With warmer temperatures arriving, many of us start dreaming of getting away. When you picture yourself on vacation free from everyday stress, money is the last thing you want to worry about. Airfare is one of the largest vacation expenses, particularly for families or long distance destinations. When searching for flights, here are tips that will save you some green:
Plan in advance. Since most travelers buy tickets three to six months in advance, airlines raise fares in that timeframe. Once inside the seven-week mark, airlines will increase or discount fares based on seat availability, leaving you at the mercy of the remaining supply. Start looking nine months out to get ahead of these automatic price adjustments and snag the best fares. If you missed the window for making summer 2022, make a note in your calendar now to start looking earlier next year.
Clear your cookies. If you’ve been searching and are coming back later to book your ticket, clear your cookies on your computer first. Most airline websites use browser cookies to record which destinations and dates you’ve previously looked into. Then, they nudge rates higher when you revisit the site. Beat them at their own game! Next time, clear your browser’s cookies. That way, you’ll see the airline’s best deals!
Set price alerts. You can set price alerts that will notify you of any changes to your desired flights so you can scoop them up at the best price. You can pick specific airlines or see what comes available based on route and dates.
Flexible travel days. Since the cost of airfare is based on supply and demand, sometimes flying a day earlier or later can yield better prices! When subscribing to newsletters or setting price alerts, make sure to utilize the “flexible dates tools.”
Bundle, bundle, bundle. One of the best ways to shave costs on every part of your vacation is to bundle your airfare with other expenses. Look for packages that include cruise tickets, lodging, excursions, rental car, or dinner reservations. Most travel booking sites will give you a heavily discounted option to purchase them together.
Avoid extra fees. Many companies neglect to include all fees and taxes in the dollar amount they’re advertising. Know what is and what is NOT included in the airfare price. Before you book, be aware of any costs that could be tacked on later. Common charges include ticketing and flight change fees, checked and carry-on bag fees, preferred seating costs, and extra fees for items like car seats, strollers, or other bulky items.
Planning for your next vacation can be simultaneously very exciting and stressful! But the extra legwork will absolutely pay off!