Do you like to travel a lot but are tired of paying high prices for plane tickets? Look no further – we will share 12 genius hacks in this guide to find the best plane ticket deals in 2024.
These tips and tricks will help you save money on your next flight and make your travel dreams a reality.
So, whether you're planning a summer holiday or looking to escape the winter chill, keep reading to discover how to make your travel dreams come true without spending a fortune. Let's get started!
1. Set Flight Alerts
Think of this as having a personal assistant always looking for the best flight deals for you. You just need to set up alerts on flight booking platforms with your preferred destination, and they'll notify you when prices drop.
It's like shopping for bargains without doing the legwork – you can save a lot by grabbing your tickets when they're cheapest.
2. Book in Advance
This is all about being an early bird – airlines usually offer lower prices for those who book their flights well in advance.
So, by planning your trip ahead of time and securing your seat early, you stand to save a significant amount. It's a simple strategy – plan, book, and save more!
3. Travel Off-Peak
Here's the deal – airlines price their flights based on demand. So, prices go up when everyone wants to fly (like during holidays or weekends). But prices can drop when fewer people are flying (like on a Tuesday afternoon or during non-holiday periods).
That's the off-peak period – you can snag some seriously cheap tickets by choosing to fly during these less popular times.
So, if your schedule is flexible, consider adjusting your travel dates to off-peak times to save some serious cash. It's all about flying smart and saving big!
4. Use Incognito Mode
Most browsers save cookies (pieces of data that remember your search history), and airlines may use this to manipulate prices based on browsing behavior.
To avoid this, use incognito mode when searching for flights – it prevents websites from tracking your online activity so that you can find the best deals without any hidden surprises.
Click options in your browser and select “New Incognito Window” to start searching for flights without leaving any traces – it's a simple but effective trick!
5. Consider Nearby Airports
This might seem like a stupidly simple suggestion, but hear this out – sometimes, flying to a nearby airport can save you big bucks.
For instance, if you plan to visit New York, check the prices for both JFK and Newark airports – you might be surprised at how different they are.
Expanding your search to nearby airports can open up more flight options and potentially find cheaper deals.
6. Be Flexible With Dates
As we mentioned earlier, flying during off-peak periods can save you money. But sometimes, prices can vary depending on the day, even within the same week or month.
So, try to be flexible with your travel dates and compare prices for different days – you might find that flying a day earlier or later can significantly affect cost.
The best thing you can do is to be open-minded and willing to adjust your travel plans to save some cash – it's a small compromise for bigger savings.
7. Opt For Layovers
Layovers are connecting flights requiring you to stop at one or more airports before reaching your final destination. And while this may seem like a hassle, it can be a great way to save money on plane tickets.
Direct flights are usually pricier because they offer convenience, but if you don't mind stopping along the way, you can often find cheaper options with layovers.
8. Use Airline Rewards Programs
If you use credit cards, check if they offer any rewards programs in partnership with airlines. You can earn points for every purchase and redeem them for discounted or even free flights – it's like getting paid to travel!
Remember to use your credit card responsibly and pay off your monthly balance to avoid interest charges. It only takes a few foolish steps to rack up debt that can outweigh any rewards.
9. Book a Package Deal
One of the best things you can do to save money on flights is to book your flight and hotel together as a package deal.
Travel websites often offer discounted prices for bundles, so instead of booking them separately, consider bundling them together for maximum savings.
Plus, you can also look for deals that include other perks like complimentary breakfast or airport transfers – it's a win-win!
10. Look Out for Flash Sales
Flash sales are short-term offers where airlines offer discounts on specific routes or destinations. These deals often appear out of nowhere and can disappear just as quickly, so it pays to keep an eye out for them.
Follow your favorite airlines on social media, sign up for their newsletters, and set up alerts – this way, you'll be the first to know about any flash sales and snag a bargain.
11. Follow Airlines on Social Media
The best way to get alerts and stay updated on flight deals and promotions is to follow airlines on social media. They often post about their latest sales and discounts, so you'll never miss a deal.
Plus, some airlines even offer exclusive promo codes for their followers so you can get more bang for your buck – it's worth hitting that follow button!
12. Check Multiple Booking Sites
Have you ever heard of the term “shop around”? Well, the same applies to booking flights.
Check multiple sites to compare prices instead of relying on one booking site. Different sites may offer other deals or discounts, so it's always a good idea to check more than one before purchasing.
And don't forget to factor in any additional fees or charges that may not be included in the advertised price – this way, you can get a more accurate comparison.
Related: The 9 Best Skyscanner Alternatives To Book Cheap Travel
13. Take Advantage of Student Discounts
If you are a student, good news for you – many airlines offer student discounts to help you save money on flights.
All you need is a valid student ID, and you can enjoy discounted fares or additional baggage allowances. It's worth checking with your airline of choice to see if they offer any student deals.
Plus, if you're not a student anymore, don't worry – some airlines also have discounts for senior citizens, military personnel, and other special groups – it never hurts to ask!
Conclusion
Traveling doesn't have to be too much of a financial burden – with these tips and tricks, you can save serious money on flights and spend it on making unforgettable memories instead. Just follow the tips mentioned above and use your common sense to make the most of your travel budget. Happy travels!
I’m Steve. I’m an English Teacher, traveler, and an avid outdoorsman. If you’d like to comment, ask a question, or simply say hi, leave me a message here, on Twitter (@thefrugalexpat1). Many of my posts have been written to help those in their journey to financial independence. I am on my journey, and as I learn more I hope to share more. And as always, thanks for reading The Frugal Expat.
