Flying can get expensive, especially if you travel often or have a big family to buy tickets for. But, fear not! This article will guide you through various ways to save money on plane tickets and ensure that you get the best deals possible for your next flight.
The Importance of Timing
The prices of airline tickets are constantly fluctuating, based on several factors. By understanding these factors and acting accordingly, you can secure better prices for your flights.
Book at the Right Time
While there is no perfect formula for timing, experts suggest booking between six weeks and four months in advance for domestic flights, and two months to five months for international flights.
Last-minute deals might also be available for flights with empty seats, although counting on them can be risky.
Shop on Weekdays
Airlines typically release sales and discounted fares early in the week.
By shopping on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays, you’re likely to find lower-priced tickets compared to browsing and booking over the weekend.
Be Flexible with Dates
If your travel dates aren’t set in stone, try playing around with different departure and return dates. Flights on weekdays (especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays) tend to be less expensive than those on weekends.
Also, avoid traveling during peak seasons such as holidays or school breaks when ticket prices are usually higher.
Search Smart: Use Flight Comparison Websites and Tools
Rather than searching each individual airline’s website, use flight comparison sites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Kayak to get an overview of all available options.
These sites can also help you set up fare alerts, which will notify you when the price of a particular flight drops.
Be aware that some low-cost carriers may not be listed on these websites, so it’s essential to double-check their official sites for deals and possible discounts too.
Also, clear your browser’s cache and cookies before searching as certain websites could track your searches and show higher prices.
Leverage Airline Credit Cards and Points
If you’re a frequent traveler, consider applying for an airline credit card that offers rewards points or miles for each dollar spent on purchases, like groceries or gas.
These points can be redeemed later for flights or other travel-related expenses. Moreover, most airline credit cards come with perks such as free checked luggage, priority boarding, and access to airport lounges.
Join Loyalty Programs
Signing up for an airline’s loyalty program is free and allows you to accumulate miles with every flight taken, which can eventually result in a free trip or discounted tickets.
Try focusing on one or two airlines if possible, to maximize your points accumulation.
Partner Programs and Bonuses
- Many airlines partner with hotels or car rental companies, allowing you to earn additional points or miles when booking these services together.
- Credit card issuers often have limited-time promotions with partnering airlines, providing bonus miles or points for spending on specific categories.
Make sure to subscribe to newsletters and monitor any special offers that come your way through these programs.
Consider Alternative Airports
If you live near or are traveling to a city with multiple airports, look into the cost of flying into or out of different locations.
Secondary airports can be less busy and may offer cheaper flights due to lower landing fees for airlines.
However, also account for the additional transportation cost (e.g., train or taxi) to transfer between airports, as this could offset any potential savings on airfare.
Take Advantage of Discount Airlines and Fare Classes
Opting for a budget airline is another way to save on plane tickets. Though it usually comes with fewer amenities and stricter luggage regulations, flying a low-cost carrier can result in substantial savings if you’re willing to make some trade-offs.
Also, consider booking in economy class instead of business or first class, as ticket prices tend to be much lower. If legroom is essential to you, look into whether the airline offers premium economy seating at a lower price than business class.
Book One-Way Tickets or Split Ticketing
It’s a common misconception that round-trip tickets are always cheaper than two one-way tickets, but this isn’t always the case.
In fact, booking two separate one-way tickets can sometimes result in lower costs.
Moreover, if your travel plans involve multiple destinations, try “split-ticketing” – purchasing individual tickets for each leg rather than a single round-trip or multi-city itinerary.
This approach allows you to take advantage of short-term sales or fare discrepancies between different airlines.
Ultimately, saving on plane tickets requires research, flexibility, and strategic utilization of rewards programs and promotions.
With these strategies and a bit of effort, you’ll be well on your way to securing unbeatable flight deals for your next trip.
