Latest news with #airfare
The Australian
2 days ago
- Business
- The Australian
Webjet pays $9m over fake airfare ads
Aussies drawn in by rock bottom airfare prices only to be hit by additional charges can take some comfort after Webjet ordered to pay a huge penalty for 'misleading' advertising. On Monday, the Federal Court ordered online travel agency Webjet to pay $9m in penalties for making 'false or misleading statements about the price of flights and booking confirmations'. Webjet admitted that between 2018 and 2023 it made false or misleading statements on its website, promotional emails and social media posts when it advertised airfares that excluded compulsory fees. Webjet also admitted that between 2019 and 2024 it provided false or misleading booking confirmations to 118 consumers for flight bookings which had not actually been confirmed. Webjet then asked for additional payments of up to $2120, for these bookings, in order for consumers to be able to complete the booking. Webjet has now refunded these consumers. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission began its investigation after a consumer complained about an airfare advertised as 'from $18', which cost almost three times that price after Webjet added its compulsory fees. An example of the misleading advertising Webjet admitted to. Picture: ACCC 'We took this case because we considered that Webjet used misleading pricing by excluding or not adequately disclosing compulsory fees in its ads,' ACCC chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said. 'Seeking to lure in customers with prices that don't tell the whole story is a serious breach of the Australian Consumer Law.' The Webjet fees comprised the 'Webjet servicing fee' and 'booking price guarantee' fee which ranged from $34.90 to $54.90 per booking, depending on whether the flights were domestic, to New Zealand and the Pacific, or other international destinations. While Webjet's website, app and most emails contained information about the additional fees, some users had to scroll to the fine print near the bottom of the screen to see them. In its social media posts, Webjet didn't disclose the additional fees at all. Example from Webjet website advertising 'from $100' getaways. Picture: ACCC In a statement from February, when the ACCC agreement was initially approved, Webjet said 'it is important to note that, since being advised of the issues of concern by the ACCC in November 2023, Webjet Marketing has voluntarily and proactively implemented improvements to its fee disclosures'. 'Webjet Group is confident that any customer concern with its offering, disclosure, service or pricing was limited,' the statement said. '[Webjet] has always prided itself on its high levels of trust with all customers and stakeholders and has fully co-operated and positively engaged with the ACCC to resolve this matter.' The ACCC found that in the relevant period of late 2018 to late 2023 the Webjet fees represented 36 per cent of the company's total revenue. The matter was resolved outside of court when Webjet and the ACCC agreed to settle on the conditions that Webjet: 'pay a proposed total penalty of $9m; publish a corrective notice in a form agreed with the ACCC for a period of 60 days; review, maintain and continue to implement an Australian Consumer Law compliance program in an agreed form; and contribute $100,000 to the ACCC's costs'. Robert White Cadet Robert got his start as an Editorial Assistant at the Daily Telegraph in 2024 before entering the Newscorp cadet program. With a background in history and law Robert has a passion for politics and crime reporting as well as telling meaningful stories. @white_robb73416 Robert White
Fox News
4 days ago
- Business
- Fox News
How AI is changing the way you book airline tickets
Delta Air Lines, one of the country's largest carriers, is making headlines for its ambitious rollout of artificial intelligence-powered ticket pricing. Instead of fixed fares, Delta is using AI to make airfare more personal than ever. Instead of fixed prices, the system now analyzes your habits, booking history and even the time of day to predict what you might pay. By the end of this year, Delta aims to set 20% of ticket prices dynamically using AI, a sevenfold increase from just a year ago. This high-tech approach could result in better deals or higher costs depending on your individual circumstances and shopping habits. Let's take a look at how it works, why Delta's betting on it and what it means for your wallet. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my Traditional ticket pricing relies on fare "buckets," where customers are grouped into categories based on when and how they book their tickets. Delta's AI ticket pricing system eliminates static rates, instead analyzing real-time information to calculate what a specific customer might be willing to spend on a seat for each particular flight. Delta President Glen Hauenstein describes this as a reengineering of pricing, calling AI a "super analyst" that works 24/7, seeking the optimal price for every traveler, every time. The airline has partnered with Fetcherr, which provides the underlying technology and also supports other global airlines. Let's be honest. Airlines aren't adopting new, high-tech pricing systems to make less money. Delta says early results from AI-driven pricing show "amazingly favorable" revenues. The airline believes that with AI, it can maximize profits by more precisely matching fares to what each passenger is willing to pay, based on a wide range of data inputs, from booking history to market trends. Delta's strategy is simple — a price that's available on that flight, at that time, to you, the individual. If you've ever wondered why airfare fluctuates every time you check, get ready for even more volatility. Delta's system could theoretically offer you a different price than someone else for the exact same seat, calculated in real time by AI. Pros: You might get special offers or early discounts if the AI needs to fill seats. Cons: It becomes much harder to know if you're getting a "fair" deal because the price shown is purely based on what AI thinks you'll pay, not what everyone else pays. Some privacy advocates worry this could disadvantage customers who lack the means or time to search for the best deals, potentially charging the highest prices to those unable to shop around. We reached out to Delta for a comment, and a spokesperson provided CyberGuy with this statement: "There is no fare product Delta has ever used, is testing or plans to use that targets customers with individualized offers based on personal information or otherwise. A variety of market forces drive the dynamic pricing model that's been used in the global industry for decades, with new tech simply streamlining this process. Delta always complies with regulations around pricing and disclosures." Delta's transparency regarding this shift has drawn national attention. Other airlines are already testing their own AI fare systems, and experts expect the industry to follow suit. Yet, privacy advocates and some lawmakers are voicing strong concerns. Critics argue that letting AI determine pricing behind the scenes is, in the words of Consumer Watchdog, like airlines "hacking our brains" to find the maximum price we'll accept. The legal risks are still emerging. While price variation based on demand or timing is not new, using AI for ultra-personalized pricing raises uncomfortable questions about discrimination and fairness, especially since prior research suggests that poorer customers often receive the worst deals. You'll notice airfare feels even more personal now. Every time you search, the price could change just for you. Gone are the days of universal fares. The AI looks at your browsing, booking habits and timing. You may see special deals if Delta needs to fill your seat quickly. However, the price can also increase if it senses that you'll pay more. Shopping around is now a must. You can use a VPN if you want to outsmart the system by masking your location and IP address. A VPN helps prevent airlines from tracking your searches and adjusting prices based on your geographic region. Quick decisions might save you money, but waiting could result in a price increase. Privacy matters more than ever. The airline learns about your habits with every search you make. Your digital footprint affects your fares. In short, you have more power and more responsibility. Be smart, be flexible and always compare before making a purchase. For the best VPN software, see my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at Delta's shift to AI-driven ticket pricing is a significant change in how consumers will purchase flight tickets in the future. While the move could increase flexibility and efficiency, it also raises big questions about fairness, privacy and transparency. Would you trust AI to decide what you pay, or do you wish airlines would stop personalizing prices and return to transparent, universal fares? Let us know by writing us at Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
CNN
4 days ago
- Business
- CNN
How I flew Air France business class for just 60,000 miles
CNN Underscored reviews financial products based on their overall value. We may receive a commission through our affiliate partners if you apply and are approved for a product, but our reporting is always independent and objective. This may impact how links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit to learn more. Flying between Europe and the US in the summer often comes with a hefty price tag. But with a bit of planning and the right travel rewards strategy, you can score a lie-flat business-class seat for a fraction of the usual cost. This summer, I flew one-way from Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) to Washington Dulles (IAD) in Air France business class for just 60,000 American Express Membership Rewards points. Importantly, I did not use the American Express travel portal to book the ticket but transferred points to Flying Blue, the joint loyalty program of Air France and KLM. Here's how I pulled it off — and how you might be able to do the same. Flying Blue is a valuable program to book airfare with miles to or from the US. It uses dynamic pricing, meaning that award rates fluctuate, but sometimes offers advantageous transatlantic prices. You can fly one-way between North America and Europe starting at 25,000, 40,000 and 60,000 miles in economy, premium economy and business class, respectively. It's also a transfer partner of American Express Membership Rewards®, Bilt Rewards, Capital One, Chase Ultimate Rewards®, Citi ThankYou Rewards, Marriott Bonvoy and Wells Fargo Rewards. That means you can transfer points from any of those programs to Flying Blue; you don't have to be a frequent flyer with Air France or KLM, or based in Europe, in order to earn miles in Flying Blue. In addition to that, the program often has transfer bonuses, meaning you can get more miles if you transfer to it from a credit card rewards program. For instance, a 20% bonus would mean that 50,000 points become 60,000 Flying Blue miles. Even without a transfer bonus, that one-way business-class flight from Paris to Washington for just 60,000 Flying Blue miles was a bargain. That's far cheaper than the 88,000 to 120,000 miles you might pay through other programs. I did have to pay taxes and fees that came to about $500, but that was still a fraction of the price of business class on a transatlantic flight. A round-trip fare between Paris and Washington is currently around $4,000, and a one-way is even more expensive, at $5,000. A post shared by Kyle Olsen (@kyleolsen10) The welcome bonus alone from some credit cards would be enough to book an award flight like this one. I've transferred Amex points and Capital One miles to Flying Blue, and here are a few standout cards from both issuers currently offering welcome bonuses that can get you all the way to 60,000 points and then some. American Express® Gold Card: Earn as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you use your new card to make $6,000 in purchases in the first 6 months after opening the account. The welcome offer varies, and you may not be eligible for an offer; you'll need to apply first to find out your exact welcome offer amount (with no credit score impact; however, if you're approved and choose to accept the card offer, your score may be impacted). The Platinum Card® from American Express: Earn as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you use your new card to make $8,000 in purchases in the first 6 months after opening the account. The welcome offer varies and you may not be eligible for an offer; you'll need to apply first to find out your exact welcome offer amount (with no credit score impact; however, if you're approved and choose to accept the card offer, your score may be impacted). American Express® Business Gold Card: Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership. The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 on eligible purchases on your Business Platinum Card® within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months of account opening. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months of account opening. After searching on the Air France website, I located a nonstop Paris CDG to Washington IAD flight on my desired date for 60,000 miles in business class. I then transferred 60,000 Amex Membership Rewards points to my Flying Blue account. The transfer was nearly instant. It's very important to make sure an award seat, at the number of miles you want, is available before transferring points. That's because transfers are not reversible. To be clear, here's what the process looked like: I searched for award availability on and ensured a seat was available at 60,000 miles. I transferred 60,000 Amex points to Flying Blue. Within minutes, the miles posted, and I booked the flight. The fare I booked included two checked bags, access to the Air France business-class lounge at CDG, lie-flat seating, priority boarding, a multicourse French meal and champagne on board. The flight from Paris to Washington, D.C. was operated by a Boeing 777-300ER featuring a 1-2-1 reverse herringbone configuration in business class. This layout gives every passenger direct aisle access and a greater amount of privacy. While this wasn't Air France's newest business-class cabin — you'll find a more recent version on the Airbus A350 and on some 777s — the experience still felt elevated. Besides converting into a fully lie-flat bed, my seat included a plush duvet and pillow. The service, food and beverages stood out as well. From the moment I boarded, the crew was gracious and attentive. I was welcomed with a chilled glass of champagne served in real glassware, followed by a personalized introduction from the flight attendant. Lunch was a highlight too: a multicourse, French-inspired meal that included an amuse-bouche, starter, salad, main course, cheese selection, dessert and warm bread, all paired with a curated selection of French wines. The menu was printed and presented elegantly, and each course was served on fine china with stainless steel cutlery. An amenity kit stocked with Clarins skin care products, a sleep mask and other in-flight essentials was provided after takeoff. Headphones, a large entertainment screen and ample storage rounded out the seat experience. By the time we touched down in Washington, D.C., I felt genuinely rested and refreshed, something I rarely say after a long-haul flight. Even though I didn't use a transfer bonus in this case, Amex and Capital One frequently offer transfer bonuses to Flying Blue, sometimes at up to 25%. That would have lowered your cost in points even more. Regardless of bonus, here are the steps to follow to prep for your own redemption: Sign up for a Flying Blue account. Monitor Flying Blue's monthly Promo Rewards page, which often offers points deals to/from North America. Search for flights to/from your desired destinations, including the vast Air France and KLM network in Europe, which goes well beyond the Paris and Amsterdam hubs. Often, you'll find deals even outside Flying Blue promotions. Remember to confirm award space before transferring points, since transfers from credit card programs like Amex to Flying Blue are instant and can't be reversed. Flying business class across the Atlantic for just 60,000 Amex points and around $500 in taxes was one of the best redemptions I've made all year. There's something especially satisfying about using your points for a lie-flat experience, complete with wine, cheese and lounge access. If you keep an eye on Flying Blue Promo Rewards and transfer bonuses, you might just find yourself sipping champagne at 35,000 feet for even less than the 60,000 points I used. The following FAQs have been answered by CNN Underscored travel editor and credit card expert Kyle Olsen. How much are 60,000 Flying Blue miles worth? How much are 60,000 Flying Blue miles worth? While redemption rates vary, The Points Guy values 60,000 Flying Blue miles at $780. Which credit card points transfer to Flying Blue miles? Which credit card points transfer to Flying Blue miles? You can transfer points from the following points currencies to Flying Blue at a 1:1 ratio: American Express Membership Rewards Bilt Rewards Capital One Miles Chase Ultimate Rewards Citi ThankYou Rewards Wells Fargo Rewards What airlines can I use Capital One miles on? What airlines can I use Capital One miles on? You can use Capital One miles in the Capital One travel portal on most major airlines or transfer Capital One miles to 18 airline programs — mostly at a 1:1 ratio — to book award flights with major alliances. Aeromexico, Air France-KLM, Virgin Red: 1:1 (SkyTeam) Air Canada, Avianca, Singapore Airlines, TAP Air Portugal, Turkish Airlines, EVA Air: mostly 1:1 (Star Alliance) British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Qantas: 1:1 (Oneworld) Emirates, Etihad, JetBlue: varies, not in alliances CNN Underscored's travel and credit card coverage is built on firsthand experience. This guide was written by travel editor Kyle Olsen, who used these exact strategies to book a real flight. From Paris to DC, this redemption proves that with the right tools and timing, luxury travel is within reach. Click here for rates and fees of the American Express Gold card. Click here for rates and fees of the American Express Platinum card. Click here for rates and fees of the American Express Business Gold card. Click here for rates and fees of the American Express Business Platinum card. Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
CNN
4 days ago
- Business
- CNN
How I flew Air France business class for just 60,000 miles
CNN Underscored reviews financial products based on their overall value. We may receive a commission through our affiliate partners if you apply and are approved for a product, but our reporting is always independent and objective. This may impact how links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit to learn more. Flying between Europe and the US in the summer often comes with a hefty price tag. But with a bit of planning and the right travel rewards strategy, you can score a lie-flat business-class seat for a fraction of the usual cost. This summer, I flew one-way from Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) to Washington Dulles (IAD) in Air France business class for just 60,000 American Express Membership Rewards points. Importantly, I did not use the American Express travel portal to book the ticket but transferred points to Flying Blue, the joint loyalty program of Air France and KLM. Here's how I pulled it off — and how you might be able to do the same. Flying Blue is a valuable program to book airfare with miles to or from the US. It uses dynamic pricing, meaning that award rates fluctuate, but sometimes offers advantageous transatlantic prices. You can fly one-way between North America and Europe starting at 25,000, 40,000 and 60,000 miles in economy, premium economy and business class, respectively. It's also a transfer partner of American Express Membership Rewards®, Bilt Rewards, Capital One, Chase Ultimate Rewards®, Citi ThankYou Rewards, Marriott Bonvoy and Wells Fargo Rewards. That means you can transfer points from any of those programs to Flying Blue; you don't have to be a frequent flyer with Air France or KLM, or based in Europe, in order to earn miles in Flying Blue. In addition to that, the program often has transfer bonuses, meaning you can get more miles if you transfer to it from a credit card rewards program. For instance, a 20% bonus would mean that 50,000 points become 60,000 Flying Blue miles. Even without a transfer bonus, that one-way business-class flight from Paris to Washington for just 60,000 Flying Blue miles was a bargain. That's far cheaper than the 88,000 to 120,000 miles you might pay through other programs. I did have to pay taxes and fees that came to about $500, but that was still a fraction of the price of business class on a transatlantic flight. A round-trip fare between Paris and Washington is currently around $4,000, and a one-way is even more expensive, at $5,000. A post shared by Kyle Olsen (@kyleolsen10) The welcome bonus alone from some credit cards would be enough to book an award flight like this one. I've transferred Amex points and Capital One miles to Flying Blue, and here are a few standout cards from both issuers currently offering welcome bonuses that can get you all the way to 60,000 points and then some. American Express® Gold Card: Earn as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you use your new card to make $6,000 in purchases in the first 6 months after opening the account. The welcome offer varies, and you may not be eligible for an offer; you'll need to apply first to find out your exact welcome offer amount (with no credit score impact; however, if you're approved and choose to accept the card offer, your score may be impacted). The Platinum Card® from American Express: Earn as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you use your new card to make $8,000 in purchases in the first 6 months after opening the account. The welcome offer varies and you may not be eligible for an offer; you'll need to apply first to find out your exact welcome offer amount (with no credit score impact; however, if you're approved and choose to accept the card offer, your score may be impacted). American Express® Business Gold Card: Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership. The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 on eligible purchases on your Business Platinum Card® within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months of account opening. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months of account opening. After searching on the Air France website, I located a nonstop Paris CDG to Washington IAD flight on my desired date for 60,000 miles in business class. I then transferred 60,000 Amex Membership Rewards points to my Flying Blue account. The transfer was nearly instant. It's very important to make sure an award seat, at the number of miles you want, is available before transferring points. That's because transfers are not reversible. To be clear, here's what the process looked like: I searched for award availability on and ensured a seat was available at 60,000 miles. I transferred 60,000 Amex points to Flying Blue. Within minutes, the miles posted, and I booked the flight. The fare I booked included two checked bags, access to the Air France business-class lounge at CDG, lie-flat seating, priority boarding, a multicourse French meal and champagne on board. The flight from Paris to Washington, D.C. was operated by a Boeing 777-300ER featuring a 1-2-1 reverse herringbone configuration in business class. This layout gives every passenger direct aisle access and a greater amount of privacy. While this wasn't Air France's newest business-class cabin — you'll find a more recent version on the Airbus A350 and on some 777s — the experience still felt elevated. Besides converting into a fully lie-flat bed, my seat included a plush duvet and pillow. The service, food and beverages stood out as well. From the moment I boarded, the crew was gracious and attentive. I was welcomed with a chilled glass of champagne served in real glassware, followed by a personalized introduction from the flight attendant. Lunch was a highlight too: a multicourse, French-inspired meal that included an amuse-bouche, starter, salad, main course, cheese selection, dessert and warm bread, all paired with a curated selection of French wines. The menu was printed and presented elegantly, and each course was served on fine china with stainless steel cutlery. An amenity kit stocked with Clarins skin care products, a sleep mask and other in-flight essentials was provided after takeoff. Headphones, a large entertainment screen and ample storage rounded out the seat experience. By the time we touched down in Washington, D.C., I felt genuinely rested and refreshed, something I rarely say after a long-haul flight. Even though I didn't use a transfer bonus in this case, Amex and Capital One frequently offer transfer bonuses to Flying Blue, sometimes at up to 25%. That would have lowered your cost in points even more. Regardless of bonus, here are the steps to follow to prep for your own redemption: Sign up for a Flying Blue account. Monitor Flying Blue's monthly Promo Rewards page, which often offers points deals to/from North America. Search for flights to/from your desired destinations, including the vast Air France and KLM network in Europe, which goes well beyond the Paris and Amsterdam hubs. Often, you'll find deals even outside Flying Blue promotions. Remember to confirm award space before transferring points, since transfers from credit card programs like Amex to Flying Blue are instant and can't be reversed. Flying business class across the Atlantic for just 60,000 Amex points and around $500 in taxes was one of the best redemptions I've made all year. There's something especially satisfying about using your points for a lie-flat experience, complete with wine, cheese and lounge access. If you keep an eye on Flying Blue Promo Rewards and transfer bonuses, you might just find yourself sipping champagne at 35,000 feet for even less than the 60,000 points I used. The following FAQs have been answered by CNN Underscored travel editor and credit card expert Kyle Olsen. How much are 60,000 Flying Blue miles worth? How much are 60,000 Flying Blue miles worth? While redemption rates vary, The Points Guy values 60,000 Flying Blue miles at $780. Which credit card points transfer to Flying Blue miles? Which credit card points transfer to Flying Blue miles? You can transfer points from the following points currencies to Flying Blue at a 1:1 ratio: American Express Membership Rewards Bilt Rewards Capital One Miles Chase Ultimate Rewards Citi ThankYou Rewards Wells Fargo Rewards What airlines can I use Capital One miles on? What airlines can I use Capital One miles on? You can use Capital One miles in the Capital One travel portal on most major airlines or transfer Capital One miles to 18 airline programs — mostly at a 1:1 ratio — to book award flights with major alliances. Aeromexico, Air France-KLM, Virgin Red: 1:1 (SkyTeam) Air Canada, Avianca, Singapore Airlines, TAP Air Portugal, Turkish Airlines, EVA Air: mostly 1:1 (Star Alliance) British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Qantas: 1:1 (Oneworld) Emirates, Etihad, JetBlue: varies, not in alliances CNN Underscored's travel and credit card coverage is built on firsthand experience. This guide was written by travel editor Kyle Olsen, who used these exact strategies to book a real flight. From Paris to DC, this redemption proves that with the right tools and timing, luxury travel is within reach. Click here for rates and fees of the American Express Gold card. Click here for rates and fees of the American Express Platinum card. Click here for rates and fees of the American Express Business Gold card. Click here for rates and fees of the American Express Business Platinum card. Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
CNET
09-07-2025
- CNET
You're Booking Flights Wrong, According to Google Data. Here's Why
If you're looking to save some money on your next flight, check with Google before you hit the buy a vacation is stressful and it can get pricey fast, especially if you're traveling during high-traffic seasons like in the summer or over the holidays. The good news is our CNET experts have compiled and explored a ton of travel tips on how to find affordable flights and properly prepare like a travel pro. This exploration includes reviewing key Google Flights data to help you make smarter decisions when reviewing airfare. Google Flights has released a robust travel report after aggregating four years of airfare data and trends to provide US travelers with an overarching guide on finding the cheapest flights and the best times to book them. I have reviewed this report thoroughly and highlighted the most important takeaways below to help you find a flight in your budget and let you relax while traveling instead of stressing about money. For more key travel tips, explore these travel essentials you need for every vacation and then take a look at this travel checklist. You should also review CNET's roundup of the best headphones for travel. How to Use Google Maps Like a Pro How to Use Google Maps Like a Pro Click to unmute Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Skip Backward Skip Forward Next playlist item Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 9:29 Loaded : 1.05% 0:00 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 9:29 Share Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Close Modal Dialog This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. Close Modal Dialog This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. How to Use Google Maps Like a Pro What days are the cheapest to fly? CNET If you're planning to book a flight, you're likely trying to find the most budget-friendly option. According to Google Flights, the cheapest flights are available when flying on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, with Tuesday being the cheapest day, according to the historical flight data. Flying early- to midweek can save travelers 13% to 20% on airfare compared to flying on Friday, Saturday or Sunday, with Sunday the most expensive day to fly. Do layovers on flights save you money? It may come as no surprise that flights with layovers are cheaper than nonstop flights but you may not realize just how significant those savings can be. The Google Flight data shows that travelers can save 25% by booking a flight with a layover instead of a nonstop flight. Which day of the week is the cheapest for booking flights? There are certainly cheaper days to fly, there aren't really cheaper days to book. "There's not much benefit to buying your tickets on a certain day of the week," according to the Google report. Google Flights does state that Tuesdays are typically the cheapest day of the week to book, according to the data, but Tuesday bookings are only 1.3% cheaper than the most expensive day, Sunday. Is it cheaper to book flights far in advance? To wait or not to wait? According to Google, it's better to book your travel far in advance, especially if you need to fly on a specific day or time. There are some patterns you can analyze to decide whether it's better to wait for lower prices or book now based on specific scenarios, destinations and dates of travel. For domestic flights, the prices are generally at their lowest between 21 and 52 days before your trip -- with 38 days before departure being the cheapest day to book on average. For international flights, the prices are generally lowest between 50 and 101 days before your trip, but it's generally best practice to book as early as you can. According to Google, "Average prices don't meaningfully drop anytime before departure but they usually do start to rise within 50 days of the flight itself" for international travel from the US. Never miss out on the cheapest airfare again./Gianmarco Chumbe/CNET When is the best time to book a flight in every season? Here's what Google says about the best times to book holiday flights and vacation trips to certain popular destinations. Summer break: The cheapest domestic flights in July and August are usually available 13 to 43 days in advance, with 21 days before departure being the cheapest day on average to book. Thanksgiving: The cheapest domestic flights over the Thanksgiving holiday are usually available 26 to 59 days in advance, with 45 days out being the cheapest -- meaning it's best to book Thanksgiving flights in early October. Christmas: The cheapest domestic flights over the winter holidays are usually available 36 to 72 days in advance, with 58 days out being the cheapest. It's best to book Christmas or holiday travel in the latter half of October. Spring break: The cheapest domestic flights in March and April are available between 33 to 59 days in advance, with 44 days before departure being the cheapest time to book on average. When is the best time to book a flight to Europe? International flights to Europe from the US are usually cheaper 50 or more days before departure, with 94 days out being the cheapest day to book on average. As with all international travel, it's generally best practice to book as early as you can. When is the best time to book a flight to Mexico or the Caribbean? International flights to Mexico and the Caribbean are the one exception to the broader international trend, according to Google. That's because flights are generally at their lowest between 26 and 68 days in advance, with 44 days out being the cheapest. For more, check out CNET's picks for the best travel credit cards in 2025. You can also explore the 12 travel essentials you always need to pack and the worst airlines for flight delays and cancellations.
