Early morning flight deals: how to snag tickets up to 70% cheaper
In the early morning hours, airlines release flash sales that last only a few hours. Here's how to get notified immediately and buy before the price drops.
Why do promotions end in the early morning?
Airline pricing systems make adjustments overnight when purchase volume is lower. It's during this time that many promotional fares go live, and also when pricing errors and flash sales often appear.
Since few people are awake searching for tickets, these deals remain available for longer than they would during the day. Even so, they rarely last more than a few hours. Those who receive the notification on their cell phone can buy before the fare expires.
Besides the early morning promotions, the early morning flights themselves are usually cheaper. Alternative times, such as departures at 2 am or 5 am, have less demand and more seats available.
KAYAK
Search for flights across hundreds of websites at once and receive a price alert that notifies you when the fare drops.
Why it's worth it:
- Free price alert via notification
- It shows whether the value tends to rise or fall
- Compare companies and agencies on a single screen
Where to find flash sales
There's no point in refreshing the airline's website all night. The most practical way is to have a search app monitoring the route and sending notifications when the price drops. That way, you'll only be contacted when it's worthwhile.
The alert works for a specific date or for an entire period. For those with flexibility, the second option offers many more opportunities.
How to activate the alert via mobile phone, step by step
This tutorial uses the free KAYAK app. Enable notifications when the app prompts you: that's how you'll receive the late-night deals.
Search for the passage
Open the app, tap on Flights, and enter your origin, destination, and dates. If you have flexibility, leave the dates open to see more options.
See the cheapest dates
The calendar shows the cheapest days in color. Flight fares for overnight flights usually appear in the cheapest shades.
Sort and filter by time
Sort by Cheapest and use the departure time filter to see only early morning flights. Compare the price with flights at regular times.
Turn on price alerts
On the results screen, activate the Price Alert. When the fare drops, the app will notify you instantly, even if it's the middle of the night.
Tips for taking advantage of promotions
- Keep your documents and card handy for quick purchases
- Check your flight schedule: early morning flights require transportation to the airport
- Create alerts for two or three destinations at the same time
- Compare the fare with baggage included before booking
- Don't wait too long: the flash sale disappears in a few hours
Is flying at dawn worth it?
For short trips, almost always. The savings usually more than cover the taxi or ride-sharing app fare to the airport, and the flight itself is smoother, with shorter lines and fewer cascading delays.
On long trips, it's worth considering the arrival time. A flight that departs in the early morning and arrives in the morning can save you a night's hotel stay, which further increases the difference in your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the price alert paid?
No. Creating and receiving alerts is free.
Can I receive alerts for more than one destination?
Yes, you can. You can create as many alerts as you want, one for each segment.
Does the promotional fare offer fewer benefits?
It depends on the category. Check the baggage and rebooking rules before purchasing.
See also
LEARN HOW TO BUY CHEAP FLIGHTS ➝
LEARN HOW TO TRAVEL WITH POINTS ➝
LEARN HOW TO PUT TOGETHER A PACKAGE FOR BUENOS AIRES ➝
With the alert activated, the promotion comes to you. Just be ready to buy when the notification arrives.
