The departure week usually changes the price more than the weekday. In our measurement a Düsseldorf to Phuket return ticket cost 657 € for a departure on 8 January and 1,550 € for 25 December.
People search for the cheapest weekday, but the bigger lever is the week. Holidays, school breaks and events push prices up for a few weeks, then they fall back.
What we saw
On Düsseldorf to Phuket (return, per person) the departure week of 25 December cost more than twice the week of 8 January. Both tickets are for a similar trip length. The weekday inside a week mattered much less.
How to use this
- Pick your route and look at all weeks for the next months, not one date.
- Move your trip by one or two weeks if you can. That is often the biggest saving.
- Avoid the weeks around school holidays, Christmas and New Year when you are flexible.
- Set a price alert once you know the usual range.
Our route pages show the price for each departure week as a chart, for example Düsseldorf to Phuket.
Questions
Is Tuesday really cheaper than Friday? It can be, but the difference is small compared with the week you choose.
How far ahead should I look? At least three months for busy routes.