Planning a trip can be exciting, but the cost of plane tickets often puts a damper on our travel dreams. We all know the feeling of seeing those sky-high prices and wondering if we’ll ever get to take that vacation.
But don’t worry- there are ways to save money on flights if you know what to do. I’ll share 15 handy tips to help you snag cheaper plane tickets.
Book early
Buying your tickets well in advance can save you a lot of money. Airlines often offer lower prices for early bookings. Try to book at least 3-4 weeks before domestic flights and 6-8 weeks before international trips. However, be careful not to book too early, as prices might be higher for flights more than 6 months away.
Be flexible with dates
When you can, try to be flexible with your travel dates. Prices can vary a lot depending on the day of the week. Flying mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) is often cheaper than flying on weekends. Use the calendar view on booking sites to compare prices across different dates and find the best deal.
Use price comparison websites
Don’t just stick to one airline’s website. Use price comparison sites like Skyscanner, Kayak, or Google Flights to check prices across multiple airlines. These sites can help you find the cheapest options quickly. Remember to check a few different comparison sites; they don’t all show the same results.
Sign up for airline newsletters
Airlines often send out special deals and promo codes to their email subscribers. Sign up for newsletters from airlines you frequently fly with. This way, you’ll be among the first to know about sales and discounts. Just be sure to check your spam folder so you don’t miss out on any good deals.
Use airline miles and credit card points
If you travel often, consider getting a credit card that earns airline miles or travel points. You can use these points to get free or discounted flights. Some credit cards also offer sign-up bonuses that can be worth a free round-trip ticket. Just make sure to pay off your balance each month to avoid interest charges.
Look for budget airlines
Don’t overlook budget airlines. They often offer much lower prices than major carriers. However, remember that budget airlines may charge extra for things like baggage, seat selection, or even printing your boarding pass. Add up all the costs to make sure you’re really getting a better deal.
Consider nearby airports
Check if there are any alternative airports near your destination. Flying into a smaller airport nearby can sometimes be cheaper than the main city airport. The same goes for your departure – it might be worth driving a bit further to a different airport if the savings are significant.
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Check for student and youth discounts
If you’re a student or under 23, you might be able to get special discounts on flights. Some airlines and travel websites offer lower fares for young people. Sites like STA Travel specialize in student and youth travel deals. Always have your student ID ready, as you might need to show it when you book or at the airport.
Fly during off-peak seasons
Traveling during less popular times can save you a lot. For example, flying to Europe in the fall instead of summer or to the Caribbean in the spring instead of winter. Not only are flights often cheaper, but hotels and activities at your destination might cost less, too. Plus, you’ll avoid the big crowds at popular tourist spots.
Be open to layovers
Direct flights are convenient, but they’re often more expensive. If you’re willing to make one or more stops, you might find much cheaper options. Sometimes, a longer layover can even let you explore an extra city for free. Just make sure you have enough time between flights in case of delays.
Clear your browser cookies
Some think airline websites track your searches and raise prices if you keep checking the same route. While this isn’t proven, clearing your browser cookies or using an incognito window when searching for flights doesn’t hurt. This way, you’re seeing fresh results each time.
Consider package deals
Sometimes, booking your flight and hotel together can be cheaper than booking them separately. Many travel sites offer package deals that can save you money on both. This works especially well for popular vacation destinations. Just be sure to compare the package price with the cost of booking everything on your own.
Use price matching
Some airlines and travel sites offer to match or beat prices you find elsewhere. If you see a great deal but prefer to book directly with an airline or through a specific site, ask if they’ll match the lower price. Not all companies do this, but it’s worth asking.
Book one-way flights
Sometimes, booking two one-way tickets (even on different airlines) can be cheaper than a round-trip ticket. This “travel hacking” strategy can save you money, especially on international trips. It takes more time to search, but the savings can be worth it.
Join airline loyalty programs
Even if you don’t fly often, joining airline loyalty programs is free and can lead to perks. You might get access to special sales, earn miles on your flights (even cheap ones), or get extras like priority boarding. Over time, these benefits can add up to significant savings.
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