Taking a vacation via a flight (domestically or internationally) doesn’t have to cost a fortune when you do it the right way. Learn the simple tips you can use to save big while booking your next trip.
While you might dream of jetting off to a beautiful location at home or overseas, flights can be expensive. And certain international flights can be even more expensive. However, with a little research and forward planning, you could secure plane tickets at a price to complement your budget and travel needs.
Avoid paying a substantial sum on your next summer getaway by checking out the five affordable ways to save money on flights.
1. Catch the Red-Eye if You Don’t Mind Flying Overnight
If you want to shave a large amount of money off the cost of a getaway, you should catch the red-eye. Departing late at night and arriving early in the morning could significantly lower airfare due to the off hours and less demand.
Plus, it’s an effective way to reduce your accommodation fees during a vacation. You can almost guarantee the plane will be less crowded and quieter, too, as many passengers will use this time to grab some sleep.
2. Fly Mid-Week Instead of Times of High Travel
Another option is to fly to a destination on either a Tuesday or Wednesday, as that is when the tickets will be cheapest. To avoid extortionate prices, avoid booking a flight on Fridays and Sundays as those are usually the highest days.
Many travel search engines will allow you to compare flights for different months, which is an ideal option if you’re not committed to a specific date.
3. Avoid Holidays – and Book Straight After
As you can imagine, ticket prices will increase during popular public holidays, such as Spring Break, Christmas, and Thanksgiving. However, the fees will drop substantially after a festive period end.
For instance, if you want to experience a New York winter, skip December and fly out right after the New Year or in mid-January. By doing so, you will have more money to spend on the city’s biggest and best attractions, such as the Empire State Building, 5th Avenue, Broadway shows, and the American Museum of Natural History.
4. Subscribe to Airline Alerts from Multiple Companies
Many airlines and search engines provide price alerts to help people find the best prices on flights. Once you have entered your desired destination and departure dates, you’ll receive an email for low-cost prices.
However, while some airline tickets might be cheap, you could pay an exorbitant fee for parking. As soon as you have booked your tickets, you would be smart to reserve an affordable spot at your chosen airport. For instance, if you are flying from Newark Liberty, secure the best price and spot with EWR airport parking ensuring you stay on budget.
5. Use Student Discounts If You Can
If you are a student (whether you’re in high school, college, or graduate school), you will be pleased to learn you could save a lot of money on travel. For example, many travel agencies will provide a discount when you present your student ID card. For example, American Airlines is happy to slash the cost of airfare for students who are planning to study abroad, take a vacation, or go backpacking. You can save upwards of 30 percent on such flights.
So, if you want to lower the cost of a getaway alone or with your loved ones this year, bear in mind the above top tips. It could lead to significant savings that you could spend on food, attractions, or souvenirs at your destination.
