How to Save Money on Flights
Cheap flights are a great way to save money while traveling. Here are some tips that will help you save money while traveling.
Plan Your Trip Early
Planning your trip is easier if you are a early bird.
Most major airlines load their flight schedules about a year before departure. You may find cheap airfares if your plans are made far in advance. However, this is not an exact way to save and you could be subject to schedule changes.
Hopper, an airfare prediction tool, suggests that you will have the best chance to secure the lowest airfares between 25 and 150 days prior to travel. This means that you don't necessarily need to be the world’s most organized planner to find a bargain.
Many international destinations had a "prime booking window" that was just two to four months ahead. You might be able to find deals for certain places like Europe or Africa in the future, so start searching as soon as possible.
Flexibility in Travel Dates and Times
Prices fluctuate according to season as well as by day and time. You can be flexible about travel dates and times in order to get the best flights.
Best Times of Year
Some destinations have year-round attractions. Others are busier at specific times. Winter in Europe, or the Caribbean for that matter, is one example. Consider traveling during quieter months so that flights are cheaper if you have the time.
Skyscanner, a flight-search site, has found that January is the most expensive month to fly domestically after the holidays. Then September and October are the best months for kids back to school. Prices tend to rise in July, however.
Top Days of the Week
Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the most affordable days to fly. Leisure passengers are more likely to fly on weekends or later in week. It's possible to save big if you arrange your travel plans for midweek.
Best Times of Day
Also, consider the times other passengers may not be as interested in booking. You might think about the first flight at dawn, the last one at night, or an overnight "red eye" flight. One of those flights could save you money on your night's lodging because you can sleep onboard the plane.
Compare Flight Prices
Compare prices and be aware of any price changes before booking tickets.
You can track airfares over a time period on third-party websites, such as Skyscanner. Calendar searches allow you to see price fluctuations for weeks and months. You can then determine if certain dates, times or airlines are available. This will help you save money.
A Kayak alert can be used to set up airfare alerts and save you money. Log in to the account and input parameters such as destination and origin, dates or months, and if you prefer nonstop flights. You can also choose to set your search as "flexible", with a price range and wait to see what else comes up. If airfares fall after you search, the site will inform you and you can make a booking at that moment.
