Fly Smart: How to Find Cheap Flights
Booking flights can be an expensive endeavor. With airlines charging for everything from extra legroom to checked bags, the cost of travel can add up quickly. Luckily, there are ways to find cheaper flights without sacrificing comfort or convenience. In this article, we will explore seven effective tips for finding cheap flights that will save you money and make the process of travel less stressful.
The Importance of Flexibility
Finding cheaper flights requires flexibility. By being flexible, you can explore more options and potentially find better deals. Flexibility can mean anything from being open to new destinations to booking flights on different days of the week.
When it comes to booking flights, small adjustments can make a big difference. Exploring alternative airports, even if they’re further away, can result in significant savings. For example, flying into Newark instead of JFK in New York City can save travelers up to $200. The same can be said for being open to traveling on weekdays or off-peak seasons.
This kind of flexibility can be especially valuable when searching for last-minute flights. By being open-minded about travel dates and destinations, you can find deals that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise.
Booking in Advance
Booking flights in advance is a strategy that has been proven to work. The earlier you book a flight, the better your chances of snagging a seat at a lower price. In fact, studies show that booking flights at least two to three months in advance can result in significant savings.
Booking earlier allows for more options as well. It’s easier to find direct flights and the ideal timing for connections. It also provides an opportunity to snag a seat during an airline’s sale, which happens at least once a year. Similarly, planning ahead provides more time to search for travel deals.
Take Advantage of Flight Alerts
Flight alerts are a handy tool for finding cheap flights. Essentially, flight alerts are notifications that an airline sends you when the price of a flight matches your preferred route or dates. With these alerts, travelers can save significant amounts of money on their flights.
To sign up for flight alerts, visit an airline’s website – or use a third-party aggregator like FlightHub – and enter your travel details. You’ll then receive regular emails with price updates and special deals. Some flight alert services can also be configured to send notifications only for certain airlines, times of the day, or days of the week.
Use Price Comparison Sites
Price comparison sites are another way to compare ticket prices and airlines. They help identify which airline offers the best prices by searching through hundreds of airlines. The websites often provide access to additional perks such as rental cars or hotels.
Two of the most popular price comparison websites are Kayak and Expedia. Both offer similar features, such as flexible travel dates and multi-city search options. They also track your flights for price drops and automatically rebook if prices fall. Other websites to consider include Google Flights, Skyscanner or Cheapoair.
Travel During Off-Peak Seasons
If you’re willing to travel during off-peak seasons, there’s a good chance you’ll find cheaper flights. Off-peak seasons are those times of year when fewer people travel, such as winter months or weekdays.
Traveling during the off-season can offer more than financial benefits, however. Some destinations are far less crowded outside of peak travel times, which can make the overall trip more enjoyable. Traveling during the off-season also provides access to special events and activities that may not be available during peak times.
Consider Budget Airlines
When searching for flights, budget airlines can provide significant savings. These airlines, such as Spirit Airlines or Frontier Airlines, are known for their low prices and often fly to smaller airports or less popular destinations.
But budget airlines have some downsides, such as extra fees for everything from luggage to snacks and drinks. Additionally, budget airlines offer minimal in-flight services compared to traditional airlines. Passengers need to pay for any extras beyond the basic fare. Still, budget airlines are an excellent option for travelers who care more about saving money than comfort or luxury.
Be Open to Layovers
While layovers can be inconvenient, they can also result in significant savings. Flights with layovers tend to be cheaper than non-stop flights, and the savings can be worthwhile. By booking a flight with a layover, travelers can save money and possibly even explore a new destination, as long as the layover lasts more than an hour or two.
But it’s important to choose layovers wisely. Booking flights with long layovers or those arriving at off-hours might be cheaper, but it can result in missed flights or a lot of wasted time. There’s also the added cost of food and drinks, or even a hotel room, during a long layover.
Conclusion
Searching for cheap flights can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. With these seven tips for finding cheaper flights, the process of booking flights will be less stressful and more affordable. By being flexible, booking in advance, taking advantage of flight alerts, using price comparison sites, traveling during off-peak seasons, considering budget airlines, and being open to layovers, travelers can save a lot of money.