Plane tickets can be the biggest expense of any vacation, but it is possible to find great deals. It just takes a little knowledge of how prices change and some smart booking strategies.
1. You’re booking too early
Flights are one of the most expensive parts of any vacation, but they don’t have to be. With some careful planning (and avoiding these common mistakes), you can get the trip you want without blowing your budget.
The key is to start searching and booking as early as possible, keep an eye on prices and pounce when the best deals pop up. Ideally, this means starting to look at flights three to six months in advance of your trip (though setting airfare alerts is also a good idea).
The only exceptions are when you’re traveling over a holiday or during a popular event like Mardi Gras or a music festival. But even then, you can usually find cheaper fares by sticking to the recommended booking window.
2. You’re booking too late
Flight prices are always changing, and good deals don’t last long. In fact, a report by Hopper found that two out of three tickets will drop in price within 24 hours of you searching or buying them. And this is especially true for flights booked with miles or points, as once award space has sold out on a specific route, it’s unlikely to come back.
So if you’re planning a trip, start shopping for airfares early and be flexible with your dates. Set alerts on fares that interest you, and book them when they hit the sweet spot. For example, domestic fares are typically lowest from 21 to 60 days before departure. And international fares are usually at their lowest four months out. Then just relax and enjoy your trip! Or use your credit card’s travel insurance.
3. You’re not shopping around
Have you ever noticed that when you search for flights online, prices seem to increase as you continue searching? This is a common trick that airlines use to lure customers in with low fares and then slowly add on extra fees as they process your ticket. To avoid this, try clearing your cookies or browsing in an anonymous tab.
You can also save by being flexible with your dates. Flight prices vary widely, and there’s no one best day, week or month to book flights. Instead, look for cheap fares for your desired date range and then be willing to adjust your itinerary as necessary.
It’s also worth shopping around for deals on other travel expenses like accommodations and car rentals. And be sure to check that your booking details are correct, including your passport number and spelling of your name, as a change fee will cost you.
4. You’re not considering all your options
Whether it’s the quality of an airline’s customer service or in-flight amenities, considering your options is important when booking flights. Especially when booking international flights, it’s worth taking the time to check a country’s passport, visa, and vaccination requirements.
Being flexible with your dates can save you big money when it comes to airfare, too. Flying a day earlier or later than you planned or traveling during the cheaper shoulder season could save you big.
It’s also worth keeping an eye on prices even after you book. Most airlines let you change your flight for free or offer vouchers if the price goes down, and Google Flights has a similar feature on some trips.
5. You’re not considering all the fees
Flight prices displayed on search engines typically include only the base airfare, but airlines will slowly add on fees throughout the checkout process. It’s important to always consider all the fees and tally them up before making a payment.
Also be sure to consider other fees that may apply, such as luggage and seat assignment charges. Airlines often add these fees at the last minute, hoping that inexperienced travelers won’t notice them.
It’s also a good idea to book with a credit card that offers travel insurance. This can save you a lot of money in the event your flight is delayed or canceled. It’s particularly helpful when traveling to high-risk destinations during monsoon or hurricane seasons. Travel insurance is available on many cards, and INSIDER recommends checking with your credit card issuers for details.
6. You’re not considering all the airlines
Even hard-core planners can make mistakes when booking flights, especially those who book last minute. Prices tend to spike in the days and weeks before departure, as airlines know that desperate travelers will pay whatever it takes to get them where they want to go. Moreover, using a travel agent is a better idea than just booking online.
If you’re a procrastinator, it may be worth searching for one-way flights to your destination rather than round-trip tickets. This method can save you hundreds of dollars in airfare, as well as give you flexibility in case your plans change.
It’s also important to consider the time zone of your destination when booking flights. We’ve heard stories of people who show up at the airport too early or late because they didn’t take into account the time zone difference. It’s an easy mistake to avoid by always double-checking the date and time of your flight before making a purchase.
7. You’re not considering all your choices
Airlines often display low fares on search engines but slowly add fees throughout the checkout process. The only way to avoid getting stung is to be vigilant and compare final costs before hitting the buy button.
Also, don’t assume you can get a good deal simply because the airline has a great reputation or you have elite status. Instead, search one-way flights alongside returns and consider stitching together an itinerary with different airlines for savings.
Finally, don’t book non-refundable tickets unless you absolutely need to. This is a costly mistake that can easily be avoided by booking refundable flights and taking advantage of credit card travel insurance that covers cancellations and delays. And always try to avoid checking bags to save money and avoid the hassle of snaking your way through airport security lines with a full bag.
Many airlines bait-and-change with their pricing, displaying the lowest possible fare on the search results page, then adding fees throughout the checkout process in hopes that you’ll accept the final total without ever looking at other options. To avoid being stung, always review the price on each screen and decline extras you don’t want.
Airline prices vary by season, and flights tend to be pricier on busy days like Fridays and Sundays.
Also, consider when it makes sense to book with miles instead of paying cash, and factor in credit card travel insurance if it’s available for your itinerary. Lastly, always double-check the name on your ticket to make sure it matches the passport for each traveler.
8. You’re not considering all your preferences
If you’re planning to travel during popular times like the holidays, 3-day weekends or major events, then you may have to book flights with more layovers. Alternatively, you can try to save money by booking your flight on non-popular days or traveling during off-season (such as the spring or autumn).
Airline pricing is constantly changing based on ticket sales and demand. If you see a price and then come back later to find it’s gone, this is likely because tickets sold out.
You should also consider whether your destination has multiple airports, as this can often lower the airfare. For example, London has Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted, all of which are fairly close to the city center and have inexpensive public transit options. And if you’re concerned about potential flight delays or cancellations, booking with a credit card that offers trip delay insurance can help ease your fears.
Whether it’s your first or two-hundredth time booking a flight, mistakes can still be made. It’s important to consider all your options when it comes to flights, including the airport and date of departure. And if you’re traveling internationally, make sure that you check visa requirements.
It’s also a good idea to be flexible about dates, as prices vary throughout the week and are more likely to be cheaper on less busy days. Additionally, it’s often worth considering one-way tickets and searching for cities nearby your destination. This can save you a lot of money and may help you get the exact destination that you want to travel to.
