Despite horror stories of delays in flights, lost luggage and poor service, flying remains the most convenient and secure method to travel from one location to another. It’s no longer the case that only elites could fly as air travel has been more affordable in recent decades.
However, it’s not “cheap” and for those with a tight budget, flying might appear out of reach. Airlines charge an extra fee for services such as additional legroom, earlier departure, checked baggage, and even a special seating arrangement.
In this regard, the price of a single flight ticket can quickly add up. For families who travel together traveling with children, the price of tickets could be in the thousands. There are a variety of ways to reduce the expense of tickets to an airline. Here are seven methods to save money on tickets.
1. Book Early
The advantage of booking your flight in advance offers many advantages, such as a lower cost. It is logical to book in advance rather than waiting to the very last moment. Depending on the appeal of the destination as well as being aware that airline companies operate smaller flights in recent times plane seats are quickly filling up. Booking seats in advance is particularly important during most busy seasons. When seats are filled on the plane price rises for remaining seats. This is simply supply and demand working.
2. Fly During Off-Peak Times
Off-peak prices are determined by the the time of day, the days of the week and season. Late-night and early morning flights are generally more affordable since they are not more popular for passengers than flights that operate during normal business hours. While Sunday and Monday are the busiest days to fly on, Tuesdays and Saturdays tend to be less busy.
Planning vacations or business trips within these limits can result in lower cost of tickets. The summer season is typically busier and more crowded when families travel together to places like theme parks, beaches and theme parks. This is due to the fact that children are not in school during summertime. Affording to avoid family-friendly destinations during seasons when school is not in session can also result in savings on flights.
3. Purchase directly from the Airline
There are many suppliers who are able to assist in selling tickets for airline flights from travel agents to websites. It is best to purchase directly from the airline where travel will take place. By doing this one does not have to pay the middleman cost in addition to the price of the flight.
Additionally, there is more protection for the customer in the event of a delay on their flight or other inconvenience happen. A representative from the airline can help immediately instead of sending the customer to the company who the purchase of the ticket took place.
4. Travel Light
A trip that is limited to the essentials will save you cash. Many airlines are now charging passengers to check their luggage into their cargo holds. The cost for checked luggage can vary from $25 to $60 depending on the location where the fee was paid for example, through the internet or at a ticket counter at check-in. Prices for luggage differ between airlines. Certain airline companies charge for the entire baggage including carry-on luggage. It is essential to check the fine print before making a reservation to be sure that there are no additional charges to be charged at check-in.
5. Bring Snacks Along
Many airlines offer food and snacks for long flights. This can be expensive. While not directly connected to ticket prices, having your own food will help reduce the expenses associated with traveling. A majority of snacks can be brought aboard if they comply with the rules regarding liquids. Another way to cut costs is to take refillable water bottles. The majority of airports now have filter water spigots to allow travelers to refill their own bottles.
6. Volunteer for Later Flights or Standby
Most often, airlines end finding themselves in situations where the flight is fully booked. This means that there are more people who have been booked in the plane than seat are available. In this situation, gate agents will provide monetary discounts off any future travel to those who choose to take the flight later. Discounts vary from $250 up to $1000.
This is enough to pay for one’s next trip. Standby travel is another option to reduce the cost of tickets. It can be difficult to standby in peak times. It is essential to remember that standby passengers are allowed to are allowed to board the plane after everyone else in the normal fare have been in and there are seats there.
7. Apply for the Airline’s Credit Card
The majority of airlines provide the credit card program with a minimal annual cost. In general each dollar you spend using these credit cards 1 point is earned. Points accumulate and can be used to purchase airline tickets. Making regular purchases and then paying it off every month will help build up points to receive free tickets.