If you’re someone who loves to save money on travel, Delta Airlines’ Price Calendar is a tool you’ll want to get familiar with. For travelers who don’t have rigid dates and are open to a bit of flexibility, Delta’s Price Calendar makes it easy to find the best fares across a month. By checking fare trends on different days, you can make informed choices and ensure you’re getting the best deal available. In this post, we’ll dive into how Delta’s Price Calendar works, how to use it, and tips to get the most out of it. Whether you’re booking a quick weekend getaway or a family vacation, the Price Calendar is here to help you save.
What is Delta’s Price Calendar?
Delta’s Price Calendar, also known as the Low Fare Calendar, is an interactive tool that shows you the lowest available fares on Delta Airlines across a month for selected routes. Instead of guessing which days might be cheaper, you can get a clear view of fare patterns on specific dates, allowing you to choose travel days when prices are at their lowest.
For those who can be flexible with their travel plans, the Price Calendar is a powerful way to unlock affordable flights. It’s especially useful for budgeting travel, as it highlights when fares are at their peak versus when prices are most favorable.
How to Access Delta’s Price Calendar
To start using the Delta Price Calendar, here’s a quick step-by-step guide:
- Visit Delta’s Website: Head to Delta’s official website (www.delta.com) and begin your flight search.
- Select “Flexible Dates” or “Low Fare Calendar” Option: When you enter your destination and preferred dates, make sure to select the “Flexible Dates” or “Low Fare Calendar” option. This will direct you to a calendar view with fares across the selected month.
- Choose Departure and Arrival Cities: Enter your departure and destination cities as usual. The Price Calendar works best on specific routes, so it’s a great tool if you already know where you’re headed.
- Set Flexible Date Range: The Price Calendar works for a wide range of dates, so if your travel dates aren’t set in stone, this is where you can adjust your search. You can select up to a 30-day range to view fares over the entire month.
- View Results on the Calendar: Once you’ve entered all the details, click search. You’ll see a month-long calendar view showing the lowest fares available for each date.
Understanding the Calendar’s Layout
When the Price Calendar loads, it will display the cheapest fare available on each day of the selected month. Days with the lowest fares are highlighted, giving you an at-a-glance view of the best days to fly. Typically, mid-week dates (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) show lower prices than weekend days, though there are always exceptions.
You can click on individual dates to see more detailed fare options, such as different cabin classes or additional Delta fare categories like Basic Economy, Main Cabin, and Comfort+. This way, you can compare and select the fare that best matches your preferences and budget.
Benefits of Using Delta’s Price Calendar
The Price Calendar can be a lifesaver for budget-conscious travelers, but it offers even more value beyond just low fares:
- Ease of Planning: Instead of conducting multiple searches across different dates, the calendar consolidates all fare data for the month in one place, making it easier to find affordable days to fly.
- Fare Awareness: Delta’s Price Calendar gives you insights into fare patterns and helps you spot trends for future travel planning. It’s a useful learning tool to understand pricing fluctuations on certain routes.
- Save Time and Money: By using the calendar, you avoid the need to check fare changes manually every day. It’s a real time-saver, allowing you to lock in a good deal without endless searching.
Top Tips for Maximizing the Price Calendar
While Delta’s Price Calendar is straightforward to use, here are some expert tips to make sure you’re getting the most out of it:
- Be Flexible with Dates: The more flexible you can be, the more likely you’ll find lower fares. If you’re open to shifting your trip by a day or two, the savings can add up.
- Book Midweek Flights: The Price Calendar often shows cheaper fares for flights departing on Tuesdays and Wednesdays compared to Fridays or Sundays. This is a common trend across airlines, as midweek flights tend to have lower demand.
- Consider Alternative Airports: If your destination has multiple airports, check to see if fares vary by airport. Flying into or out of a secondary airport can sometimes yield significant savings, and the Price Calendar can help you identify these options.
- Check for Nonstop vs. Connecting Flights: Nonstop flights are typically more expensive, but the Price Calendar lets you toggle between nonstop and connecting options to see if a layover could reduce your fare. For travelers who don’t mind an extra stop, this can be an easy way to save.
- Leverage Delta Skymiles: If you’re a member of Delta’s Skymiles loyalty program, using miles in combination with the Price Calendar can help you further reduce costs. The Price Calendar will show both cash and mile-based fares, giving you flexibility in how you pay.
- Use Price Alerts for Additional Savings: While the Price Calendar shows you fares across the month, prices can still fluctuate. Setting up a fare alert for your route can keep you informed if prices drop further.
The Best Time to Use the Price Calendar
Delta’s Price Calendar is useful year-round, but it’s especially valuable during popular travel seasons when prices are typically higher. Whether you’re booking a summer vacation, a winter holiday trip, or a spring break getaway, using the Price Calendar to book early can help you secure the best fare before prices rise.
Many travelers have found success booking flights 6-8 weeks before departure using the calendar, as it tends to reflect some of the most competitive prices during this window.
Final Thoughts: Why Delta’s Price Calendar is Worth Using
The Delta Price Calendar is one of the best tools available for budget-savvy travelers. With its month-long view of fares, you can make smarter booking choices, save money, and have a smoother travel experience overall. Instead of the frustrating experience of refreshing prices daily, the Price Calendar lays out all the options, making it easy to choose dates with lower fares.
If you’re someone who values flexibility and wants to stretch your travel budget, Delta’s Price Calendar is the way to go. It’s a powerful ally in the quest for affordable travel, helping you unlock the lowest fares while saving time and effort. The next time you’re booking a Delta flight, make sure to check the Price Calendar and watch those savings add up.