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On a plane filled with passengers, you can bet that some individuals paid considerably less than others. How do they do that? What’s the secret to saving big bucks on airline tickets no matter where in the world you’re flying?
Travelers know there’s a simple way to save money every time they buy. It’s something you learn over time through trial and error. Of course, there are also ways to cut your learning curve and become a savvy traveler right from the start. Using these tricks, you’ll be able to navigate the airline industry like a pro and fly for pennies on the dollar.
The secret to booking
Everyone has insight on the best way to book a flight.
- Buy on Tuesdays
- Book months in advance
- Book one flight at a time
- Round-trip deals are the best
If you surf travel blogs enough, you’ll find all this advice and more. However, the truth falls somewhere in the middle. There really isn’t a “best” way to book. Instead, it takes diligence.
Get comfortable with what flights cost and what you’re willing to spend. Sign up for newsletters for the airlines you fly with the most. They sometimes offer sales or last-minute cheap deals that save you time and money. You should also set up alerts with apps and websites like Kayak or Skyscanner that keep a constant eye on flights you’re interested in.
Check multiple sites
We’re taught to price shop when looking for the best deals on everything from appliances to groceries. The same applies to flights. Checking multiple resources can sometimes save you a lot of money.
First, start with your favorite. In the end, it might offer you the best deal. Likewise, try pulling up a few flight search engines to see what they offer. Hopper, for example, makes it easy with its mobile app. Momondo can also be a great tool when comparing international itineraries.
You should also check your preferred airline for the trip, as they sometimes offer good deals, especially with budget airlines.
Consider baggage fees
Budget airlines may seem like a great deal until you add up all the fees. They may charge less for the ticket but make it up in baggage fees.
Plus, they are sticklers for following the rules. In other words, they have specific baggage requirements, and you’ll pay the price if you deviate from them.
Check alternative airports
If you’re flying into a city and have some flexibility with location, you might check multiple airports in the area. Smaller airports might offer a better deal, and it could add hours to your stay. If you don’t have to fight long security lines, you can navigate the airport easier, and maybe save money in other areas, such as rental car fees.
This can also give you a chance to explore areas you might not have visited before. Instead of flying into the heart of a city, try a nearby location and stay a day or two to explore a new region.
Check single fares
With specific dates in mind, a round-trip ticket may make sense. But if you book it in increments, you may save money on airfare while trying out new locations you’ve never visited before. Moreover, you don’t have to fly with the same airline on every leg of your trip. And by doing it incrementally, you might have a layover for a day or two in a new place.
Instead of thinking exclusively about your final destination, take some time to use flight search engines to see what makes sense. If you can’t book a non-stop flight, consider your choices for transferring flights. Spending a few days there might also give you a break in cost as you continue your journey.
Use a travel agent
It might seem old-fashioned, but a good travel agent knows the business well and can offer tips and tricks to get the most out of where you’re going. Do your research early and have a price in mind from your online search. Then see if they can beat it.
Depending on your final destination, they might have deals that aren’t available through online resources. They also have the ability to offer additional guarantees, such as help if you have issues with your flight.
Sign up for rewards programs
Airlines offer rewards programs to entice loyalty. Most of these programs are free, so there isn’t a reason not to use them. Every program provides its own unique benefits, so pay attention to what they offer. It might be worth sticking with an airline if you travel often enough.
But even if you only use an airline occasionally, the rewards points still can add up. If you’re flying anyway, why not join an airline’s rewards program if you can gain additional perks?
You can also use reward points for perks other than free flights. Consider using them to bump you from economy to business class. This way, you can enjoy a lovely flight without having to shell out additional funding to pay for it.
Final thoughts on finding airline tickets at reasonable costs
These are just a few of the many ways to keep from overspending on the flights you take each year. The best way to save is to become more aware of your options. Instead of sticking with the same old routine, a quick search could save you hundreds of dollars in airfare and give you more money to play with once you get there.
Enjoy your flight!