Finding Airline Flights at the Best Price
If you are vacationing this summer, you might be more inclined to fly than to drive. With the rising cost of gas and modern convenience of flight, it may actually be easier and less expensive to book a flight to get from point A to point B. But if you are not careful, airlines can easily nickel and dime you. What may seem like a great deal may in fact be hundreds of dollars more once you add on all of the extra fees airlines are starting to come up with. So how can you be sure you are getting the best price on flights? Take a look below at ten easy ways to save on your next flight!
Getting there is half the journey, right? Well don’t let it be an expensive journey! You can still enjoy flying with your favorite airlines at a great price. Take a look below at easy it really is to save on your next flight while still enjoying all of the perks you want.
Ten Tips for Finding Airline Flights at the Best Price:
1. Don’t wait.
You will always be able to get a better deal on flights the earlier you book. Don’t wait. If you know your travel dates, start shopping around for flight prices. Some people chose to book flights and then use those dates to plan the rest of their trip around. In this case, the early bird gets the worm so get in on deals early!
2. Sign up for mailing lists.
Get on the mailing lists of airlines so you can be notified of any upcoming sale events. There may be unadvertised deals you don’t know about unless you are on these mailing lists. Take just a few minutes and be sure you are on the mailing lists of major airlines so when customers are notified of deals, you are included.
3. Compare prices via the web.
You can easily utilize compare features at sites such as Orbitz.com and Priceline.com. Compare flight prices and see where you can get the best deal. You might be able to find sites that offer lowest price guarantees as well, so you can buy with confidence. These sites have mailing lists as well, so be sure you are on it to get notified of deals.
4. Sit alone.
Many airlines are now charging for you to pick your seat. If you want to sit as a couple or family, you are going to pay as much as $20.00 more per person to pick your seats. If you are traveling as a couple or with older children, opt to sit alone. This can easily save you $20.00 a person and as much as $100.00 per family!
5. Utilize an agent.
People seem to think a travel agent charges you for their services. But the truth is, they make a commission from the company whose product they s
ell. So if you find yourself frustrated, allow a travel agent to help you find the best deal. They will surely be happy to do so!
6. Make friends in mile-high places.
The truth is, if you know anyone who works for an airline, you can get better rates. Often times airlines offer friends and family rates, which means you can snag a great deal. So who do you know in the business? Now is the time to ask for a favor.
7. Opt to carry on.
Many airlines are now charging as much as $40.00 each for checked bags. Wow! Instead, opt to carry on. You can still carry on two items, including a small luggage piece and one personal item such as a purse. Pack these bags full and make the most of them. Hopefully, you can avoid bringing additional baggage and avoid additional fees.
8. Don’t pre board.
Can you believe people actually pay extra money to pre board? This cost can often be hidden in your ticket price. Be sure to read the fine print and see if this is included in your ticket and what it is costing you. There really is not a huge advantage to pre boarding, so opt to board when the rest of the customers do and save.
9. Ask for available discounts.
If you are a vet or active service member, be sure to ask when booking your tickets if any discounts are available. Previous customers may also be entitled to a discount on their purchase. In most cases, you will not get any discounts unless you ask. So be sure to and save!
10. Travel mid-week.
Just like hotels, flights are cheaper during the week. If you can fly during a weekday, you are instantly going to save some cash. Opt to travel mid week or at least only fly on a weekend day for one way. You will also find flights less crowded and congested, allowing you to enjoy a more relaxing flight experience.
As you can see, you don’t need to go to extremes to book a flight for less. Try using a few of these tips when booking your next flight and see what a difference it makes.
This year, enjoy your vacation and the journey getting there. When you book your flight for less, you will really be able to relax and unwind!
Make sure you check out our Saving Money Blog and also our How to Coupon Page for more tips, tricks and videos on saving money and using coupons.
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Many of these are simply not true. The biggest myth these tip articles like to perpetrate is the idea that buying early will get you the cheapest prices. In all my travels to Europe and beyond (a lot, and I’m ALWAYS on a budget), I started looking very early, holding off buying, and found my cheapest prices about 6 weeks to a month out. Earlier is definitely NOT always better. Also, you can usually pick your seats as soon as you buy online, and there are, with some unusual exceptions, always 2 non-premium seats together. And finally, Saturday flights can be as cheap as mid-week flights. Remember, businessmen and women fly on weekdays. Check Saturdays and Wednesdays.
I did not know travel agents could be cheaper. I always thought they were more expensive
That used to be the case, now most Travel Agents work off Commission, The girl I use actually encourages us to shop online and see if we can get a better deal. I’ve always saved money by using her and the Support is 10 times better! I have someone to call and take care of all the details for no additional charge.