TOP TIPS FOR FINDING CHEAP FLIGHTS

Purchasing flights can be the most expensive part of traveling and it can be quite frustrating with the constant rise and fall of prices. However, after years of travel, I have came up with a few tricks that can help bring down the costs when finding cheaper airfare.

Here are my top tips for finding cheap flights

Sign up for a Rewards Travel Credit Card

I first signed up for a travel credit card in 2017. It was one of the best decisions I ever made and allowed me to travel more and afford flights that would be originally out of my price range. The easiest way to start earning points/miles on these types of cards is by using the credit card on everyday purchases and expenses. In college, I would put my rent and utility bills on the card each month and when my roommates would pay me, I would use the money to pay off the card instantly. This allowed me to earn miles and points without even having to spend "additional" money. Many cards will offer a sign up bonus with a few months of expenses. Make sure you reach the limit before the deadline to receive the incentive.

One of the best times to apply for a travel reward credit card is before a big trip or purchase. Plus, many cards offer additional points when making travel-related purchases. Some cards also provide travel protection when you pay for a trip with the card.

Airfare Deals/Alerts

Signing up for various airfare alerts can help you keep track of deals and discounts. I usually use Google Flights to compare flights and get alerts when there are price drops. I also use the Hopper app to track flight prices when it comes to certain trips and dates.

Consider Extra Fees

Before purchasing any flight I try to compare costs and extra fees between airlines. For example, if I know I am going to be bringing a checked bag, I will see if the cost of flying it for free with Southwest beats out a lower ticket price for an airline that charges for checked bag.

Know When to Buy

There is a claim that on specific days of the week such as Wednesday afternoon is the beset time to buy tickets. However, there is no set time and ticket prices go up and down based on demand. However, you can see which dates are cheaper on any given route. For example, looking at a month view with prices will help you identify cheaper days for a particular route, depending on the season and demand. From experience, airlines will increase prices when fewer seats are available but there are some cases where you can get last-minute deals.

Try Different Combinations

If you are someone who doesn't mind having a layover, you may be able to save quite a bit of money. Taking an alternative route with one or two stops along the way can help you not pay top dollar for a flight. I always check to see if it would be less expensive to book two different ways to my destination rather than just one. There are times when I try to find a good layover stop which allows me to explore that city.

Check Alternate Airports

Airlines will typically have lower prices for less popular airports. If you live in an area where there are multiple airports, make sure to check prices at each one. For example, if you live in New York City and are planning on flying out of La Guardia, make sure to check JFK and Newark Liberty Airports for ticket prices.

Look into Airline Benefits

Some airlines have benefits when it comes to their loyal customers. For example, Southwest issues a companion pass for their rapid reward members who meet certain criteria. Frontier is issuing a new type of wild pass for a flat fee that allows members to fly anywhere domestically and internationally.

Some links in this post are affiliate links—at no extra cost to you, I earn a small commission if you purchase products through these links. Additionally, as an Amazon Associate, I earn when you book through these links below.

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