Vacation expenses can add up quick. One easy way to cut down on costs is to be smart about booking your flights. These days it seems like airfares are constantly increasing, but here are some insider tips to help you save the most when booking flights.
Search in Advance
Start looking for flights early. In generally, you will hear people recommend booking domestic flights 30 days in advance and international flights 4 months in advance. While this is a good rule of thumb, it really depends on the airline and route, so it’s best to start looking early.
Use a Search Service
When searching for flights, use a flight search that looks at multiple airlines. Kayak is a popular one but it doesn’t always show budget airlines. It’s also always a good idea to use multiple sites to search, just to make sure you are getting the best deal. Some of the best flight search sites are Skyscanner, Momondo, and Google Flights. In general, Southwest flights will NOT appear in these searches. So don’t forget to always check their page for flights too, because you can often find good deals with them.
Use a Fare Tracker
No one can guarantee what airfares are going to do, but it doesn’t hurt to use a fare tracker. A lot of the websites mentioned above have their own fare tracking service, or you can also use an app like Hopper. These services look at the pricing history of similar flights as well as the changes in the flight you are interested in and can alert you when they think it’s the best time to purchase your tickets.
Be Flexible in Your Travel Days and Times
In general, the most in-demand flights are going to be the highest priced. The more flexibility you have with your travel day and times, the more likely you are to find savings. Sometimes just one day can make a difference of hundreds of dollars in ticket price.
Look for Basic Economy Fares
These days, more airlines are trying to offer low fare alternatives. You will see this with the budget airlines like Spirit or JetBlue, as well as most of the other major airlines offering it in addition to their usual ticket options. It can be tricky to navigate these because often times basic economy fares come with additional restrictions and limitations. It’s important to know what you’re getting into before buying one of these tickets. For some people they are a great fit and allow them to save money, but for other people, all the add-ons end up costing them more in the long run. Each airline is different but here are just some of the differences you could encounter with these:
- No choosing your seat and no guarantee that group seats will be together
- You must print your ticket ahead of time otherwise there is a fee
- You are often the last to board the plane
- Baggage restrictions. Some air lines only allow you one personal item and no carry-ons
- No cancelations or changes of any kind
- Reduced mileage or points for rewards programs
- No in-flight snack or beverage
Use a Rewards Credit Card
If you fly often, it’s worth it to look into an airline rewards credit card. Sometimes signing up for the card alone is nearly enough points to get you a free flight. Additionally, if you’re a member of an airlines rewards program, you’re also more likely to get free upgrades and sometimes even companion tickets, which allow you to bring another person with you on flights for free.
Consider Nearby Airports
When booking your flight, consider other airports near your destination. Depending on the airline and where you’re flying, different airports will be cheaper, especially if it is a hub for the airline. Many flight search pages allow you to select an option to look at nearby airports for both your departure and destination. You could find that going 20 minutes out of your way could save you hundreds of dollars!
Finding cheap flights is possible, the biggest thing is to just be flexible. Use our advice above and you’ll be on your way to your favorite vacation destination in no time! n