Whether you are taking a family trip or are planning a romantic vacation, learning how to use cheap flights to your advantage can make all the difference. From price trackers to flexible dates, there are many ways to get the best deal for your dollar.
Flexible travel dates
Changing your travel dates is not only convenient but it can save you hundreds of dollars. If you’re looking to change your dates, the cheapest way to do it is to book a flexible flight.
There are several major airlines that offer this service. One of the easiest ways to find flexible tickets is to use a travel search engine. You can search for a flight by choosing the specific dates and city you want to travel from. This will allow you to get an idea of how much you’ll be able to save.
Search engines will typically link you to the airline’s website or a small online travel agency. However, it’s a good idea to check out other search engines as well. Sometimes you may be able to find a better deal using other tools.
One of the best flexible travel dates search tools is Google. It will give you a wide range of options, from airlines to hotels, and it has several of the same filters you’d find on other travel search tools.
Price trackers
Getting a price tracker can help you save money on airline tickets. These programs monitor the cost of tickets and send you an email when prices change. There are many sites that offer these services. They are not always the cheapest, but they can help you find the deal that best fits your travel needs.
Google Flights is a popular flight price tracker that helps you find the best deals. You can set up price alerts for specific dates, airports and cities. This app can be used for both international and domestic travel. It also lets you share your tracked flights with others.
Skyscanner is another flight price tracker that keeps tabs on the price of flights. They let you set up price alerts, so you’ll know when a price goes down. You can also set up price alerts for specific days. You can set up email, SMS or mobile notifications. This tool is easy to use and has a large user base.
Booking directly with an airline
Using the OTA’s to book cheap flights is not without its risks. Some airlines have hidden fees associated with using their service. Furthermore, you may not get the cheap flight of your dreams. Plus, if you do find an airline with a good deal, you may be locked into a reservation, making your trip a no-go.
On the other hand, if you are willing to pay a bit of money, the OTA’s are usually a good place to find the best flight deals. On top of that, you can sometimes find promo codes.
One OTA that you might want to check out is Momondo. They have a great deal of information about all of the major airlines, including details on airfares, special deals and promo codes. Plus, they have an app called HitList that allows you to check out the routes you’re considering, including any unspecified dates. They also have a nice touch screen, which makes it easier to navigate.
Avoiding fees on cheap flights
Using a branded airline credit card to pay for airline tickets is one way to avoid fees on cheap flights. The average fee is between one and three percent of the base airfare. If you are savvy and opt out of more lurid add-ons, you can avoid fees on cheap flights and save yourself a bundle.
Another way to avoid fees on cheap flights is to pay for your tickets at the ticket counter. This way, you avoid the online booking fees and can get the best price possible. Buying your tickets at the ticket counter also helps you avoid the extra fees charged by some budget airlines. For instance, Frontier charges $39 for the first checked bag when you buy online, and $79 at the ticket counter. You can also avoid fees on cheap flights by choosing a seat that is not first-class.
Conclusion
Many airlines also charge an airport check-in fee, but you can avoid this by paying for your ticket at the ticket counter. Some airlines charge a fee if you choose to not print your boarding pass, or if you check in without using a kiosk.
