Last Minute Or Advance Booking - Which Is Better Value?
The flight comparison market has never been more competitive as companies struggle to contain the increase in fuel costs, labour expenses and the so called “green” taxes. Many are becoming more and more desperate to ensure that their planes are running at 100% capacity, and it is very easy to get some great value deals if you book well in advance or last minute - but which ones offer the best value?
While it can sometimes depend upon the flight destination, it seems there are more great offers available if you can wait until the very last minute to book your place. Bags in hand, passport in your pocket and ready to fly - these are the people who seem to be able to squeeze out the cheapest flight tickets. But why?
The one thing which all airlines dread is the possibility of having empty seats on their flights, because empty seats mean lost revenue which mean increased expenses per passenger. At a time when airlines are trying to cut their flight costs to the bone, they really need to fill every seat, which can then give them a chance to sell other services to more customers. This is the reason why you will often see tickets changing hands at the last minute for only a few pounds, but unfortunately it is not all passengers who are in a position to take advantage of these situations.
Over the last few years we have seen some major US airlines in trouble, with many seeking chapter 11 protection from bankruptcy, allowing them more time to sort out their finances. The last few years have also seen the power move back to the passenger with more airlines to choose from, and an increase in the so called budget airlines who are not competing on some of the most lucrative routes in the skies - all to the benefit of the passenger.