Are you itching to get out of town and take a little vacation? Here are 5 tips for finding cheap flights.
Depending on where you are going and where your home airport’s located, you could be paying hundreds or even thousands of dollars for flights. So how can you save money on flying?
Look at Various Airports
When looking for the cheapest deal on flights, you need to forget about the usual suspects and think outside of the box. Instead of looking at departures and arrivals at one airport, do your research and look into multiple airports. You may be able to find a better deal flying into a smaller airport or into a hub instead of your local airport.
Start by identifying two to three airports in your home city as well as your destination city. Then look into various flight combinations until you find the cheapest fare.
The Internet is Your Friend
The best way to find the cheapest fare is online. Forget about booking in person or over the phone. There are simply too many options that will do all of the hard work for you, and they’ll do it for free. Use these resources to scout the best deal:
Be sure to also check prices on the airline’s site before you book, as sometimes there are special discounts and sales for visitors who buy specifically from the airline.
Timing is Everything
Flight prices can fluctuate throughout the week, so buying your flight on the right day at the right time can help lower costs. Research done by FareCompare says the best time to buy a flight is on Tuesday at 3 pm Eastern Time.
In regards to the cheapest days to fly, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday are your best options whereas Fridays and Sundays tend to be the most expensive options. When booking your flight, play around with dates. Changing your flight by even one day can save you a lot of money. In short, it pays to be flexible.
But how early should you book your flight? According to FareCompare, the best time to buy domestic tickets is between three months and 30 days before departure. If you’re planning a trip abroad, the best time to buy is between 5 ½ months and 1 ½ months before departure.
Another way to hack your way to savings is by flying out early or taking a red-eye flight. Those flights tend to be cheaper than other options during the day.
Get Rewards
Before booking a flight, sign up for the airline rewards program. Even just flying a few times can result in a free flight. You can also use rewards credit cards to accumulate miles, which can significantly cut back on costs. Typically, reward credit cards can have hefty sign-on bonuses, which can be redeemed for a flight. Of course, this option should only be considered if you are a responsible credit user and can pay your balances in full each month.
Check Social Media
Airlines will occasionally share special deals and promotions on social media for last-minute flights. Follow your favorite airlines on Twitter and Facebook to keep abreast of any special deals, promotion codes, etc. that could save you money. If you’re planning your next getaway, use these tips to help you find the cheapest flights. While it may take some extra time and effort, you can save money that you could be spending elsewhere.
