As a frequent traveler, the main question I get asked is how to save money on flights. While there are a number of ways to save on accommodations, attractions and restaurants when traveling, the limited number of flights and airlines makes this the most difficult category in which to find deals. Still, there are some secrets.
The Tuesday Offer
Tuesdays are known to have the best prices, but in fact, airlines drop these deals on Monday nights, often as late as 11:00 pm. Those in the know tune in after most have already gone to bed to see the special prices still in effect on Tuesday. However, in order to catch up with their competitors, other airlines are also lowering prices on Tuesdays, so Tuesday is still considered the best day to buy. This can continue into Wednesday if airlines are late in the price-cutting race. The worst days to buy are weekends; airlines know you have more time to plan a trip and will keep their prices higher.
Watch for price drops
In the event that you snag a fare and then find that a competitor or the airline lowers the price after you buy, you can refund all flights within the first 24 hours. You can cancel your flight and purchase the lower fare or contact the airline for a refund.
Try another airport
If you are lucky enough to have other airports only an hour or two away from where you live, be sure to compare airfares. For example, prices from Miami may be higher than those from Fort Lauderdale or West Palm Beach, and if you drive a little farther, you may be able to save an extra couple hundred dollars. Also pay attention to airline hubs. Philadelphia is dominated by American, but less than an hour away, Newark is home to United. If the place you are traveling to is a hub of either airline, flying through the hub can reduce both the fare and the number of layovers.
Beware of budget airlines
Sure the $49 one-way deal sounds like a bargain, but with budget airlines like Frontier and JetBlue, you have to expect the fees. Their fares do not include baggage or seat assignments. When you select a flight, choose a seat, pay for carry-on and/or checked baggage (both of which are subject to fees), and extras such as early boarding or more legroom, the total fare can be higher than on an airline that serves the same route at a higher fare. The difference is that with these more expensive tickets, the prices for seats, baggage and boarding are already included in the airfare.
Spend time shopping
Never buy a flight through just one source, especially an aggregate like Expedia or Orbitz. Even if the aggregate aims to find the best fares for you, it’s just an image. And, that’s the secret: they make money by getting paid by the airlines to show you those fares. When you see a fare you like, go straight to the source and check the price the airline is offering. The airline wants you to book with them and may offer you a good deal in return. Even if you only save $10 to $30, booking through the airline instead of an aggregator also ensures that you can choose your own seats and deal directly with the airline instead of the aggregator in case of problems like delays or cancelations.
Be socially active
Follow airline social networks, as that’s where they announce special offers before they announce them on their websites or even before they send out an email. (Sign up for their email alerts, too!) And another tip? If you need help while traveling, social media like Twitter and Facebook can get you help faster than 1-800 customer service lines.
Be flexible
It’s harder for families to be flexible with travel dates due to school schedules, but anyone traveling should check for departure and return dates around 1 to 3 days around the date you’d ideally like to travel. Google Flights and Southwest Airlines can give you examples of monthly prices to show you the cheapest fares. Many travelers want to leave on Fridays and return on Sundays, making flights on those days more expensive. If you can leave on Thursday evening or Saturday morning and return on Monday, you will find lower prices.
Be an early riser or a night owl
Most people hate waking up at 4am or flying until the wee hours of the morning. That’s why the cheapest flights are those that leave between 5 and 7 am or after 8 pm. You are also less likely to land on an oversold flight and get stood up, or to leave late because flights start to jam once it gets more crowded.
Avoid fees
More and more airlines are trying to hit you with fees, especially fees for preferred seating and baggage. If you book a flight early enough, you can pick a free seat in the back of the plane, or you can allow the airline to pick your seat the day of the flight. You may get a seat in the middle, but you will not pay fees that can add up to $100. As for your luggage, take as much as you can: less luggage = less fees. (And there’s less risk of losing a piece of luggage at your destination).
Use a travel rewards credit card
If you travel a lot, you can get free flights and perks with a Travel Rewards or Airline Rewards credit card. Some cards offer a sign-up bonus that can get you a free flight if you spend a certain amount within the first 90 days. As long as you pay off the card each month so you do not accrue interest, the reward is worth it. These cards also offer free lounge access or, if you get a cashback card, you can get up to 5% back on every travel purchase.
The bottom line
Airlines are counting on lazy travelers to make their money. The best way to save is to be smart and educate yourself.
