Are you ready to start planning your summer travel? With the warm season approaching and people itching to explore after a year of lockdown, it’s important to find ways to save money on flights. That’s where flight hacks come in! By understanding the factors that impact flight prices, such as departure day, length of stay, airport choice, and booking in advance, you can potentially save hundreds of dollars.
To prevent airlines from raising prices based on your search history, make sure to use “incognito mode” or a browser with cookie-blocker options. Additionally, websites like Skyscanner can help you find the best deals by searching for the cheapest day to buy tickets. Nonstop flights are typically more expensive than those with layovers, so consider the option of a layover to save some cash. Don’t forget about credit cards with travel rewards, which could earn you free flights, and keep an eye out for error fares using websites like Scott’s Cheap Flights and Secret Flying. By booking individual legs of a journey separately, you can also potentially cut costs. So, get ready to dive into these flight hacks and start planning your budget-friendly summer adventures!
Factors that impact flight prices
When looking for the best flight deals, it’s important to consider various factors that can impact the prices. These factors include the departure day, length of stay, airport, and booking in advance.
Departure day
The day you choose to depart can have a significant impact on the price of your flight. Weekday flights are often cheaper than weekend flights, so if you have flexibility in your travel plans, consider flying on a Tuesday or Wednesday to potentially save money.
Length of stay
The length of your stay can also affect the price of your flight. In some cases, staying a few extra days or even adjusting your travel dates slightly can lead to lower fares. Keep in mind that certain destinations may have specific seasons or events that can influence flight prices, so it’s important to do some research before finalizing your travel plans.
Airport
The airport you choose to fly from and to can also impact the price of your flight. Some airports have lower operating costs for airlines, resulting in cheaper fares. Additionally, flying into smaller or secondary airports near your destination may offer more affordable options compared to major airports.
Booking in advance
Booking your flight well in advance can often lead to lower prices. As the departure date approaches, ticket prices tend to increase. Therefore, it’s advisable to start searching for flights early and book as soon as you find a good deal.
Using incognito mode or cookie-blocker options
To prevent airlines from raising prices based on your search history, it’s recommended to use private browsing modes such as “incognito mode” or browsers with extensive cookie-blocker options like Firefox or Brave. By doing this, you prevent airlines from accessing your search history and manipulating prices based on your previous searches.
It’s important to note that you should close and reopen the incognito window after a few searches to ensure your search history is cleared and prices remain unaffected.
Finding the cheapest day to buy tickets
Contrary to popular belief, there isn’t a fixed day of the week that offers the cheapest flight tickets. The cheapest day to buy tickets can vary depending on various factors, including the destination and season. However, you can use websites like Skyscanner to compare prices across different dates and find the best deals.
To find the cheapest day to fly, you can use the “whole month” or “flexible dates” option on Skyscanner. This allows you to see the prices of flights for an entire month and identify the most affordable day to travel.
Choosing flights with layovers
Opting for flights with layovers instead of nonstop flights can often result in significant savings. Nonstop flights tend to be more expensive due to the convenience they offer. However, if you don’t mind the layover and have some extra time on your hands, booking a flight with one or two layovers can help you save money.
Data analysts have found that a long-distance flight with one layover can save you around 5% on your tickets. If you have even more time to spare, allowing for two layovers can save you approximately 7% on your tickets.
Earning free flights with travel rewards credit cards
If you frequently travel, it may be beneficial to explore credit cards that offer travel rewards. These credit cards allow you to earn points or miles for every dollar you spend, which can be redeemed for free flights, hotel stays, or other travel-related expenses.
For example, credit cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card offer a significant number of travel points as a sign-up bonus. By meeting the spending requirements within the specified timeframe, you can earn enough points to cover the cost of an entire flight.
Be sure to research different credit cards and their rewards programs to find one that aligns with your travel preferences and spending habits.
Using error fares for significant discounts
Error fares occur when airlines make mistakes with their prices, leading to significantly discounted tickets. Websites like Scott’s Cheap Flights and Secret Flying specialize in finding and compiling these error fares for their subscribers.
Subscribing to these services can help you stay informed about error fares and potentially save hundreds of dollars on your flights. It’s important to act quickly when you come across an error fare, as they are usually fixed by airlines once they realize the mistake.
Booking individual legs of a journey separately
Booking each leg of your journey separately can be a money-saving hack when searching for flights. By doing this, you have the flexibility to mix and match different airlines and find the most affordable options for each leg of your trip.
Sometimes, booking the flights separately can be cheaper than booking a single ticket with multiple connections. However, it’s crucial to allow enough time between flights to ensure a smooth transition and avoid potential issues if one of your flights is delayed.
Be mindful of potential risks when booking separate legs, such as limited assistance from airlines if you miss a connecting flight booked separately. Plan ahead and give yourself ample time between flights to minimize any potential complications.
Using Kiwi.com for cheap flight options
For spontaneous getaways or when you’re unsure of your destination, Kiwi.com can be a useful website. It allows you to search for cheap flights from an airport near you without specifying the destination.
By using Kiwi.com, you can discover affordable flight options and find inspiration for your next trip. This can be particularly helpful if you’re open to exploring new places and are focused on finding the best deals.
Benefitting from ‘hacker fares’
Hacker fares involve booking one-way flights with different airlines to save money. They refer to the practice of combining separate one-way tickets instead of booking a round-trip ticket with the same airline.
The main advantage of hacker fares is increased flexibility with departing times. You have the freedom to choose different airlines for each leg of your journey, allowing for potentially lower prices.
To find hacker fares, you can use flight search engines like Google Flights or Skyscanner. Search for the cheapest one-way tickets in an incognito window to ensure prices are not affected by your search history. Once you find the flights you want, book each one-way flight separately on the respective airline’s website.
Conclusion
Finding affordable flight options doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By considering factors like the departure day, length of stay, airport choices, and booking in advance, you can increase your chances of securing cheaper tickets.
Utilizing tools like incognito mode, Skyscanner, and flight hack websites can further enhance your ability to find the best deals. Whether it’s earning free flights with travel rewards credit cards, taking advantage of error fares, or booking individual legs of a journey separately, there are numerous flight hacks available to help you save money.
Remember to be flexible, plan ahead, and act quickly when you come across a great deal. With the right strategies and a bit of research, you can make the most of your travel budget and enjoy your dream getaway at an affordable price.