To save money, you first need to understand how airlines set their prices. Airline prices are constantly changing based on factors such as demand, time of day, season, and even the day of the week. Airline fares are adjusted in real time based on complex formulas. This means that the price you see now may not be the same in a few hours. Understanding that these price changes are normal can help you plan and time your ticket purchase to get the best price. Understanding price changes is essential, and for travel, knowing how prices change can save you a lot of money.
Be Flexible with Your Travel Schedule
One of the best ways to save money is to be flexible. If you can avoid traveling on weekends, holidays, or during peak hours, you can find cheaper flights. Fridays and Sundays are usually the most expensive days to fly, while Tuesdays and Wednesdays are usually the cheapest days. Fare comparison tools show prices for multiple time periods and can help you find the cheapest days. If you have a flexible schedule, you can save a lot of money by traveling outside of peak hours.
Choose Multiple Airports if Possible
Many large cities have more than one airport, and it can be cheaper to fly to a smaller or nearby airport. For example, if you want to save money on flights to New York, you can check prices at JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark. Some budget airlines use secondary runways that are farther from the city center but offer much lower prices. Before you book, check prices at all nearby airports and consider the cost of getting to your final destination. In many cases, it can be worth traveling long distances because it saves money.
Best Time to Book
Many people think that you get the best price by booking your flight in advance, but that is not always the case. For domestic flights, the best time to book is usually one to three months in advance. For international flights, the best time to book is three to six months in advance. However, there are also deals for last-minute travelers. Price alerts let you keep an eye on prices and get notified when they drop. If you plan your purchase carefully based on research and alerts, you’ll be more likely to find the cheapest fare without having to guess.
Use Flight Comparison Websites and Tools
For travelers on a budget, price comparison sites are essential. You can quickly view prices from many airlines and booking sites on sites like Skyscanner, Google Flights, Kayak, and Momondo. These tools often offer flexible search options, such as showing the cheapest month or the cheapest destination from your departure city. If you look at many different options, you may find deals that aren’t on the airline’s website. But always check the airline’s website first to be sure. They may offer special deals or lower baggage fees.
Receive Airline Newsletters and Fare Alerts
Many companies send special offers and discount codes to people who sign up for their emails. By signing up for newsletters and price alerts, you can be the first to receive special deals. Services like Secret Flying, Scott’s Cheap Flights, and Airfarewatchdog send you deals based on the routes and destinations you’re planning to fly to. These alerts are especially useful for travelers who are willing to travel to multiple destinations. Staying alert will increase your chances of taking advantage of deals as they come along.
Pack Smart to Avoid Extra Fees
Extra fees, especially baggage fees, are one way airlines make money. Many budget airlines have low base fares but high fees for things like checked baggage, seat selection, and even carry-on luggage. If you can, you can save money by only bringing one carry-on bag. Create a packing plan to ensure you only bring the essentials and don’t overpack. Reading the airline’s checked baggage policy before you pack can help you avoid extra fees at the airport and reduce your overall costs.
Taking Advantage of Stopovers and Layovers
A flight with a stopover is usually cheaper than a direct flight. If you are not in a hurry, you can save a lot of money by choosing a flight with one or more stops. Another advantage of some airlines is that you can reserve an extra seat for free during your stopover. Find out which airlines offer such offers and use them to turn your stopover into a short trip. This is a good idea to save money and enjoy your trip more.
Take a Short Trip with a Budget Airline
For short or regional trips, budget airlines are a good choice. These airlines usually have fewer facilities on board, but the fares are much lower. Many budget airlines, such as Ryanair, EasyJet, and Air Asia, mainly offer flights to and from major cities in Europe and Asia. Items such as luggage, snacks, and even boarding passes often cost extra, so read the fine print. However, if you are prepared, you can still save a lot of money on your trip with a budget airline.
Conclusion
Saving money on airfare is not just a matter of luck; you need to plan ahead, do your homework, be flexible, and use the right tools. There are many ways to make your trip cheaper, such as being flexible with times and airports and using loyalty programs and the internet to book your trip. Planning ahead and understanding your schedule will help you fly more often, further, and within your budget. Learning how to book wisely will help you get the best prices without sacrificing your travel experience.
FAQs
1. When is the best time to book a flight?
Typically, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the best times to book a flight, but this can change. For the most accurate times, it’s best to use a tool that lets you compare prices and view fare alerts.
2. Is it safe to fly on a budget airline?
Yes, budget flights are generally safe because they have to follow the same safety regulations as major airlines. However, be aware that there are additional fees and fewer amenities.
3. Is a one-way ticket cheaper than a return ticket?
It depends. Sometimes a return ticket is cheaper, but you can also save money by taking two different flights or buying a one-way ticket.
4. Do flight prices drop at the last minute?
Sometimes yes, but not always. Certain routes and off-peak times offer more last-minute deals. It is safer and cheaper to book in advance.
5. Can I really save money with points or miles?
Of course. Credit card points and frequent flyer miles can be redeemed for free or very cheap trips. If you know how to earn and redeem points wisely, you can travel more for less.
