How to save money on flights

Planning your next adventure? Worried about flight costs? It's a common concern! Flights can eat up a big chunk of your travel budget. But don't worry. You can find ways to save money and still see the world. Let's dive into some tips to help you score cheap flights and travel without emptying your wallet.

Understanding How Flight Prices Work

Ever wonder why flight prices change so much? Airlines use a bunch of factors to decide how much to charge. Here are some key things that affect the price of your ticket:

• Season: Flights are usually more expensive when everyone wants to travel. Think summer, holidays, and school breaks.
• Day of the Week: It used to be that Tuesdays and Wednesdays were the cheapest days. This isn't always true anymore. Still, try flying on different days to see if it saves you money.
• Time of Day: Want to save some cash? Consider red-eye flights (the ones that fly overnight). Early morning flights can also be cheaper.
• How Full the Plane Is: The more seats that are sold, the higher the price goes. Book early to get a better deal.
• Fuel Costs: When gas prices go up, so do flight prices.
• Competition: If lots of airlines fly the same route, prices tend to be lower.
• Big Events: Going to a concert or a sports game? Flights to that city will probably cost more.

Proven Ways to Find Cheap Flights

Now that you know what affects flight prices, let's talk strategy. Here are some of the best ways to find cheap flights.

1. Be Flexible!

This is the most important tip. Being flexible with your dates and destination opens up a world of possibilities.

• Use Flexible Date Tools: Sites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak let you search for flights across a range of dates, or even a whole month. This helps you pinpoint the cheapest days to fly.
• Think About Different Airports: Don't just look at the main airport. Nearby, smaller airports might have much lower fares.
• Consider Underrated Destinations: Forget the usual tourist traps. Visiting less popular places can mean cheaper flights and cheaper hotels.

2. Book Early (But Not Too Early)

Don't wait until the last minute, but booking too far in advance isn't always the best idea either. Here's a general rule of thumb:

• Flights in the country: Book 2-3 months ahead.
• Flights to another country: Book 3-6 months ahead.

Remember, this is just a guideline. Use price tracking tools (more on that below) to watch prices and find the best time to book your specific flight.

3. Compare, Compare, Compare!

Don't just stick to one website. Check multiple search engines and comparison sites to find the best deal. Here are a few good ones:

• Google Flights: Great for flexible date searches and price tracking.
• Skyscanner: Lets you search flights to "Everywhere" to find the cheapest place to go.
• Kayak: Offers price alerts and "hacker fares" (separate tickets from different airlines).
• Momondo: Sometimes finds deals that other sites miss.
• Kiwi.com: Good for finding unusual routes and connecting flights.

4. Set Up Price Alerts

Most flight search engines let you track prices for specific flights. You'll get an email when the price changes. This is a simple way to snag a deal without constantly checking the site.

5. Budget Airlines: Be Careful!

Airlines like Ryanair, Spirit, and Frontier can seem super cheap. But watch out for extra fees! You might have to pay for baggage, seat selection, and even carry-on bags. Factor in all those fees to see if it's really a good deal. Plus, the airport might be further from the city, so consider travel costs from airport to accommodation.

6. Watch Out for Deals and Mistakes

Keep an eye out for special flight deals and "error fares." These are often shared on travel blogs and social media. Error fares happen when airlines make a mistake, leading to super-cheap tickets. These deals don't last long, so you have to be quick!

• Follow Travel Blogs and Social Media: Many bloggers and social media accounts share flight deals.
• Sign Up for Newsletters: Get emails from airlines and travel agencies about promotions and discounts.

7. Use Miles and Rewards

If you fly often, join airline loyalty programs to earn miles. You can use those miles for free or discounted flights. A travel credit card can also help. You earn points or miles for every purchase. But check the fine print. Some cards have restrictions on when you can use your rewards.

8. Connecting Flights Can Save You Money

Flights with layovers are often cheaper than non-stop flights. If you don't mind spending a little extra time traveling, a connecting flight can save you a lot. Just make sure you have enough time to make your connecting flight!

9. Travel in the Off-Season

Flights are cheaper when fewer people are traveling. This is called the "off-season." The "shoulder season" (the time just before and after the peak season) can also offer good deals.

10. Clear Your Cookies!

Some people think that airlines track your searches and raise prices if you keep looking at the same flight. Clearing your browser's cookies and cache might help you see the lowest prices.

11. Incognito Mode, Just in Case

Like clearing cookies, using incognito mode might prevent airlines from tracking your searches and raising prices.

12. One-Way Tickets: Check Both Ways

Sometimes, booking two one-way tickets can be cheaper than a round-trip flight. This is especially true if you're flying with different airlines. Compare the cost of both options before you decide.

13. Last-Minute Bookings: A Gamble

Usually, booking early is best. But sometimes, airlines will lower prices at the last minute to fill empty seats. This is risky, as prices could also go up. Only consider this if you're very flexible.

14. Baggage Fees: Pack Light!

Baggage fees can add up quickly, especially on budget airlines. Try to pack light and use only a carry-on bag. If you must check a bag, compare fees before you book.

15. Stopover Programs: See More for Less

Some airlines let you spend a few days in a connecting city for free or at a discount. It's a great way to see more of the world without paying extra for flights.

Advanced Travel Hacks (Use with Caution!)

Want to get really good at saving money on flights? Here are some advanced techniques:

• Hidden City Ticketing: Booking a flight to a destination beyond your actual destination and getting off at the layover city. This is against airline policy.
• Skiplagging: Booking a round-trip flight but skipping the return leg. Also against airline policy.
• Positioning Flights: Booking a cheap flight to a city where international flights are cheaper.

Important: Airlines are cracking down on these practices. You could face penalties like cancellation of your ticket or loss of miles. Use these techniques at your own risk!

In Conclusion

Saving money on flights takes a little effort, but it's worth it! By understanding how flight prices work and using these tips, you can travel more without spending a fortune. Be flexible, book smart, and keep an eye out for deals. Happy travels!