UAE families can save more than AED 2,000 on airfare by adjusting their travel dates.
New Skyscanner data shows UAE families can save over AED 2,000 on summer flights by choosing the right travel dates
According to the report, the week starting August 31 is the most affordable period for summer travel, and families who can adjust their travel dates can significantly reduce their ticket costs.
The report comes as 47% of UAE residents have yet to book their summer trips and are still exploring various options. Skyscanner emphasized that comparing ticket prices across different weeks can help in finding the best rates.
The study also shows that 52% of travelers believe July is the cheapest time for summer travel, whereas ticket prices vary considerably depending on the destination and flight timing.
Savings of up to AED 2,088 for travel to Tokyo
According to Skyscanner, even shifting travel dates by just one or two weeks can result in substantial savings for families purchasing multiple tickets.
On the Cairo route, the average summer return ticket price per person is approximately AED 1,592, but this figure drops to around AED 1,105 during the week starting August 17. Consequently, a family of four could pay approximately AED 1,949 less for their tickets.
Travel to Tokyo is also among the routes offering significant savings with a change in flight timing. The average return ticket price for this route in summer is about AED 2,209 per person, but it decreases to around AED 1,686 in the week starting August 31, representing a saving of AED 2,088 for a family of four.
Cheapest travel weeks for popular destinations
Based on the report, the cheapest travel times for some popular destinations from the UAE are:
Kochi, India: Week of August 31; savings of AED 356 per person and AED 1,425 for a family of four.
Manila, Philippines: Week of August 31; savings of AED 327 per person and AED 1,306 for a family.
Cairo, Egypt: Week of August 17; savings of AED 487 per person and AED 1,949 for a family.
Tokyo, Japan: Week of August 31; savings of AED 522 per person and AED 2,088 for a family.
Denpasar, Indonesia: Week of August 24; savings of AED 431 per person and AED 1,722 for a family.
Skyscanner highlighted that the cheapest travel time is not the same for all destinations. While the week starting August 31 is generally considered the best time for summer travel, some routes like Cairo and Denpasar have lower rates during other weeks in August.
According to the report, UAE travelers spend an average of approximately AED 1,433 per person on international summer flights. However, only 33% have the flexibility to change their travel dates, as school holidays and other family commitments limit the flexibility of many families.
Ayoub El Mamoun, a travel expert at Skyscanner, said: "To reduce travel costs, it is not necessarily required to change the destination. Checking different timeframes and comparing the cheapest weeks can create significant savings; money that can be spent on accommodation, activities, or reducing the overall cost of the trip."
Skyscanner advised travelers to compare ticket prices across different weeks before booking, check rates regularly, and use monthly price view options, as flight prices constantly change based on demand and available capacity.