Every holidaymaker or frequent flight taker’s dream is to book flights at the most budget-friendly rates. And why not? Lower airfare prices means saving more money on your travel expenses, which can be used for other exciting activities during your journey. Here, we will reveal five industry-insider secrets that will help you in booking the cheapest flights.
1. Timing is Essential
Just like in life, timing is everything and booking flights is no exception. If you want to get the best prices, then you need to strike while the iron is hot. Prices tend to fluctuate throughout the day and week. Midweek flights are cheaper than weekend flights, and late-night flights commonly known as ‘red-eye’ flights are the cheapest. The reason is quite simple: the demand for these flights is lower.
Moreover, there is a general consensus among travel experts that booking your flight ticket about 50-100 days before departure is optimal for the cheapest prices. However, for peak seasons such as holidays, it’s recommended to book even earlier if possible.
2. Leverage Incognito Mode
Many online ticket booking platforms use cookies to gauge your interest in a specific route or destination. That may sound harmless, but it’s often these cookies that lead to price hikes if they percieve you’re actively searching for a flight. The trick here is simple- when you’re researching flights, always use the ‘incognito’ or ‘private’ browsing mode on your browser. This will prevent these platforms from tracking your searches, and as a result, you’ll see the most competitive prices.
3. Go for Layovers
Direct flights are convenient and save time. But they often come with a hefty price tag. On the other hand, flights with layovers are generally cheaper. These flights might be inconvenient due to the additional travel time, but they can significantly reduce your travel expenses. Besides, layovers can also be an opportunity to explore an extra city, expand your experiences, or simply have a rest.
4. Use Flight Comparison Platforms
There’s a proliferation of online platforms out there that help you compare flight prices from different airlines. These platforms can be your best ally in securing the cheapest flights as they give you a huge range of options to choose from and allow you to find the best deal possible. Expedia, Skyscanner, and Google Flights are a few examples.
5. Join Frequent Flyer Programs
Even if you don’t fly very often, joining a frequent flyer program can greatly benefit you in the long run. These programs allow you to accrue points or miles each time you fly with the affiliated airline or use its partner services. These accumulated points can be redeemed for free flights, upgrades, or other services. Over time, the savings can be significant.
Conclusion
Cutting costs on flights doesn’t have to be complex or time-consuming. By intelligently leveraging flight comparison platforms, optimizing your booking times, making use of incognito mode, tolerating layovers, and accumulating frequent flyer points, you can make significant savings. As with any insider secrets, patience and consistency are the keys to unlocking these benefits. So next time you plan a trip, remember to employ these strategies and book cheaper flights.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do flight prices go up the more you search?
Yes, many airline and travel booking sites use cookies to track your browsing habits. If they detect a specific search repeatedly, they might raise the price. To avoid this, always use private or incognito mode when searching for flights.
2. When is the best day to book flights?
A common belief is that Tuesday and Wednesday are the best days to book flights due to lower demand. However, it can differ based on the specific route and airline, so it’s best to use flight comparison sites to find the best deals.
3. Are flights cheaper if booked at the last minute?
Not necessarily. While there can be last-minute deals, flights tend to be more expensive closer to the departure date as airlines assume last-minute travellers are less price-sensitive. It is generally safer to book flights 50 – 100 days in advance for the best prices.
