Need to know 10 ways to save money on airline flight tickets and airfare? It’s true that airlines can nickel and dime you on everything from an extra bag to onboard WiFi, and with already steep prices, it can feel like you’re paying an arm and a leg to get off the ground. The good news is though that there are a few tips and tricks to get you a deal on your next flight. You don’t have to break the bank on your next vacation or visit home, you just have to use a little planning and preparation. Timing is key, so after you read our list, start planning your next getaway with massive savings. Enjoy our list of 10 ways to save money on airline flight tickets and airfare – and don’t forget to write us from your next destination!
Check the Calendar. This should be a no-brainer, but keep in mind –traveling around the holidays is going to cost you more. Long weekends and summer months are also popular times to fly, so avoiding these times is guaranteed to save you some cash. If you do need to head home for the holidays, book in advance. Apps like Hopper can help you track the best times to fly, and receive alerts when discount deals are available.
Skip the last leg. This is a new (yet controversial) trend in the travel industry. The idea is that you book a flight with a connection for a cheaper price, but skip the last leg of your trip. For example, you might book a flight from Charlotte to New York with a connection in Philly, but skip the Philly to New York flight and still reap the savings. Skiplagged can help you out with this.
Clear your cookies. After you check fares one day, clear your browser’s cookies to keep websites from jacking up the prices the next time you look. Another way around this is to use Google Chrome’s incognito mode, as cookies won’t be stored on your visit.
No-fly days. In general, Fridays and Sundays are the top days for travel (a simple tip on the list of 10 ways to save big on airfare is to avoid booking then, eh?). Booking a flight on lower-traffic days like Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Saturdays will get you the best deals and possibly prevent you from being stuffed on an overcrowded plane.
Take a risk. The risk is that you don’t get to your destination in time and you end up paying what you would normally. But if you’re willing to gamble on a potentially massive payoff, book a flight with a connection you know you can’t make. Your next step is to contact the airline and sweet talk them into rebooking you on a direct flight on their dime. Might work, might not, worth a shot if you’ve got a way with words.
Hit the time-frame sweet spot. Flying in the middle of the day is the most crowded and the most expensive the best time frames are 5-7AM or anytime after 8PM.
Fly on a budget. Budget airlines may not be the most glamorous, but they get you where you need to go. JetBlue, easyJet, WOW air, Ryanair — all these airlines offer no-frills flights at prices you will gawk at.
Watch the sales. Airlines, like any company, frequently offer deals and discounts to select destinations. Signing up for their email newsletters or following their social media platforms is an easy way to stay in the loop about the best time to purchase that flight.
Fly solo. Even if you aren’t. If you’re booking for a group of four, the airline will automatically charge all fliers the same price, even if only one of the seats is more expensive. Search for single seats first before booking for the groups to make sure you’re getting the best price.
Refund your ticket. Many airlines give you 24 hours to change your ticket. Check the policy before purchasing, but follow the flight fare for 24 hours to make sure you got the best deal. If not, cash in on your ticket change to get the better fare.
Cheat Sheet
We can all use some cash-saving tips before booking that flight. You’ll find more on top ways to save money on airline flight tickets and airfare below:
Assistant Editor Ciara is a DC native and East Coast roamer with degrees in both English Professional Writing and Drama & Theatre Studies from Elon University. She's written for a variety of publications including Highway 64, Travel Writing at Elon, and Odyssey. More of her work can be found at ciaracorcoran.com.
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