As we get back to our traveling, it’s important to know how to save money on airline tickets. Since most of us use airplanes to move around the world, these expensive flights could get cheaper. If you are looking for various credit card payment methods, let’s make sure you clear enough money for debt payment.
How to Save Money on Airline Tickets
Travel on the cheap days
Generally speaking Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday are the best days for airline travel if you want a good deal. Personally I try to travel on Sundays because there is a lot less traffic getting to and from the airports. This leads to a much less stressful journey.
If there is a big difference in price I will travel on another day. If there is only a small price difference it is worth it to me to pay a bit more for a more pleasant trip.
Another trick .. look at other related days. I was able to slash 1 grand of our New York / Milan / New York tickets by agreeing to leave one week earlier. It would mean daughter didn’t get to graduate from kindergarten, but, let’s be honest .. kindergarten graduation?
Travel Off-Season
Air fares, car rentals, and hotels are all less expensive and you don’t have to fight the crowds. April and October are great months to go to Europe or Latin America. Just remember in April to wait until after Easter and Spring Break.
Just as mentioned, if you travel few days before the season begins or after it ends, you can slash the prices big time.
10 years ago we flew from Europe to the US for less than 500 bucks/ticket (return) just because we booked off-season flights.
Airline Food And I Gotta Pay For It?
If you are flying on an airline that charges for food just bring your own food. Buy something good before you get to the airport or make something at home.
You can get sandwiches and fruits from home, without any hassle. Not to mention paying for these in the airport or on the plane itself is way more expensive.
Get Alerts
You can sign up for e-mail alerts from the airlines directly and you can go here to see a list of 10 websites that will send you alerts.
If you are like me and hate getting emails, you can skip this step, although it can save you a lot of money.
Time Of Day Matters
Travel in the early morning or take a night flight and you may save some money. Just take a look when you book a flight, if there is another time you can take the flight. It can save you quite a decent buck.
Search for Better Deals
Search for your flight in a number of different places. Booking sites can have different prices and also sometimes don’t have all the airlines.
By doing a bit of research you can get a better deal for the same flight.
Figure The Total Cost Of Your Flight
These days you have to look beyond the actual airfare. A few years ago it was just the low cost airlines that charged you for everything.
Today you have to be very careful because the airfare is just one part of your ticket cost. As you know airlines are now charging for bags, food, seats, etc.
Pretty soon they’ll charge you to use the bathroom.
Bottom line is you need to figure in all the extras to get the true price of your airfare.
Luggage Weight
Be sure to weigh your luggage before you leave home because the airlines have steep fees for overweight baggage. Make sure your luggage has the standard dimensions and weight, so that you don’t pay at least 60 bucks more (or even higher, depending on the airline company).
Check In Online
Many companies allow you to book online and also check in online. In some European countries, low-cost airlines actually charge an arm and a leg for airport check in.
Book In Advance
Try to buy your ticket 4 to 6 weeks before traveling. This is usually when you’ll find the best fares. Even better, if you can book months in advance you can get better deals. We booked July and September flights in January and got an outstanding deal. Airlines often offer lower fares for flights that are booked several months in advance.
Be flexible with your travel dates.
You may be able to find lower fares by traveling on different days of the week or by choosing flights that have long layovers.
Or, get some deals 2-3 days off your initial desired dates. Whenever I book our tickets to Europe, I try to have these in mind. And sometimes, I’d rather get the kid off school 5 days earlier, if this is saving me a thousand bucks.
Student Discounts
Be sure to take advantage of student discounts. Go to STA Travel and use their search engine if you are a student.
Senior Discounts
If you are 50 or older you may be eligible for a senior discount on many airlines. You need to check with each airline individually. If you find a senior discount do not book it until you have checked normal discounted fares because sometimes they are lower than the senior price.
Frequent Flyer Programs
Absolutely positively sign up for the airlines frequent flyer program to earn miles or points when you fly. There are also a number of other ways to accumulate miles that you can use for free flights in the future.
Most airlines have a shopping portal that you can use to buy things at hundreds of retailers and earn miles simply by going through the portal.
Consider alternative airports.
Sometimes, flying into a smaller airport nearby your destination can be cheaper than flying directly into the main airport.
Look for sales and discounts.
Many airlines offer sales and discounts on their flights, so be sure to keep an eye out for these deals.
Sign up for alerts.
Many airlines and travel websites offer alerts that notify you when prices drop for your chosen flights.
Use a travel rewards credit card.
If you travel frequently, using a credit card that earns rewards points can help you save money on flights by earning points or miles that can be redeemed for flights.
Use a search engine that compares prices from multiple airlines.
This can help you find the best prices for your flights.
Book a round-trip ticket.
Often, round-trip tickets are cheaper than one-way tickets, even if you don’t have a return trip planned.
Now you know How To Save Money On Airline Tickets.
