Booking air tickets at a low price can be tricky, especially with the constant fluctuation in prices. However, with a bit of planning, research, and knowledge of a few strategies, you can save significant money on airfare. Here’s a detailed guide on how to book air tickets at low prices:
1. Start Planning Early but Not Too Early
Booking your flight tickets in advance is one of the simplest and most effective ways to secure lower prices. But how early should you book?
- Optimal Time to Book: Research suggests that the best time to book domestic flights is between 1 to 3 months before departure. For international flights, aim to book 3 to 6 months in advance.
- Avoid Booking Too Early or Too Late: Airlines tend to release their lowest prices several months in advance. However, if you book too early, you may not get the best deals. Waiting until the last minute often results in higher prices as demand surges.
2. Be Flexible with Dates and Times
Flexibility is key when searching for the lowest airfares. By adjusting your travel dates and times, you can unlock cheaper fares.
- Avoid Peak Travel Times: Flights during weekends, holidays, and peak seasons like Christmas and New Year are often priced higher due to increased demand. If possible, fly during off-peak seasons or weekdays (Tuesdays and Wednesdays typically offer lower fares).
- Use Flexible Date Search Tools: Many booking platforms, like Google Flights and Skyscanner, allow you to view fares across a range of dates. This feature helps you quickly identify the cheapest days to fly.
- Fly During Odd Hours: Early morning or late-night flights (commonly referred to as “red-eye” flights) tend to be less expensive because they are less convenient for travelers.
3. Use Fare Comparison Websites
Before committing to a ticket, compare prices across multiple websites. Using fare comparison tools can give you a broader idea of price trends.
- Google Flights: A popular tool that provides a clear view of available fares across different airlines and dates. It also allows you to track prices for specific routes.
- Skyscanner and Momondo: These platforms aggregate results from various airlines and online travel agencies (OTAs), helping you find the best deal.
- Kayak: A travel search engine that compares prices and offers fare alerts for price drops.
- Travel Agency Sites: Don’t overlook travel agency sites like Expedia, Orbitz, or Priceline, as they sometimes offer exclusive deals not available elsewhere.
4. Set Price Alerts
If you’re not ready to book your flight immediately, setting price alerts is a great way to monitor airfare fluctuations. Several travel websites and apps allow you to set alerts for specific routes.
- Google Flights Alerts: By tracking a flight, you’ll receive notifications when the price drops or increases, allowing you to book at the right time.
- Hopper App: This app uses historical data to predict the best time to book your flight and notifies you when prices are expected to rise or fall.
5. Take Advantage of Flight Deals and Sales
Airlines frequently offer sales, promotions, and flash deals that can drastically reduce airfare prices.
- Sign Up for Airline Newsletters: Airlines often announce sales and exclusive promotions through their newsletters. By subscribing, you can stay informed and act quickly when deals arise.
- Follow Airlines on Social Media: Airlines frequently post last-minute deals and offers on platforms like Twitter and Facebook.
- Use Deal Aggregator Sites: Websites like Scott’s Cheap Flights and Secret Flying specialize in finding and sharing limited-time deals, including error fares, which occur when airlines accidentally list a lower-than-normal price.
6. Book One-Way Tickets Separately
Booking a round-trip flight on the same airline is convenient but not always the most cost-effective approach. Sometimes, booking one-way tickets with different airlines can save you money.
- Check Multiple Airlines: For example, fly to your destination with one airline and return with another, especially if different carriers have sales or promotions for one leg of your trip.
- Consider Low-Cost Airlines: Many budget airlines, such as Ryanair, EasyJet, and Southwest Airlines, offer significantly lower fares for one-way trips.
7. Use Airline Miles and Credit Card Points
If you’re a frequent traveler or have a travel rewards credit card, redeeming miles or points can save you a considerable amount of money on flights.
- Join Frequent Flyer Programs: Airlines reward loyal customers through frequent flyer programs that allow you to earn miles for every flight. These miles can be redeemed for free flights or upgrades.
- Maximize Credit Card Rewards: Travel credit cards often offer sign-up bonuses, which can be worth hundreds of dollars in free flights. Some cards also provide bonus points for booking travel, making it easier to accumulate points quickly.
8. Avoid Additional Fees
When booking low-cost airline tickets, be mindful of extra fees that can quickly add up and negate your savings.
- Check Baggage Fees: Many budget airlines charge extra for checked luggage, carry-ons, and even seat selection. Pack light and try to fit your belongings into a carry-on to avoid paying these fees.
- Avoid Ticketing Fees: Some online travel agencies charge service or booking fees. Compare the total price, including these hidden costs, before booking.
- Skip Seat Selection Fees: Airlines often charge extra for selecting a specific seat. Opt for random seat assignment to avoid this additional cost.
9. Use Incognito Mode for Searching Flights
When searching for flights repeatedly, you may notice that prices tend to rise. This can happen because websites track your search history and use cookies to display higher prices.
- Use Incognito or Private Browsing Mode: Open a new incognito or private browsing window to search for flights anonymously and avoid fare inflation based on your previous searches.
- Clear Your Cookies: If you’re not using incognito mode, clear your browser cookies after each flight search to prevent websites from tracking your activity.
10. Consider Alternate Airports
Flying into or out of smaller, secondary airports can sometimes result in cheaper fares, especially if you’re flying to major cities with multiple airports.
- Search Nearby Airports: For example, if you’re flying to New York, compare fares for JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark airports. Sometimes flying into a secondary airport is cheaper and not too inconvenient.
- Be Flexible with Layovers: Non-stop flights are convenient, but they tend to be more expensive. Opting for a flight with layovers can lower your ticket cost.
11. Book Through Airline Websites
While online travel agencies can offer discounts, sometimes booking directly through the airline’s website yields better results.
- Price Matching: Some airlines match the prices listed on third-party booking sites. By booking directly, you avoid potential issues with third-party cancellations or changes.
- Exclusive Offers: Airlines may offer better baggage policies, seat selection options, or even extra miles when booking directly from their website.
12. Consider Flight Packages
If you’re planning a trip that involves accommodations, consider bundling your flight with hotel or car rental services. Travel websites like Expedia and Priceline offer significant discounts when you book these services together.
- Vacation Packages: Many sites provide flight + hotel or flight + rental car packages at lower prices compared to booking separately. This method is particularly useful for international or long-distance travel.
Conclusion
Booking air tickets at a low price involves strategic planning, research, and a bit of flexibility. By applying the methods outlined above—such as booking in advance, using comparison tools, staying flexible with dates, and leveraging rewards programs—you can consistently find affordable flights and save money for other aspects of your trip.