances. First, use airline miles or credit card points to offset the cost of an upgrade. Some programs allow you to pay a nominal fee plus points for an upgrade.

Additionally, if you're travelling during off-peak times, there's a higher chance of scoring a free or reduced-price upgrade due to less competition for seats. Dressing smartly and arriving early can sometimes help, although it's not guaranteed.

Lastly, consider bidding for upgrades if your airline allows it. This can be a cost-effective way to enjoy a premium experience without paying the full business class fare.