You will find cheap flights are not as easy to come by these days. However, you can still find good deals if you know where to look and how to book them. Finding a cheap flight isn’t always easy. There are many factors that play into the cost of a flight, and it’s not just the day of the week or time of year that matters.
Where you leave from, where you are going, and when you book can all impact the final price of your ticket. At first glance, finding a deal on an airline’s website might seem like the best way to go about booking your flight. But after a bit more research, you may find that those same flights are actually cheaper on another site with a different airline.
If you want to get the best deal possible on your next trip, here are eight tips for booking cheap flights that will save you time and money:
Book your flight before you book your accommodation
If you want to get the best rate on your flight, don’t book your accommodation until you know your flight dates. Airlines will often offer a lower rate on your flight if you book your seat before booking a hotel. While this isn’t always the case, it’s worth trying if you are on a tight budget.
The worst that can happen is that the airline won’t offer you a lower rate. When booking your flight, check to see if any airlines are offering any special deals. Many airlines offer discounted rates during certain parts of the year, and you can often find discounts when booking your ticket around national holidays as well. Some airlines even offer “flash sales” where they offer extremely low rates for a small amount of time.
Check flight prices on different sites
Even if you find a flight you like on an airline’s website, don’t book it right away. It may be cheaper on another site. In fact, some flights may be cheaper on travel booking sites such as Expedia or Kayak than they are on the airline’s website. If you want to find out what the going rate is for your ticket, it’s easiest to use one of these sites.
They will let you know the price of the ticket on a number of different airlines, which is helpful when trying to decide which airline to fly with. Another thing to keep in mind when booking flights online is that you may have to pay a booking fee. Some airlines charge these fees as an extra fee, while others include them in the total price of the ticket. You should definitely take this into account when comparing flight prices, as it could make a big difference in the final price.
Don’t forget to check budget airlines
Even if you are looking for a more expensive flight, it’s a good idea to check a couple of budget airlines as well. They often fly to destinations that bigger airlines don’t, and you might find a cheaper flight by flying with one of these airlines. It’s important to note that budget airlines generally charge for everything from checked bags to in-flight snacks. It’s best to keep your travel needs as light as possible and avoid bringing anything you don’t absolutely need.
Be flexible with your travel dates
If you are tracking down the cheapest flight possible, it can sometimes be helpful to be a bit flexible with the dates of your trip. Check to see if any airlines are offering a cheaper rate during the off-season or on a less popular travel day. You may have to be flexible with your travel dates to find a deal, but being willing to do so could save you a good amount of money.
If you have a specific destination in mind, be sure to check when the weather will be best there. Some destinations see big fluctuations in weather throughout the year, which can also impact flight prices.
Don’t be afraid to depart from or arrive at the airport early
Some people will try to book a flight that will get them to their destination at the exact time they want to arrive. While that may be ideal, it doesn’t always happen. Delays are common and can sometimes be unavoidable. If booking a flight that arrives just when you want it to, be sure to account for extra travel time due to potential delays.
It’s better to arrive at the airport a few hours early than to miss your flight because you didn’t leave enough time to deal with potential issues. This can save you the trouble of having to rebook another flight and will give you more time to explore your new destination. If you have time, it’s also worth looking at different flight times. You may find a cheaper flight that departs earlier in the day or arrives later at night. Just keep in mind that flights may cost more if you depart or arrive at an uncommonly scheduled time.
Lock in your flight ASAP if you find a deal you like
If you happen to find a great deal on a flight and you have the flexibility to change the date, try to book the flight as soon as possible. Airlines often only offer discounted rates for a very limited amount of time.
If the date passes, you won’t be able to book that flight at that rate. If you don’t have the flexibility to change the date, you can still try to book the flight anyway. Although the price may not drop, the airline may still honour the lower rate if enough people inquire about it.
Don’t be afraid to haggle and request a refund
If you find a great deal on a flight, but you don’t have the time to book it right away, it’s worth trying to haggle with the airline. They may still honour the lower rate if they’ve already sold most of the seats at that price.
If they don’t lower the price, they may still let you book the flight at the lower rate. You may even be able to get a refund on a ticket if you bought it a while ago. Keep in mind that this is risky since airlines may not honour it or charge you a fee, but it’s definitely worth trying in some situations.
Conclusion
If you want to travel but are on a tight budget, finding a cheap flight can make all the difference in your trip. Unfortunately, these days it’s not easy to find a cheap flight. But if you follow these tips, you can be sure to find the best deal possible on your next trip.