Flexibility with Dates

If you insist on flying in or out of a destination on a specific day or time, airlines have the power to bog you down with expensive airfare. Planning a trip with some flexibility, even by a day or two, can make a big difference. Flying out on a Monday instead of a Sunday, for example, could save hundreds of dollars. Many airlines, like United, provide a Flexible Dates option when you look up flights. They provide a grid that shows what combination of Departure and Arrival dates cost the lowest, so you can consider your schedule with a simple visual. 

Look at Layovers

Layovers may be annoying, but they can certainly save you a lot of money if you’re open to them. Particularly with long layovers, airfare prices drop tremendously, and you may have the chance to see a new destination. For weekend trips or business excursions, this may not be convenient enough. However, on your next family vacation, seeing a new destination for a day could be the highlight of your trip. 

Look at Nearby Airports 

Sometimes, flying into a nearby airport can be a cheaper option without much extra hassle! Many large cities have several airports to choose from, like Chicago O’Hare and Midway, and rates can vary tremendously on a given day. If you rent a car or can get a ride from a loved one, the added distance from the airport may be well worth the price. 

Check If Baggage Will Cost More

Some discount airlines appear cheaper at first but tack on additional fees for everything else. Spirit and Frontier airlines are two prime examples, providing airfare for lower prices than other airlines, but charging for carry-on bags and in-flight refreshments. If a flight costs you 50$ less but they charge you for your luggage and a drink, it may make no difference and be able experience, especially on longer flights.

Consider Getting a One-way Ticket

Though it can be a pain, booking the legs of your trip separately can be a cheaper option for your next trip. Looking at tickets with different airlines can make a huge price difference and offer a wider variety of times for your departure and arrival. It is worth a look.

Push Carry-On Limits

Most airlines allow every passenger a personal item and a suitcase that fits in the overhead compartment. Bringing a sizeable backpack as a personal item that holds some of your toiletries, entertainment, and even a change of clothes or two will free up space in your suitcase. If you can bring luggage that fits in the overhead compartment, you will avoid any fees for checked bags and save time by leaving the airport right when you fly. Knowing the dimensions allowed for your carry-on bag allows you to pack as much as possible while lowering the likelihood that TSA will make you check a bag.

Flexibility with Time

Though it can mess up your sleep schedule to catch red-eye, the difference in cost can be worth the hassle. Sometimes costing as little as half the price of a day flight, red-eye can pay off in the long run, especially if you are changing time zones. If you can catch some Z’s on the flight, the overnight option may even make your travel time go faster.

Pay Attention to Sales and Promotions

Some airlines post about little-known sales on their email lists or social media. By staying connected with airlines, you may see a tweet or email that could change the trajectory of your vacation. Now and again, they send out promo codes and coupons to you during seasons where travel is less busy.

Know When to Book

Shopping midweek can save you tons of money on airfare. Since fewer people book flights during their hectic weekdays, airlines often announce sales on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. When one airline offers a great deal, the others compete and join in on the discounts. We recommend checking airline prices for your upcoming trip sometime on Tuesday afternoon for the best deals. 

Keep Checking Back for Lower Prices

Once you book a flight, it can be hard to remember to keep checking back for price changes. However, sometimes flight prices drop tremendously between your booking and your trip. Many people do not know that you can request a change in fare or credit from your airline if the price of your ticket changes after you purchase.

Use a Frequent Flyer Account

Having a frequent flyer account may not save much at first, but if your airport is a hub for a specific airline, it may be worth establishing loyalty. Often based at certain airports, airlines like Delta have more flights in and out of Atlanta every day for lower prices. The points add up if you decide to fly with one airline for every trip, especially if you are a business traveler or do frequent vacations. 

Get an Airline Credit Card

Having an airline credit card builds points for every dollar spent on things other than airfare, racking up discounts by purchasing what you normally would, like groceries and gas. Since you book tickets with your credit card, you may as well get some benefits out of the deal. It also doesn’t hurt when they are more likely to upgrade your cabin or give you free passes to their lounge for your layover. Combined with a frequent flyer account, you may receive free tickets all over the world, depending on how much you spend.