Looking to jet off without breaking the bank? For me, a new trip always starts with digging up the best and cheapest fare deals online. Although you might have a certain destination in mind, and perhaps set days you are able to take off from work, there are a few simple tricks and tools you can use to secure the best deal.
1. USE FLIGHT COMPARISON WEBSITES LIKE SKYSCANNER, OR GOOGLE FLIGHTS
When it comes to finding the best deals, comparison is key. My bookings always start with a Skyscanner search. The site allows you to compare prices from multiple airlines and booking platforms at once. Let these sites do the hard work for you!
⚠️ Just bare in mind that these sites often display flights from travel agencies like Mytrip, Expedia, and Kiwi. Remember to evaluate the trustworthiness of booking with intermediates – if your flight gets cancelled or delayed, you’ll have to get help from them and not the airline.
Personally I try to book directly with the airline, if the price difference isn’t big. This gives me a bit more reassurance that sorting things out in case of problems during the travel will go smoothly.
I usually find good deals for flights with airlines like:
2. BE FLEXIBLE WITH YOUR TRAVEL DATES
Sometimes, simply shifting your departure or return date by a day or two can make a big difference in price. The cheapest days to fly are usually on less crowded weekdays. Flexibility is your friend when it comes to saving money on flights. Use the flexible dates feature on flight comparison websites to see if adjusting your travel dates by a few days can lower the cost of your ticket. Take also into account any public holidays that might spike prices.
3. USE INCOGNITO MODE AND SIGN UP FOR PRICE ALERTS
Many flight comparison websites and airlines offer price alert services that notify you when prices drop for your desired route. Simply set up alerts for your preferred travel dates and let the deals come to you. This way, you can sit back and relax while the best fares come rolling in.
4. ALTERNATIVE AIRPORTS AND LOW FARE ARELINES
Sometimes, flying into or out of a nearby airport can save you a significant amount of money. For example, if you’re traveling to New York City, consider flying into Newark or even Philadelphia instead of JFK or LaGuardia. Just be sure to factor in any additional transportation costs.
⚠️ Many low fare airlines like Ryanair and Easyjet often use alternative airports. Be sure to always check where exactly you’re flying to, and how to get to your destination from the airport.
5. BOOK AT THE RIGHT TIME
While prices tend to increase the closer to departure it gets, you can find affordable last-minute-call deals with a few days notice. However, if you don’t want to stress about your plans until the final moment, it’s better to book weeks or months in advance.
xx, Irene