Tourism and travel industry experts anticipate a unique summer season this year, spanning from the mid-June Eid al-Adha holiday to the late August start of the school season.
This extended holiday period offers customers the chance to secure reasonably priced tickets through early bookings and flexible travel dates. In contrast to past years, the demand will disperse over a longer duration instead of focusing on a brief period.
According to reports, officials are highlighting the busy travel season expected to and from the UAE during Eid al-Adha and its immediate aftermath. With the lengthy summer break, travelers are advised to remain flexible with their travel dates, book in advance, and keep an eye on airline offers, especially as additional flights may be operated to meet demand. Prices for flights to Arab destinations such as Beirut, Cairo, and Amman are shown to increase by 20–30% during Eid al-Adha, with the least expensive fares being subject to availability.
Flight prices are expected to gradually decrease after Eid al-Adha until the end of June, albeit remaining relatively high compared to previous periods. Yassin Diab, General Manager of Al-Faisal Travel and Tourism Agency, notes that this summer's demand will be spread out over a longer period, allowing for greater flexibility in travel planning. Diab advises customers to book early to secure reasonable prices, emphasizing the importance of constantly monitoring ticket prices and comparing flights.
Early booking and taking advantage of promotional offers are key strategies to secure discounted tickets, as prices tend to rise closer to the travel date. Dr. Haitham Al-Haj Ali, CEO of Dubai Link, predicts gradual price increases for June flights, particularly during Eid al-Adha. Flexibility in travel dates is crucial to obtaining the best deals, with early booking essential to mitigate rising costs.
Narouz Sarkis, General Manager of Belhasa Tourism Company, echoes the importance of flexible dates and early booking to secure the best travel deals. He emphasizes the division of travel demand into visits to family and tourist destinations, with Arab destinations expected to see significant demand during the summer break.
The upcoming summer season presents a unique opportunity for travelers to secure reasonably priced tickets through early booking, flexibility with travel dates, and monitoring of airline offers. With demand spread out over a longer period, strategic planning is crucial to maximizing savings and ensuring an enjoyable travel experience.
Here are 10 tips for booking airline tickets for summer trips:
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Plan Early: Start planning your trip well in advance to take advantage of lower prices. Early bookings can significantly reduce the cost of airline tickets.
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Be Flexible with Dates: Consider being flexible with your travel dates to find the best deals. Comparing different date options can help you secure more affordable flights.
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Identify Peak Travel Times: Identify peak travel days and times to avoid higher prices. Being aware of when demand for flights is highest can help you plan your trip more economically.
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Check the booking conditions: Pay close attention to the booking conditions when selecting ticket categories. Some ticket types may have restrictions or additional fees, so make sure to read the terms carefully.
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Set Price Alerts: Set up price alerts on airline or third-party websites to monitor fare fluctuations. This allows you to track prices and book when fares drop to a more affordable level.
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Compare Prices: Compare prices across different airlines and third-party booking platforms. Sometimes, you can find better deals by shopping around and comparing offers.
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Avoid Peak Return Times: Try to avoid booking return flights that coincide with the end of popular vacation periods. Prices tend to be higher during these times, so opting for less-busy travel days can save you money.
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Loyalty Programs: Take advantage of airline loyalty programs to earn rewards and benefits, such as discounted or upgraded flights.
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Consider Indirect Flights: Explore the prices and options for indirect flights, as they may offer cheaper alternatives to direct routes. Be sure to weigh the savings against the potential inconvenience of longer travel times.
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Book Early for International Flights: For international flights, aim to purchase your tickets at least eight weeks in advance. This allows you to secure better prices and ensures availability for your desired travel dates.
