As snow and freezing temperatures sweep across parts of the country, spring break travel deals are heating up.
Experts like the founder of Going.com Scott Keyes explained to “Good Morning America” why now may be the best time to book flights for spring travel.
Spring Break Travel Tips: Book Your Flights Before March
“I wouldn't delay this any longer if you're hoping to travel somewhere, because it's likely that once March rolls around, spring break flights will become more expensive, not less,” he warned . “Right now, we’re in the Goldilocks window for cheap spring break flights.”
The “Goldilocks window,” Keyes said, is the perfect time to book your flight: It’s neither too early nor too late for the price to be right.
“If you book 11 months in advance, you won't see many cheap flights, but also, if you wait a week or two before, your chances of getting a cheap flight at that time will be very low “, he explained.
Spring Break Travel Tips: Find the Cheapest Destination
When it comes to booking trips for the family, Keyes says to be flexible about where you go.
For example, if a beach getaway is at the top of your vacation list, look for the one with the cheapest airfare, and for large families, Keyes suggests booking tickets individually.
“When you make a reservation of four tickets, all four tickets have to be the same price, and if there are only three tickets left at the cheapest price, they will sell you the second most expensive,” he said. “Instead, book three tickets at a time at the cheapest price, then book the fourth ticket.”
Spring Break Travel Tips: Round-Trip vs. One-Way Flights
Keyes also advises travelers looking to book for spring break to compare round-trip and one-way fares.
“The cheapest nonstop flight from New York to San Diego for a week in late April costs $448 per person round trip. But if you book each leg separately, you can take a one-way ticket to San Diego for $139 and return to New York for $254, for a total of $393. That's a savings of $55 per person.
Expert's Best Travel Tip for Booking Flights: Follow the 21 Day Rule
Keyes reminded travelers to follow his golden rule of air travel, moving back when to book based on your departure date, to align with an airline's “advance purchase requirements” found in the fine print of pricing conditions.
“Take a calendar and circle 21 days before your travel date,” he said. “This must be your sort of deadline to book your flights.”
Other Summer Travel Deals and Thoughts
It's also a great time to book a cruise, now that we're in what's known as wave season – the first three months of the year when cruise lines often offer a wide range of discounts.
AAA offers discounts of between 30% and 60%, and travelers will likely see cabin upgrades, as well as purchase one, receive cabin upgrades, and possible onboard credits.
While most searchers are in spring break mode, experts also say it's a good time to start thinking about summer travel.
If you're looking for a domestic vacation, plan to try to book them one to three months before the travel dates, while we're still in the opposite season.
Finally, consider enabling flight alerts through Google Flights or a price tracking app.