One of the most important considerations when deciding to buy an air ticket, is when it has to be paid. Not all airfares have to be purchased immediately. The cheapest airfares usually require payment straight away, as do airfares that apply over peak periods. However, more expensive airfares usually have greater flexibility in regards to payment deadlines.
Open-dated tickets are air tickets that can be purchased without a fixed date on one or all of the sectors. They are generally more expensive than standard airfares.
Instant Purchase Airfares
Cheap airfares often require payment straight away. These are called instant purchase airfares because the airfares quoted are only valid if they are purchased instantly or at the time of reservation.
Online airfares purchased on the websites of low-cost carriers are always instant purchase airfares. Air tickets booked in one country for travel in another require payment straight away also. This is because airfares of this nature are usually subject to daily currency fluctuations.
Any route flown by an airline has a range of prices for that route. The cheapest airfares require payment faster than the more expensive airfares. For example, a GBP100 airfare for a Manchester to London air ticket must be paid within three days of reservation. A GBP200 airfare for the same route may not require payment until three days before travel.
Airfare Specials and Seasonal Air Tickets
Promotional airfares and air tickets for travel during holidays often require payment immediately. This is because cheaper seats have a higher demand and so the airline can force travelers to commit financially ahead of time.
For example, Christmas and New Year holidays are a popular time to travel so when booking in the first six months of the year, especially for long-haul international travel, payment is either due immediately or up to three months in advance. If flights are getting full, an airline may bring a deadline forward in order to weed out those who are definitely travelling from those who are holding seats but are still undecided.
Expensive Airfares Have Greater Payment Flexibility
The more expensive the airfare, the more likely you are able to be able to pay closer to the travel date. This is because expensive airfares are more flexible on many fronts including baggage allowance, check-in time, date changes, cancellation penalties, etc.
For example, a business class airfare can be many times the cost of an economy airfare for the same route. When paying this much, the airline often permits payment for the ticket right up to the day prior to travel.
Circle airfares and airpasses that permit travel on more than one airline also tend to be more expensive than a single airline airfare. These types of airfares don’t usually require payment straight away.
Open-Dated Air Tickets
It used to be common to get open-dated tickets. Open-dated tickets are air tickets that can be purchased without a fixed date on one or all of the sectors. These days, most airlines require reservations for all sectors. And in any case, a flexible ticket often allows date changes for little or no fee.
For those who prefer to have an open-dated ticket, the airline normally charges their most expensive economy airfare which isn’t always economical given that there are cheaper fares that will permit free date changes.
Airfare Payment Dates and Open Dated Air Tickets
The cheapest air tickets always require payment faster than the more expensive ones. If you think you may need to change a date later, check the range of costs so that you know what the worst case scenario is if you have to purchase later. It may still be more economical to purchase a cheap fare now and pay the change fees later if you have to.
If you are unsure of a travel date for any part of an itinerary, look for a ticket that allows free date changes. Open-dated tickets are rarely worth the additional cost.
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