There’s nothing like getting a great deal on airline tickets to your next destination. If you search tirelessly for that next great deal on tickets and feel like you aren’t getting anywhere, you may need a few tips to end the frustration and take some of your time back. Here are 12 ways that may help you lower your costs for airline tickets!
1. Keep Your Schedule Flexible
Try reserving tickets on different days of the week, or search on a site that shows you the price for your flight on different days of the month you want to fly. This can allow you to see the lowest prices for the whole month and save you hundreds if your schedule is flexible.
2. Use Credit Card Points
If you have credit cards that accumulate points with airlines, then you may be able to save a lot of money on airline tickets. These cards work best for people who fly regularly and use credit cards regularly to accumulate points.
3. Find the Best Flight Search Engine
Take some time to narrow down the flight search engines that work the best for you and the way you like to travel. Some search engines cater to budget travel, while others will have lower prices for first-class and business-class tickets.
4. Read the Fine Print
Some budget airlines have great prices until you start adding in all of the extra costs. You can have charges for fees, taxes, baggage, a carry-on, and even printing a ticket at the airport! Pay attention to what you are spending in total to sacrifice a more luxurious airline.
5. Consider Flying to a Different City
One of the easiest ways to save money on a plane ticket is to fly into a major airport. You could save hundreds and only have to drive a little longer. Check all airports in the area you want to fly into and expand your radius a little to make sure you are getting the best rate.
6. Use Airline Points
If you frequently fly, sign up for points with the airline you like to use. You receive benefits for being a reoccurring customer toward your future flights.
7. Consider Purchasing a Longer Flight
If you want to save money, sometimes a flight with a long layover is cheaper. The same is true for flights that show up at your destination the next day. Depending on your destination, this could be a significant saving.
8. Fly Off-Season
Going on vacation to a beach location in the spring or fall instead of the summer may save you money on your whole vacation. Know the peak season for tourism and try to plan your vacation during the off-season. If you don’t want to go during the potential for inclement weather, try going at the very beginning or the end of the seasonal peak.
9. Try Multi-City Flights
Many flight search engines will let you book flights to many cities all at once. Bulk purchases can save a lot of money, and you will have your tickets to several different places reserved well in advance.
10. Check with Local Airlines
Smaller airports aren’t as popular in online search engines. If you fly to a remote destination, search for a local airline and then call to verify pricing for your flight. This can sometimes give you a lower rate because they are selling the ticket directly to you.
11. Book as Soon as Possible
As soon as you know where you are going and when you’d like to fly, find your plane ticket and book it. The longer you wait, the more expensive your ticket.
12. Search for Flights Secretly!
Use private browsing mode to search for your flights on search engines. If a travel website has cookies in your browser, they can increase the prices on the trips you are interested in each time you visit the site.
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