GET CHEAP FLIGHTS BOOKED
Travel does not have to break the bank if you know a few insider secrets on booking your flights. Here are some tips on how you can save on your airfare.
1. Book early but not too early
While booking flights well in advance can save you money, buying tickets too early might not always give you the best deal. Try to book your domestic flights 1-3 months in advance, while international flights should be booked 2-6 months before departure. Many discounted fares are released around these times.
3. Book Round-Trip Flights
Flight fares are different on certain days and months. The weekdays and their midweeks, on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, are less likely to cost more than the price on weekend departures. This could also be due to the off-peak months; for example, from late spring to early fall.
3. Compare Flights
Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Kayak are some of the best websites to compare prices across multiple airlines. They also enable you to see the cheapest days to fly and even set alerts for price drops.
4. Use Budget Airlines
Budget airlines, such as Ryanair, AirAsia, and Spirit Airlines, generally charge significantly less than major carriers. You may be sacrificing luxury, but for many, the savings are enough. Look for the caveats with baggage and other fees, though.
5. Join Airline Email Newsletters and Alerts
Many airlines and travel websites send exclusive deals and flash sales to their subscribers. Signing up for these newsletters can give you access to promotions before they’re announced publicly.
6. Use Frequent Flyer Programs and Credit Card Points
Joining airline loyalty programs and using travel credit cards will help you collect points or miles, which can be used for discounted or free flights. Some cards also offer additional perks, such as free checked baggage or priority boarding.
7. Look for Closer Airports
In some cases, flying into or out of smaller, less busy airports can save you money. When searching for flights, look for options for nearby airports and compare the price difference.
8. Book Connecting Flights
While non-stop flights are convenient, opting for connecting flights can significantly lower costs. Just make sure there’s enough layover time to avoid missing your next flight.
9. Clear Your Browser Cookies or Use Incognito Mode
Airlines and travel websites often track your search history and may increase prices based on demand. To avoid this, clear your browser cookies or search for flights in incognito mode.
10. Set Price Alerts
You can track prices for certain routes using tools like Hopper and Google Flights. They will alert you when prices go down so you can book at the right time.
11. Bundle Your Bookings
Some travel websites give you a discount if you book flights with hotels or car rentals. This is not always cheaper, but it is worth checking package deals to see if you can save.
12. Travel Light
Many low-cost airlines have a charge for checked luggage. Packing light and using a carry-on can save you from this charge as well as more money.
13. Error Fares
Airline error sometimes lists an extremely low fare. Secret Flying and The Flight Deal are great sources to find such errors and make the most of them. Be fast because these deals are not available for long.
14. Book in Local Currency
When booking flights through international websites, paying in the airline’s local currency can sometimes save you money. Use a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees to maximize savings.
15. Avoid Peak Booking Hours
Research has indicated that searching for flights late at night or early in the morning may help find lower fares since fewer people are booking during these times.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Finding cheap flights requires a little strategy, flexibility, and good timing. By using these tips, you can have your travel dreams without necessarily stretching your budget. Happy flying!
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