Whether you travel often or just a time or two a year, chances are you always want to get the best flight deal. Nothing is more upsetting than realizing you paid more for your ticket than the person next to you, so it is always smart to stay on top of travel deals and flight booking tips and tricks. Look below at 15 hacks to find the best flight deals, so the next time you go on an adventure you can do so for less! Here is what you need to know.
Consider These Travel Tips and Tricks
Secrets To The Best Flight Deals
1. Be flexible in your planning.
Some airlines will give you a better deal if you can depart or arrive during a variety of days instead of just one day. If you have some flexibility and can give the airline some options, you may be able to book a better deal.
2. Forget last minute flights.
The longer you wait, the higher the prices go. Try to book flights at least 4 months in advance to find the best deals. Otherwise, your options will be expensive and limited.
3. Fly mid week.
Your midweek flights tend to cost less than weekend flights. If you are flexible, travel Monday-Thursday and get a better rate on your seat!
4. Look for baggage deals.
A flight isn’t a good deal if you have to add on $100 for each bag you bring. Instead, opt for airlines where bags are included at no charge or where you can carry on a discounted carry on bag.
5. Pay for baggage ahead of time.
Should you need to pay to bring baggage, do it ahead of time. You will pay more at the ticket counter if you wait to pay for your bags
upon check-in.
6. Use a credit card that helps you earn miles.
Does your credit card help you earn miles? It should! Be sure you are using a credit card that helps you earn airline miles and perks that you can redeem when you travel. If your credit card doesn’t, transfer the balance to one that does.
7. Watch the hidden fees.
Some airlines charge you to pick your seat, as well as a host of other hidden fees. Always be sure you read the fine print and watch the final total to see if any of these charges have been added in.
8. Be smart about flight insurance.
When you fly you are always given the option to buy flight insurance. Always weigh the risk and reward and make sure this is something you are educated on. If not, you could just be wasting your money.
9. Use money saving apps.
There are hundreds of travel apps out there designed to help you save money on flights. Check out the various apps and their ratings and see if they can offer you a better price.
10. Don’t forget your favorite travel websites.
Websites like Travelocity.com and Orbitz.com still do a great job finding discounted flight rates. Check these sites out and compare prices before you go.
11. Stay away from holiday weekends.
Try not to fly on holiday weekends as the rates and traffic tend to surge. Research what the offseason is for the area you are traveling to and plan accordingly.
12. Use a credit card that earns cash back.
Even if you don’t have a credit card that earns miles on your purchase, you can use a card that gets you cash back. This way when you book your flight, you can get a little bit back on your purchase.
13. Keep your ears open for friends and family deals.
If you know someone in the airline business, keep your ears open for friends and family deals. Every so often these deals will come along and can get you cheap and free travel.
14. Call the airline directly.
No matter what price the travel app or website gives you, take that price and call the airline directly to see if they can beat it.
15. Follow your favorite airlines on social media.
This way, you can always keep track of the latest sales and offerings!
