Cheap Flights – Are They Still Possible? Tips for Finding Affordable Airfare
Have you ever been invited on a trip where the lodging is provided, and all you need to cover is the airfare? Sounds simple enough, right? But then, you look into flight prices, and they’re way higher than you'd like to spend. While I can't offer a magical solution, there are several proven tips and tricks that could help lower the cost of your flights.
1. Travel When Others Aren't Traveling
While this tip may not help with every scenario, timing your travel can make a significant difference. According to Dollar Flight Club, flying on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays can lead to cheaper fares. Business travelers tend to book flights on Mondays and Fridays, while weekend leisure travelers often fly on Fridays and Sundays. Travel Pulse further recommends booking for Thursdays and Saturdays, as they tend to offer better prices.
While this may not apply to major holiday travel or the peak summer months, it’s worth experimenting with different days of the week to find lower prices.
2. The Early Bird (and Late Night) Gets the Cheapest Flight
Early morning flights (think 6 AM) and late-night flights (often called red-eye flights) are often much cheaper. Sure, you might debate staying up all night or sacrificing sleep, but cheap flights can make the sacrifice worthwhile.
While these flights might have you arriving at your destination feeling less than refreshed, they’re an affordable alternative if you’re looking to save on airfare.
3. Off-Season Travel Can Lead to Better Prices
If you have the flexibility, traveling during off-peak seasons can help you secure better airfares. Off-season travel, however, is shrinking, as many destinations are becoming increasingly popular throughout the year. But if you're able to avoid peak travel times like summer break, spring break, and major holidays, you may find lower prices on flights.
If you can plan your vacation during the quieter months (like early spring or late fall), you’ll likely see more affordable options.
4. Book Your Flight on the Right Day
When is the best day to book flights for cheap tickets? According to Travel Pulse, Sunday is often the cheapest day to book flights. This might seem counterintuitive since many people are booking flights during weekdays, but Sunday offers a great opportunity to secure lower prices before airlines update their fares for the week.
5. Use Incognito Mode to Avoid Price Increases
Have you ever noticed that flight prices go up the more you search for them? This price increase can occur because of cookies and tracking software that follow your browsing habits. To prevent this, make sure to search for flights in incognito mode or private browsing.
This simple trick prevents websites from tracking your flight searches and showing higher prices when you return to the same flights. It’s a simple way to potentially find lower fares.
6. Bundle Your Flights with Hotels and Car Rentals
Did you know that booking a flight and hotel together can sometimes save you money? Travel advisors and tour companies can offer bundled deals for flights, hotels, and even car rentals, providing better rates than booking separately. For instance, airlines often sell flight packages at a lower cost if you book them in advance as part of a bundle. Dang! Now I’m sounding like a State Farm commercial!
While it may seem like a big commitment, booking with a travel advisor could save you time and money when it comes to organizing your trip.
7. Be Cautious with “Saver Fares” from Third-Party Booking Sites
While third-party sites like Expedia, Google Flights, and Priceline may seem like great places to score cheap flights, sometimes these “saver fares” come with major restrictions. Recently, I learned the hard way about how these fares can backfire. A flight I booked through a third-party vendor came with a non-refundable or non-changeable policy.
When my flight schedule changed unexpectedly, I discovered that making adjustments would cost more than the savings I had initially enjoyed. So, when booking flights, it might be better to go directly through the airline to avoid restrictions and extra costs.
Final Thoughts: Can You Still Find Cheap Flights?
While there’s no magic trick to consistently securing cheap flights, applying these strategies can increase your chances of saving money. Whether you travel on the right days, book in advance, or use incognito mode, there are ways to cut down on your airfare costs.
If you need further assistance with booking or want personalized advice, reach out to a travel advisor (like me!) for expert help. I’d love to assist you in finding the best deals possible. And hey, if you’ve got your own tips and experiences, feel free to share them in the comments below!
Happy Travels!
— Sherri
