Countless people love to travel and want to save money when doing so. Cheap flight hacks are one way they can keep costs down. The following tips will help travelers save money on flights.
Be Flexible
When booking your flight, be flexible with dates. People often assume they only need to be flexible during peak periods, but that isn’t the case. For example, moving a flight from a Friday to a Tuesday can often save a person hundreds of dollars. Experiment with different dates and times to get the best deal possible.
Use a Flight Aggregator
Compare prices across airlines and dates with a flight aggregator. Each aggregator has different features, so use more than one tool to ensure the best deal. Skyscanner, Kayak, and Hopper are three aggregators to try.
Switch to an Incognito Window
Flight booking sites use cookies to track visitors and learn what dates and destinations they are seeking. If a person doesn’t purchase a ticket immediately, the price will be higher when they return to the site to complete the transaction. An incognito window or private browser will prevent them from tracking this activity. Clearing cookies will also prevent sites from knowing dates and destinations that have been searched.
Avoid Booking a Flight Last Minute
While it is fun to pack up at the last minute and head off for an adventure, people typically pay more. Planning and booking a flight well before the travel dates will save money. Most experts recommend two to three months before the takeoff date, but booking a month ahead can still save a person money. If the urge hits to travel at the last minute, be flexible with destinations, as airlines will discount flights to underbooked areas to fill seats. People can save on a trip to an unplanned destination if they are flexible with where they go.
Sign Up for Price Drop Alerts
Airlines often hold sales on Mondays and Tuesdays. Book on those days whenever possible. Sign up for flight price drop alerts at sites like Hopper or Fare Compare. Save desired destinations and receive alerts when flights to these destinations are on sale. Once an alert comes through, book the flight quickly to avoid it selling out.
Baggage Weight
Nobody wants to pay to check their baggage. Extra luggage charges are frustrating because the traveler has less money for fun things. Knowing how much a bag weighs is essential, so consider investing in a portable luggage scale and avoid extra charges.
Embrace Layovers
People often look for direct flights when they can save money by embracing layovers. A long layover may sound like it would be frustrating, but it’s nice to arrive at an airport and know that there is no need to rush to the next flight. It’s easy to find things to do at an airport, so look for flights with layovers rather than direct ones and compare the pricing.
Travel Rewards
Consider getting a credit card that offers travel rewards. Every time the card is used, the cardholder earns reward points that can be used for travel. In addition, carrying a credit card is safer than carrying cash. If global travel is planned, look for one that can be used internationally.
Saving money on flights is possible. Travelers can use these tips to decrease prices and plan additional trips without spending more. Once people see how easy it is to achieve savings, they want to plan trips regularly.