UAE travel: Best days to book tickets, save up to 22% on flights revealed
Did you know that Sunday is the most budget-friendly day to book a flight but it is also the most expensive day of the week to fly?
The day of the week does matter when booking tickets and travelling. As per the 2025 Air Hacks Report released by travel brand Expedia on Tuesday, "on average, travellers can save 16 per cent by booking on Sunday versus Friday but stand to lose 16 per cent by flying on Sunday versus Thursday".
Analysing air ticketing database in the world – through collaboration with Airlines Reporting Corporation and data provider OAG – here are air travel hacks to get more value for your money:
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
When to book
Travellers booking on Sundays can save an average of 16 per cent on international flights compared to Fridays.
Travellers who wait for the weekend to book their premium class seats can save an average of 22 per cent compared to those who book on a Thursday.
Book international airfare six to 12 days before departure to maximise savings. Travellers who booked during this ideal window saved an average of 21 per cent compared to those who booked 128 to 138 days in advance, which was the 'worst' time to book.
When to travel
Travellers who depart on Thursdays save an average of nine per cent compared to those who depart on Mondays, the most expensive day to start an international trip.
Flights departing between 9pm and 3am have an eight per cent less chance of being cancelled compared to other times. Afternoon (3pm – 9pm) flights have a 20 per cent higher chance of being cancelled compared to those that leave at night time.
Cancellations are lowest in June and highest in April.
January is the cheapest month for economy tickets. Travellers can save up to 13 per cent by travelling in January, compared to June – the most expensive month for economy tickets.
July is the cheapest month for premium tickets. Travellers can save up to 14 per cent by travelling in summer, compared to October – the most expensive month for premium tickets.
Travellers who fly on Tuesdays enjoy quieter airports. While it may not always be the cheapest day to travel, it's the best choice for those seeking a more relaxed trip.
Travel smart
Melanie Fish, head of Expedia Group brands public relations, underscored: 'It makes sense to trust the billions of data points from across the world and every airline that goes into the Expedia Air Hacks report.'
'It's always smart to keep the 2025 Air Hacks in mind when booking flights. Airfares are down; the peak of summer is not the most expensive time to fly, and booking too far out can actually cost you money – these realities fly in the face of advice floating around the internet,' she added.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
05-06-2025
- Khaleej Times
UAE: How you can use ChatGPT to help you save money
There are hundreds of AI tools available now as artificial intelligence and machine learning take off. But ChatGPT dominates the headlines with its 400 million weekly active users. As a highly capable chatbot, many users are experimenting with it for all sorts of help, both professional and personal. So, how does it stack up when it comes to saving money? Cheap flights Saving money when booking flights is topical as many people will be jetting away soon for summer breaks. Plus, we are seeing more social media content about how AI and ChatGPT saved people money when booking flights. I have spoken to many people about these claims and if ChatGPT saved them money on flights, while doing my own research. The platform has a range of Generative Pre-Trained Transformers (GPTs) for booking cheap flights, including Fly GPT, AirTrack GPT and direct access to KAYAK, a popular flight and hotel search engine. The trick is asking the right questions, or prompts. For example, you could ask it to 'Find me the cheapest flight from Dubai to London in July under $500.' Or 'What's the best time to fly from Dubai to Tokyo for the lowest fares?' ChatGPT will use well-known flight scanning platforms like KAYAK, Expedia, and Skyscanner to pull together its answers. These sites have also integrated AI into their own search engines along with other popular sites like Google Flights and Hopper. This allows them to offer features like flight alerts and price predictions. ChatGPT's advantage is that it will search across multiple websites, not just one. Another usefulness of ChatGPT is its ability to explore different hacks and tactics to find the cheapest flight options if your dates and destination airport are flexible. For example, you could ask it 'What days are cheapest to fly to New York?' or 'What airports near Paris are cheaper to fly into?' The cheapest days to book are often Tuesdays and Wednesdays, while midweek is usually the cheapest days to fly. Another popular prompt is to type: 'Act like a travel agent. I want to go to (destination) in August on a budget. Recommend cheap routes, airlines, dates, and tips.' Daily budgeting When it comes to saving money in other areas, ChatGPT says it can help you budget better, asking you upload a bank statement so it can break down your spending and offer advice. I tried this and I was impressed by the results. It listed all my spending into categories (travel, eating out, subscriptions etc) and then gave me some tips on how to save money. For example, I spent money on expensive snacks at the airport and it advised me to buy them cheaper at a supermarket and pack them in my carry-on. Banking If you are looking for the best savings accounts available in the UAE, no one site compares all the latest offers in one place. Using ChatGPT is a good starting point as it will give you names of banks that are offering the highest rates if you type the right prompt. But it is just that – a starting point. You still need to go to each bank's website to check the interest rate, see if the offer is still available and read the small print. Daily deals ChatGPT did recommend some useful money-saving sites that are popular in the UAE such as The Entertainer, Groupon and Cobone. If you've not heard of Cobone before, it describes itself as the Middle East's biggest 'daily deals', or group buying, site featuring discounts on the best things to do, see, eat and buy in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait. I checked out all websites and they did feature a wide range of offers across shopping, staycations, dining and more. ChatGPT also offered me sites like Keepa, which tracks millions of products and prices on Amazon. However, this website won't track prices from A better option might be its other recommendation of Honey, a free browser extension by PayPal that automatically searches for discounts and coupon codes during the checkout stage. Smart shopping Supermarket and grocery shopping has become more expensive in the UAE but can ChatGPT help you search for the cheapest products among all the different chains here? In the UK, there's a popular app called Trolley, which is a supermarket comparison tool that finds the cheapest grocery prices across 16+ UK supermarkets. Type in blueberries, for example, and it will tell you which supermarket is selling them at the cheapest price. When asked, ChatGPT said it can give me price comparison tools for UAE supermarkets (e.g., Carrefour vs. Lulu). It recommended Pricena, although this is just for electronics, and Yaoota, which is an Egyptian e-commerce platform. Neither was useful in my quest to save money on my supermarket shop. There is currently no price comparison website for supermarkets in the UAE. Now that's food for thought.
Cosmopolitan ME
21-05-2025
- Cosmopolitan ME
These travel hacks might have just saved your summer plans
For the girls of the UAE who love travelling, you might have missed a step in your 2025 summer plans. But dw, like always, we gotchu. With the sweltering season officially upon us, it only makes sense that your vacay spots offer good vibes and favourable weather for your summer plans–and it seems like only one platform has made your planning stress-free from A to Z. According to the trust travel tech bestie Expedia, UAE residents are gearing up for yet another Euro Summer this 2025. Expedia's Travel Outlook revealed that the trendiest destinations this year are Spanish hotspots. Think Mallorca, Barcelona, and the ever-iconc Ibiza. Translation? This means that we're all in the mood for some R&R and adventure all rolled into one experience. Naturally, these dereamy destiantions are perfect for every travel-obsessed girlie needing a break from the city (sorry Dubai, we need a change of scenery). From the high-octane festivals and outdoor events to the long and chil sunny days by the palm beaches, these destinations are trending for a reason. Supplied So, while you still haven't booked that costly flight (chill for a minute), Expedia offers a slew of travel hacks to make the most out of your travel and to save coin. But first you need to know some key insights. According to Expedia, the month of July offers residents a more budget-friendly time to book their flights, with up to 40 per cent lower than the seasonal average. Additionally, early June (specifically the 4th, 6th and 9th) are the least buys travel dates, with August 1 to 11, 2025 to be the busiest out of all. The travel hacks YNTK to keep everything seamless: Use the price tracking feature: When using the app, it will monitor and notify flight and hotel prices when the $$$ drops. When using the app, it will monitor and notify flight and hotel prices when the $$$ drops. Booking on a Sunday: The best tip of all? According to Expedia, you have to save up to 16 per cent more on booking on Sundays compared to booking on Fridays. The best tip of all? According to Expedia, you have to save up to 16 per cent more on booking on Sundays compared to booking on Fridays. Look for flexibility: *Always* look for flights and hotels with free cancellation or 'reserve now, pay later' options (trust that you won't ever be stressed) *Always* look for flights and hotels with free cancellation or 'reserve now, pay later' options (trust that you won't ever be stressed) Better to book a packaged deal: Custom holiday packages on the app will save you wayyy more money compared to paying for separate services. Tell your besties to check out these Eid destinations ASAP.
Zawya
13-05-2025
- Zawya
Spanish hotspots, island escapes are top UAE destinations
UAE residents are preparing for summer holidays, with a preference for European cities and tranquil island getaways. Spanish hotspots like Mallorca, Barcelona, and Ibiza are in high demand due to their culture, cuisine, and beachside siestas, reveals Expedia's Summer Travel Outlook. These summer destinations offer the perfect opportunity to enjoy festivals and outdoor events, from lively street festivals in Spain's Balearic Islands to traditional arts festivals in Bali. Despite new trends, classic favorites like Dubai and Abu Dhabi remain popular choices for UAE travellers, offering luxurious staycations, world-class shopping, and diverse entertainment options. These locations are ideal for quick getaways and family holidays due to their convenience and familiarity. "This summer, UAE travellers are setting their sights on a range of destinations that combine relaxation with exploration," said Rehan Asad, Vice President, Global Markets at Expedia. "The surge in searches for Spanish destinations and idyllic islands reflects a desire for enriching cultural experiences and rejuvenating escapes. With our travel tips and helpful tools such as Price Tracking, Expedia empowers travellers to plan their perfect summer getaway, whether it's exploring the streets of Barcelona or unwinding on the beaches of Seychelles." DESTINATION INSIGHTS Mediterranean escapes: UAE travelers increasingly seek out a Spanish summer holiday. Mallorca (+150% YoY), the largest of the Balearic Islands, leads the trending list, captivating travellers with its stunning beaches and picturesque villages like Valldemossa and Deia. Barcelona (+75% YoY), with its iconic architecture, vibrant art scene, and delicious tapas, is another Spanish hotspot in high demand. Ibiza (+25% YoY) remains a popular choice for its lively nightlife, beautiful beaches and heritage sites including the fortified old town of Dalt Vila. Beachside locales: Both within and outside of Spain, beach destinations remain in high demand. Antalya (+105% YoY) on Turkey's Turquoise Coast offers a blend of ancient history, stunning natural beauty, and all-inclusive resorts. The Seychelles (+90% YoY) beckon with crystal-clear waters and unique wildlife, while Mauritius (+55% YoY) and Badung, Bali (+50% YoY) offer tropical relaxation and cultural immersion. Premium experiences: UAE travellers continue seeking out destinations with rich cultural history or shopping – and sometimes both. Milan (+85% YoY) attracts fashionistas and culture vultures, while Venice (+85% YoY) offers romantic canals and historic architecture. Accessibility remains key: Travellers demonstrate a preference for destinations that offer a balance of exciting experiences and convenience. Many trending hotspots, such as the Spanish islands and the European cities, are within a reasonable flight distance from the UAE, often with direct flight options or well-serviced connecting routes. However, the inclusion of Orlando (+55% YoY), home to world-renowned theme parks, indicates a willingness to venture further afield for the right experience. Social media-worthy moments: Trending destinations this summer offer plenty of 'Instagrammable' opportunities. From the turquoise waters and pristine beaches of the Seychelles and Mauritius to the vibrant street art and architectural wonders of Barcelona and Milan, each location provides a stunning backdrop for envy-inducing photos. The desire for shareable moments is clearly influencing travel choices this summer. Best Time to Travel For travellers planning this year's summer vacations, early July offers significant savings for budget-conscious travellers. In this time period, travel prices are up to 40% lower than the seasonal average (a saving of more than $50 per night). Meanwhile, early June (4th, 6th, and 9th June) are the least busy travel dates, while August 1st and 11th are expected to be the busiest. Summer Travel Tips: Price Tracking: Utilise Price Tracking on the Expedia app to monitor flight and hotel prices and receive alerts when prices drop. Book on a Sunday: Maximise savings by booking flights on Sundays, potentially saving up to 16% compared to booking on Fridays according to the 2025 Expedia Air Hacks Report. Flexible Policies: Look for hotels and flights with "free cancellation" or "reserve now, pay later" options for greater peace of mind. Book a package: Create customisable holiday packages on Expedia, bundling flights, and accommodation is not only more convenient but it will save you money. Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
