7 Tips For Booking Affordable Flights
Learning how to book affordable flights is an essential skill if you love to travel, aim to live abroad or intend to become a digital nomad. By following these tips, you could significantly reduce your travel expenses and maximise your adventure fund.
1. Be Flexible with Your Dates
- Midweek Madness: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays are generally the cheapest days to fly. Airlines often offer discounted fares on these days to fill their flights as most people travel during the weekend.
- Shoulder Seasons: Avoid peak travel periods like summer and the holiday season. Travelling during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) could result in substantial savings.
- Last-Minute Deals: Sometimes, airlines release last-minute deals to fill empty seats. Keep an eye on flight tracking apps and websites to snag these bargains.
- Travel during rainy season: People often avoid dates at their chosen destinations that fall into rainy season as they expect poor weather conditions any while you may risk facing substantial downpours, in many countries torrential rains may only last for 1 or 2 hours leaving you with plenty of time to explore.
2. Set Up Flight Alerts
- Google Flights: This free tool allows you to set up price alerts for specific routes. You’ll receive notifications whenever the price drops, so you can book at the best possible time.
- Skyscanner: Another popular option, Skyscanner offers price alerts and a “cheapest month” feature to help you find the most affordable times to travel.
3. Consider Alternative Airports
- Nearby Airports: Sometimes, flying into a smaller airport located outside of the main city can be significantly cheaper. Check for nearby airports, just consider the additional transportation costs to reach your final destination.
- Budget Airlines: Budget airlines often operate out of secondary airports. While these airlines may have additional fees, the overall cost can be lower than flying with a traditional carrier, especially if you can limit your luggage to carry-on sizes.
4. Use Flight Comparison Websites
- Multiple Websites: Don’t rely on just one website. Compare prices across several platforms like Google Flights, Skyscanner, Kayak, and Momondo to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
- Incognito Mode: Browsing in incognito mode can prevent airlines from tracking your search history and potentially raising prices.
5. Be Open to Layovers
- Extended Layovers: Sometimes, flights with longer layovers can be cheaper than direct flights. If you’re comfortable with a longer travel time, consider these options.
- Explore the City: Use a layover as an opportunity to explore a new city. Many airlines offer stopover packages that allow you to extend your stay at a discounted rate.
6. Pack Light
- Avoid Checked Bags: Checked bags can add significant costs to your flight. Pack efficiently to avoid paying extra fees for luggage.
- Carry-On Only: Consider traveling with a carry-on only to save on baggage fees. This can be especially helpful for shorter trips.
7. Use Alternative Payment Methods
- Spread the payments: Use a debit card like Monzo that has features like Monzo Flex that allows you to spread the payment of large purchases over 3, 6, 9 or 12 months.
- Get cashback on purchases: Use cashback websites like Topcashback who will pay you a percentage of the total cost of your flight when you initiate the purchase from their website. Currently, you can get up to 4% back of your British Airways flight when using TopCashBack.
- Pay with points: Sign up to a travel credit card like the British Airways credit card and earn Avois points when you pay with your credit card. Your points can then be redeemed against the cost of flights giving you significant discounts and sometimes almost free flights (only use this option if you can afford to pay off your balance immediately as the interest rates are really high. Our flight to Dubai cost only £100 because we used Avios points earned. Get 6000 points when you sign up using my link.
Hopefully, you’ve learned a few new tricks to help you save on your next flight. Have I missed any tips? Let me know in the comments.
Frequently Asked Questions About Affordable Flights
How far in advance should I book my flights?
The best time to book flights depends on various factors, including the destination, time of year, and airline. Generally, booking 2-3 months in advance can yield good deals. However, last-minute deals sometimes become available, so it’s worth keeping an eye on prices.
How can I avoid hidden fees when booking flights?
Be aware of potential hidden fees, such as baggage fees, seat selection fees, and change fees. Read the airline’s terms and conditions carefully before booking to avoid surprises.
How can I stay organised while planning my trips?
Use a travel planning app or spreadsheet to keep track of your flights, accommodations, activities, and expenses. This will help you stay organised and ensure you have everything you need for your adventure.
What are the best credit cards for travel rewards?
Many credit cards offer travel rewards, such as miles or points, that can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, and other travel expenses. Research different cards to find one that aligns with your travel habits and spending patterns.
Is it worth using a flight booking app?
Flight booking apps can be convenient and offer features like price alerts and personalized recommendations. However, it’s essential to compare prices across multiple platforms to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
