by Want to get away but can’t find the cash for overpriced flights? Have no fear, our 7 ways to find cheap flights will save you money, so you can spend less on flights and more on fun!
This post is sponsored by PSECU, a Pennsylvania-based credit union.
The holidays are here, which means the lines to go through security checkpoints at airports seemingly stretch all the way from Amsterdam to Azerbaijan. Millions of people travel during this peak time of year.
Budget-minded travelers often endure increased stress and anxiety regarding holiday travel because they erroneously assume that prices will be sky-high during this time of year.
But there’s no need to fret.
While airlines certainly do set prices based on projected volume in a rush to make a profit, savvy travelers know there are still ways to save.
Read on for seven tips for saving money on your next flight, no matter what time of year you jet off.
Seven Saavy Ways to Find Cheap Flights
We have plenty of travel tips to share with you including our 63 travel tips learned from 20 years of travel, our 20 best travel experiences that you can do too, and our guide to saving money for travel.
1. Shhh! Browse Privately
Just about every website uses cookies to track web traffic these days.
Cookies can tell web developers which IP addresses have accessed their website and even how frequently those visits were made. Airlines, though, are a bit more insidious in their use of cookies. They may use the info to trick consumers into buying early and even paying more money than they should.
When an airline or travel site sees, for example, that you have made repeated searches for flights around the same time and to the same destination, they might show you higher prices on each visit.
Naturally, this makes you think that the cheap seats are selling fast, and you’ll be more likely to book immediately.
Fortunately, every browser makes it simple to use private browsing, which prevents cookies from being detected and saved.
If you’re on a PC, right click on the icon of your favorite web browser, and a list will come up. Look for words such as “start incognito session” or “begin private browsing.” Click, and voila! You are now free to browse for better prices as often as you like.
2. Flexible? Check a Variety of Dates!
Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, being flexible with the dates and departure times can save you considerable cash. The dreaded red eye can be a boon for bargain fare shoppers, and as a bonus, you’re generally treated to a quieter flight.
Flights departing on Sunday, Monday and Friday usually cost the most so, if at all possible, try to book a Tuesday or Wednesday flight to save dough.
If you’re just looking to get away and don’t particularly care where you end up, you can save thousands simply by booking a getaway to a less popular destination. Even if you have a specific destination in mind, always check for nearby airports.
Flights to larger airports usually cost less, so you may save money overall by flying into an airport an hour or two from your destination and simply renting a car at the airport — or ask a friend or family member give you a lift!
3. Plan an Alternative to Airport Parking
Speaking of those handy dandy friends with wheels, don’t overlook the huge savings you can realize simply by not parking in the overpriced — and slightly unsafe — airport parking lot. For your departure, find a friend who can run you to the airport, hop on a bus, or grab an Uber.
At your destination, choose a hotel adjacent to the airport, or one with a free shuttle service, so there’s no need to spend money on a rental car. If a rental car becomes a must, search the local Groupon and LivingSocial to find a bargain on your vehicle.
4. Avoid Extra Fees by Traveling Light
In the good old days, commercial airlines provided amenities like snacks, drinks and even regular bagging checking for free.
Now, they nickel and dime us by charging fees for everything from checking baggage — usually paid by the pound — to internet access and that very medicinal cocktail you need to recover from making it through security.
The best way to save some greenbacks on at least some of these fees is to travel lightly. If possible, strive to bring only one carry-on bag and one personal item.
This will help you avoid any checked bag fees and leave you with a bit of cash in your wallet, so you can still afford that much needed gin and tonic mid-flight.
5. Follow Your Fav Airlines on Social Media
Sometimes, airlines have half-empty planes and need to slash prices to avoid losing money, but TV and radio ad spots are pricey. Luckily, airlines have embraced social media as not just a way to build their brand, but also to advertise absolute steals on deals when their flights aren’t filled to capacity.
To save money, simply go to your favorite airline’s Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and follow them!
Another pro tip is to occasionally comment on the content the airline posts, even when the posts are not related to rock bottom ticket prices. This ensures that social media algorithms recognize that you’re interested in their posts, and you’ll have more chance of seeing the deals when they do get posted.
6. Set Up Alerts
It’s 2018, and for just about every human need, there’s an app for that. Several apps, such as Skyscanner and Next Vacay, search airline and travel sites to send you alerts when air prices plummet.
For best results, be sure to take the time to personalize your travel alert app of choice! You can include things such as preferred travel dates and which airports you like to fly from.
The more specific you make your preferences, the more likely you are to get alerts for deals you can actually use.
7. Get a Travel Credit Card — and Use It Wisely!
Love earning free upgrades and even free flights? Trade in your old credit card for one that rewards you in travel miles! The key to amassing the most points is using your travel card wisely.
Use it instead of your debit card for everyday purchases, but take care to pay down the balances before interest charges accrue. This may mean paying your card down weekly, but you will be amazed at just how quickly your travel miles accumulate. It’s well worth the extra step to save hundreds — or even thousands!
Even at the busiest times of the year, it’s still possible to score sweet travel deals.
Now that you’re armed with the tools to do so, get out there and see the world! PSECU, a credit union in Pennsylvania, has created this helpful graphic with even more tips on saving money on your travels!
We hope our savvy ways to find cheap flights help you save hundreds on your next trip! After all, the less you spend on your flight, the more you’ll have to spend on enjoying your destination!
♥ Happy mindful adventures, Jane & Stephen
