Getting the Best Deal for your Ticket; Tips For Buying Plane Tickets
However, even with the best laid plans and strategies, there are still additional ways to stretch your travel budget further and save on airline tickets. Beyond the basic tips, consider these advanced strategies and insights for securing the most affordable airfares.
Global oil prices have risen considerably in the last few years, which have in turn escalated airlines ticket prices. This is exactly not the right kind of news for anyone planning to go for holiday-it means “digging more” into your budget. However, it pays to be proactive – there are always ways of getting a bargain when everyone is complaining. Here are some suggested tips- it will surely save that penny or dollar that you need to save.
Best time for booking air tickets
For domestic flight, book air tickets six weeks before departure. If you are going overseas, book your air ticket at least eight weeks before departure. This period is when many airlines get aggressive about discounts with an aim of filling empty seats.
Where and how to find airfare sales
The best day for looking for air sales is on Wednesday. This is because many airlines start sales starts on Tuesday. This sale usually lasts for 24 to 48 hours. When major airlines announce their sale, other airlines are compelled to follow suit. According to the C.E.O of CheapAir.com, Jeff Klee,“In the last few years, the time frame for airline sales has significantly reduced; it used to be seven to ten days, but not more airlines offer their sales within 48-hours starting from Tuesday. The best way of checking for a great discount is by regularly checking for flight information on a regular basis, at least once a week so that when you see a good deal, you grab it”
The best way for saving on airfare during holidays
The single best way of saving is by avoiding travelling during peak time. The laws of demand and supply apply here. The more the passengers, the higher the prices-the worse days is flying on the eve of a holiday- Prices tend to skyrocket.
Sign up for regular updates
Airline tickets keep on changing based on various factors- it thus helps if you are regularly updated on the prices to your preferred destination. You can sign-up in one of the many sites available-some sites are free, while others are premium. One excellent site for regular updates on airline prices is Airfarewatchdog.com
Do your own research
Some little research on your air ticket will not do any harm. Making an effort, always pay. Research should be centered on your selected airline. This is because what is present on third party website is not always the right price. Many airlines have now lunched their own private sales, and often reserve the best fare in their own websites. Some excellent sites for airline/air ticket price research include Travelocity, Orbitz, and Expedia.
Always for an airline, that offers rebates
As earlier mentioned, air ticket prices are not stable. In some cases, the drop prices way below the advertised prices. When this happens, some airlines do offer rebates. Such rebates come in handy and can save you money that you desperately need. In addition, shop around to learn of the airlines with the best rebates.
Use Flight Comparison Tools
Flight comparison tools and websites are essential for ensuring you’re getting the best deal. Websites like Skyscanner, Kayak, and Google Flights aggregate data from numerous airlines and travel agencies, providing a comprehensive view of available flights and prices. These tools often include features like price alerts, which notify you when the price for your desired route drops, ensuring you don’t miss out on potential savings.
Flexible Travel Dates and Airports
Flexibility with your travel dates can significantly impact the cost of your airfare. Prices can vary dramatically depending on the day of the week, time of year, and even the time of day you choose to fly. For instance, flying mid-week is often cheaper than weekend flights. Additionally, being flexible with your departure and arrival airports can also result in substantial savings. Sometimes, flying into a nearby airport and then taking ground transportation to your final destination can be cheaper than flying directly.
Utilize Frequent Flyer Programs and Credit Card Rewards
If you travel frequently, enrolling in frequent flyer programs and using travel reward credit cards can lead to significant savings over time. Many airlines offer loyalty programs that reward you with points or miles for each flight, which can later be redeemed for free or discounted tickets. Similarly, many credit cards offer travel rewards points for every dollar spent, which can be redeemed for flights, hotels, and other travel-related expenses. Some cards even offer sign-up bonuses that can be worth a free flight.
Book Round-Trip or Multi-City Flights
Booking round-trip tickets can often be cheaper than purchasing two one-way tickets. Additionally, consider booking multi-city flights if your travel plans involve visiting multiple destinations. Airlines often offer discounts for multi-city itineraries, and this can be a more economical option compared to booking separate flights for each leg of your journey.
Consider Alternative Airlines
While major airlines are the go-to for many travelers, budget or low-cost carriers can offer significant savings. These airlines often provide no-frills services at a fraction of the cost. However, it’s important to read the fine print as these carriers may charge extra for checked baggage, seat selection, and onboard refreshments. Some popular low-cost airlines include Southwest Airlines, Ryanair, and JetBlue.
Use Incognito Mode for Searches
When searching for flights online, your browsing history can impact the prices you see. Airlines and travel websites use cookies to track your searches and may increase prices if they see that you’re repeatedly searching for the same route. To avoid this, use your browser’s incognito or private browsing mode, which prevents cookies from being stored and can help you find the lowest prices.
Last-Minute Deals and Error Fares
While it’s generally advised to book in advance, sometimes last-minute deals can offer substantial savings. Airlines occasionally reduce prices on flights with unsold seats as the departure date approaches. Additionally, keep an eye out for error fares—these are mistakes made by airlines or travel agencies in listing prices, often resulting in significantly discounted tickets. Websites like Secret Flying and The Flight Deal specialize in finding and sharing these error fares with travelers.
Avoid Extra Fees
Extra fees can quickly add up and negate any savings you might have achieved on your ticket price. To avoid these, pack light to avoid checked baggage fees, bring your own snacks and drinks, and choose your seat when booking rather than paying extra for seat selection later. Also, be mindful of change and cancellation fees, and try to book with airlines that have more flexible policies.
Travel During Off-Peak Seasons
Traveling during off-peak seasons can result in substantial savings. Peak travel times, such as summer holidays, Christmas, and New Year, often see skyrocketing ticket prices due to high demand. Conversely, traveling during shoulder seasons (the period between peak and off-peak seasons) can yield lower prices and fewer crowds. For example, traveling to Europe in late September or October can be much cheaper than during the summer months.
Book Flights Separately
Sometimes booking separate legs of your journey with different airlines can be cheaper than booking a single through ticket with one airline. This is especially true for international flights, where flying to a major hub and then booking a separate flight to your final destination can result in significant savings. However, this approach requires careful planning to ensure sufficient layover time between flights