Money Saving Secrets for Flying

When it comes to booking a flight, timing is everything.

When To Book

Typically, the best time to book a domestic flight is 6-8 weeks before traveling, and 2-3 months before international travel. The closer you get to your departure date, the more likely it is to be pricey. Granted, sometimes you can snag a cheap flight a week before you go, but there is no guarantee that will be the case, so it’s best to stick to the 6-8 week rule.

Best Days to Fly

Tuesdays and Wednesdays are typically the cheapest days to fly, so consider planning your trip with departures on these days. If a weekend is necessary, book travel for Saturday. Friday and Sunday are typically more expensive.

Set Price Alerts

If you know well in advance that you will be flying somewhere, sign up for price alerts. Sites like Hopper, Skyscanner, and SmarterTravel’s sister site Airfarewatchdog let you enter specific routes you are looking for, and you will get an alert as soon as the price drops, so you can jump on it before it disappears.

Take Advantage of Sales

Some fare alerts don’t include flash sales. Sign up for airline newsletters and deal alerts so you know when a sale comes up, and you may be able to find a good deal.

Be Flexible

Being flexible can be your best friend when it comes to saving money on flights. If you are open to where and when you go, you could find yourself visiting some pretty cool places without breaking the bank. Tools like Google Flights’ Explore let you input your departure airport, how long you want to go away for, and when you want to travel (i.e., one week in the next three months), and it will show you the cheapest flights to cities around the world. You can browse the map and select a price and location that suits you.

Book One Way

Booking one-way flights can sometimes give you cheaper options. Booking your departure on one airline and your return on another can often save money. If you see an airline has a deal but it isn’t for your specific dates, try using it as one way and finding another cheap airline for the return trip.

Use Miles and Points

Using your credit card miles and points can also help reduce your costs. Save up your points so when you are ready to book, you can use them towards your flight. This is especially handy if you are planning a trip to a place that isn’t cheap, such as remote areas or destinations in Asia or Africa, which tend to be pricey.

Consider Alternative Airports

Often, there will be a smaller airport nearby that might have cheaper flights. Alternatively, if there is only a small airport near your destination, booking at a larger airport further away can sometimes be less expensive, even when you factor in the cost of a car rental or bus to your final destination.

Airline fees can add up fast, but there are ways to keep them down.

Baggage

Use airlines that offer free checked bags, pack light, or utilize travel credit cards with fee waivers. Any way you can avoid paying for your bag, use it. Packing light so you can only bring a carry-on can sometimes save you hundreds of dollars.

Seat Selection

Sure, you take a risk by not selecting your seats (chances are higher for that middle seat), but if you really want to save, don’t pick your seat. Several airlines charge for seat selection, and at $20 per flight for the cheapest seat, it can add up quickly. If you don’t care where you sit, skip the seat selection.

While it doesn’t always work, sometimes, when buying international flights, booking in the local currency can save you money. Compare prices in USD and the foreign currency, check the exchange rate, and you may be able to save some money! Pro tip: Ensure your credit card doesn’t charge a fee when you purchase in a foreign currency.

Most airlines have some sort of free snack, but if you want anything more robust than a package of pretzels, you have to pay. Pack snacks and an empty water bottle to avoid paying for food on your flight or at the airport. Eating before you head to the airport will also help you resist the tempting smells coming from the restaurants at the airport.

Airport parking fees can be astronomical, so you can save a lot of money by getting a ride to the airport. If a friend or family member isn’t around to drop you off, getting an Uber or airport shuttle will almost always be cheaper than leaving your car at the airport.