Score Serious Savings: 7 Sneaky Ways to Snag the Lowest Airfare

Score Serious Savings: 7 Sneaky Ways to Snag the Lowest Airfare - Be Flexible With Your Travel Dates

When it comes to scoring the lowest possible airfare, one of the best things you can do is remain flexible with your travel dates. Airlines use complex algorithms to set fares based on predicted demand, so the more flexible you can be, the better chance you'll have of catching a fare dip.

Avoid setting your heart on specific dates, especially if traveling during peak seasons like summer or holidays. Instead, use the calendar view on flight search engines to scout fares over a wide range of dates. You may find cheaper flights by traveling a day earlier or later, or even shifting your trip by a week or two. The savings can be substantial.
Consider expanding your trip length as well. Many airlines offer discounts for longer stays, so a 12-14 day trip may be cheaper than a long weekend getaway to the same destination. Look at airfares for various trip lengths to uncover these savings opportunities.
Don't forget to check fares on alternative departure days too. Flights are typically cheapest on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, while Fridays and Sundays are most expensive. If your schedule allows, departing on an off-peak travel day can translate to big airfare savings.

Finally, don't limit yourself to the same airline for outbound and return flights. "Open jaw" ticketing, where you fly one airline to your destination and a different one home, can sometimes be much cheaper than a round-trip booking. Run pricing for mix-and-match airline combinations to see if open jaw ticketing makes sense for your route.

What else is in this post?

1. Score Serious Savings: 7 Sneaky Ways to Snag the Lowest Airfare - Be Flexible With Your Travel Dates
2. Score Serious Savings: 7 Sneaky Ways to Snag the Lowest Airfare - Use Flight Search Engines to Your Advantage
3. Score Serious Savings: 7 Sneaky Ways to Snag the Lowest Airfare - Fly at Less Busy Times
4. Score Serious Savings: 7 Sneaky Ways to Snag the Lowest Airfare - Consider Connecting Flights
5. Score Serious Savings: 7 Sneaky Ways to Snag the Lowest Airfare - Watch Out for Hidden Fees
6. Score Serious Savings: 7 Sneaky Ways to Snag the Lowest Airfare - Leverage Loyalty Programs

Score Serious Savings: 7 Sneaky Ways to Snag the Lowest Airfare - Use Flight Search Engines to Your Advantage

Flight search engines are invaluable tools for uncovering the lowest possible fares. Sites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kiwi allow you to efficiently search across hundreds of airlines, routes, and date combinations. Leverage their advanced features and filters to hone in on deals other travelers may miss.
For instance, try searching for flights from nearby airports within 100 miles of your departure city. Many airports serve large metro areas, so looking at all options expands your chances of finding a cheap fare.

Enter a range of travel dates in the search engine's calendar view to detect airfare dips on less obvious travel days. Prices can fluctuate significantly across months, so don't limit yourself to rigid dates.

Finally, don't forget to try searches from alternate origin cities as well. You may uncover a lower fare by positioning to a nearby hub city rather than departing directly from your hometown.

Score Serious Savings: 7 Sneaky Ways to Snag the Lowest Airfare - Fly at Less Busy Times

One of the most effective ways to save on airfare is to fly during less busy travel periods. Airlines adjust fares based on predicted demand, so flying when fewer people are booking flights can lead to major savings.

The peak summer travel season from June through August is generally the most expensive time to fly. You'll typically find lower fares in the fall after Labor Day and in the spring before Memorial Day. The weeks after Thanksgiving and Christmas are also usually less busy.
Early morning and late night flights tend to be less full as well. The first departures of the day are popular with business travelers, but flights after 9-10am often have emptier cabins and lower fares. Redeye flights can also provide big savings compared to peak afternoon and evening departures.
Holidays like New Year's, July 4th, and Christmas lead to high airfare demand. But the weeks immediately before and after major holidays are usually less busy, so look for deals then.

Score Serious Savings: 7 Sneaky Ways to Snag the Lowest Airfare - Consider Connecting Flights

Many travelers only search for nonstop flights to their destination. While direct flights are convenient, they often come at a premium price. Considering itineraries with one connection frequently unlocks substantial savings opportunities.

Connecting flights add a bit more hassle but the tradeoff for hundreds in savings can be well worth it. Approach connections with an open mind and crunch the numbers to see if the fare difference justifies the extra stop.

Score Serious Savings: 7 Sneaky Ways to Snag the Lowest Airfare - Watch Out for Hidden Fees

When booking flights, it's crucial to be mindful of the hidden fees and add-ons that can quickly inflate the total cost. Airlines are masters at nickel-and-diming passengers, and if you're not careful, those "cheap" fares can end up costing much more than expected.
One of the most common hidden fees is for checked baggage. Many airlines now charge hefty fees, often $30 or more, for the first checked bag. These fees can add up quickly, especially if you're traveling with a family. To avoid this, consider packing light and only bringing carry-on luggage, or look for airlines that offer free checked bags as part of their base fare.
Another sneaky fee is for seat selection. Some airlines charge extra to guarantee you'll be seated with your travel companions or to secure preferred aisle or window seats. Before booking, check the airline's seating policies and factor in any seat selection fees. You may be able to save by opting for less desirable middle seats or by waiting until check-in to select your seats.
Onboard food and beverage charges can also take a bite out of your budget. Many airlines now charge for even a simple snack or soft drink. Packing your own snacks and bringing an empty water bottle through security can help you sidestep these nickel-and-dime fees.
Don't forget about change and cancellation fees as well. If your travel plans are at all flexible, look for airlines with more lenient policies. Fees for modifying your flight can easily reach $200 or more per ticket, so it's worth doing your research upfront.
Finally, watch out for additional taxes and surcharges that can inflate the total cost of your ticket. Things like September 11th security fees, passenger facility charges, and various government taxes can add 10-20% or more to the base fare. Always double-check the full breakdown of fees before completing your booking.

Score Serious Savings: 7 Sneaky Ways to Snag the Lowest Airfare - Leverage Loyalty Programs

Airline loyalty programs can be a game-changer when it comes to scoring the lowest possible airfares. By strategically utilizing your miles and status, you can unlock a wealth of benefits that translate to significant savings.
One of the key advantages of leveraging loyalty programs is access to discounted award tickets. Many programs offer redemption rates that are a fraction of the regular cash price, allowing you to stretch your miles much further. Additionally, elite status can open the door to complimentary upgrades, waived baggage fees, and priority boarding - all of which can add up to substantial savings over the course of a trip.
Beyond the direct monetary benefits, loyalty programs also provide invaluable flexibility. With the ability to hold and cancel award tickets without penalty, you can easily adjust your travel plans to take advantage of fluctuating fares. This agility is particularly crucial when targeting the lowest possible prices.
To maximize your savings, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the nuances of your preferred loyalty program. Understanding factors like routing rules, blackout dates, and partner redemptions can help you navigate the system more effectively and identify the most advantageous redemption opportunities.
Additionally, be mindful of ways to boost your mileage balance, such as strategic credit card spending, online shopping portals, and promotions. The more miles you have at your disposal, the greater your ability to find and capitalize on exceptional deals.