When planning travel, airfare can be a top concern as prices can swing from reasonable to exorbitant without much warning. Thankfully, there are still some tactics at your disposal to save money on airfare without spending an arm and a leg.
Everyone says it can be very time-consuming to find budget flights so here is how the process goes for you. But there are techniques you can use to save big on trips, so that you can actually take the vacation of your dreams (without depleting your savings account).
How to Find Affordable Flights
1. Book in Advance
Timing is key when it comes to snagging affordable airfare. Research based on over 11,000 domestic flights reveals that booking approximately 49 days (or seven weeks) in advance is often the sweet spot for securing the best deals.
For peak travel periods like holidays, consider booking even further in advance, with optimal savings observed at around 96 days (or 14 weeks) before travel.
2. Choose Off-Peak Travel Days
Opting for less popular travel days can result in substantial savings on airfare. In the United States, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday typically offer the cheapest flights, as they are less favored by consumers. Conversely, flights on Mondays, Fridays, and Sundays tend to be more expensive due to higher demand.
3. Consider Alternative Flight Times
Flying during non-peak hours, such as very early mornings or late evenings, often translates to lower ticket prices. Many travelers prefer not to fly at these times, making early and late flights more budget-friendly options compared to flights during standard business hours.
4. Be Flexible with Layovers
While nonstop flights may be convenient, they often come with a premium price tag. Embracing layovers can lead to significant cost savings, as flights with at least one layover tend to be more affordable. By accepting this minor inconvenience, you can enjoy substantial reductions in airfare expenses.
5. Utilize Online Resources
The internet is a valuable tool for finding affordable flights. Utilize fare comparison search engines like Kayak.com or Google’s Flight Search to compare prices across different airlines and travel dates.
Take advantage of features such as flexible date searches and nearby airport options to uncover the best deals and maximize your savings potential.
6. Stay Updated via Social Media
Follow your preferred airlines on social media platforms and subscribe to their mailing lists to stay informed about exclusive deals and promotions. Many airlines offer insider discounts and special offers to their followers, providing opportunities for additional savings on airfare.
7. Consider Co-Branded Credit Cards
Explore the benefits of co-branded airline credit cards, which often offer perks such as airline miles, free checked baggage, and sign-up bonuses.
By using these cards for your travel expenses, you can accrue rewards that offset the cost of future flights and enhance your overall travel experience.
8. Join Frequent Flyer Programs
Enroll in frequent flyer programs offered by airlines to earn miles for your airfare purchases. Accumulating miles through these programs can lead to free or discounted flights, allowing you to stretch your travel budget further and enjoy additional perks while flying.
9. Explore Alternative Airports
Compare airfare prices across airports located within a 100-mile radius of your destination. Airfare variations between nearby airports can be substantial, making it worthwhile to consider alternative departure and arrival points to secure the best deals on flights.
Conclusion
For most regular airline passengers you can see savings with each of these separately, but when done in combination with one another the discounts become very significant. Begin by perusing the internet and think about not only flying during off-peak hours, but also flying out of alternate airports.
Check out airlines promotions and reward plans and be on the look-out for more destinations that you land into reduced prices. With a proactive mindset and some adaptability, you can save your pocket from burning a hole in it with costly airfare options and quell the heart of your explorer soul without leaving your budget in lurch.
