Flying can be one of the costliest aspects of your travel, but here are a couple of nifty hacks which could save you hundreds on flights in 2024. Be it frequent flying for business or that much-needed vacation, here are some tips that will guarantee the best deals and maximum travel budget.
1. Book Early, But Not Too Early
While last-minute deals will sometimes save you money, generally, it is cheaper to book your flight a few months in advance. Estimate roughly 3-6 months in advance for international flights. You will find that domestic flights are most available at their best prices anywhere between 1 to 3 months in advance. However, one mustn't book too much in advance since airlines usually release better fares close to the departure date.
2. Use Flight Comparison Tools
Do a good number of price comparisons on sites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Momondo-they give you fare comparisons across hundreds of airlines, online travel agents, and meta-search sites. Their filters will assist you in finding the cheapest days to fly, while price alerts notify you of price drops.
3. Flexibility in Dates and Destination
Flexibility pays off in finding the best deals on flights. If one is not rigid with their dates of travel or destination, then the date-flexible search features should be used to check alternative dates. It normally is cheaper to fly on weekdays, especially on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Also, if possible, check other airports nearby or even other cities, as flying from other cities may be cheaper.
#21 #Cheap #Flight #Hacks (#That #Actually #Work!) pic.twitter.com/Gbzr0nfVhe
— Nefise Kreszenz (@KreszenzNe40611) March 15, 2024
4. Clear Your Cookies and Browse Incognito
Most airlines monitor your search activity through cookies and then raise the prices by perceiving an intent to buy. You would do this by clearing the cookies of your browser or searching in incognito mode for your flight. This provides any viewer with the latest price and without being tracked.
5. Utilize Airline Rewards Programs
Sign up for frequent flier programs or airline loyalty clubs even if you do not fly much. Many offer an inducement to sign up, and you could get enough points on one flight to use later for fare discounts or upgrades. If you travel a lot you may want to get a travel-reward credit card and build up your points or miles on your daily purchases.
6. Consider Budget Airlines
Low-cost carriers sometimes don't have as many amenities included, but they're often much cheaper, particularly on shorter flights. Just remember that you may be charged extra for things such as checked luggage, choosing your seat, and meals. Be sure to include these in your overall price. Some of the low-cost carriers to look out for in 2024 include Ryanair, EasyJet, and Spirit Airlines.
7. Utilize Hidden City Ticketing
Hidden city ticketing is booking a flight whose layovers are in your destination city, and then you simply never board the last leg of the journey. There are a bunch of websites out there, such as Skiplagged, which will find these cheaper "hidden city" fares. Just be really careful with this method-some airline policies prohibit the practice, and it will work only for one-way flights, because your checked luggage goes on forward to its final destination.
8. Use Error Fares
Occasionally, airlines make mistakes, and due to technical glitches or human error, some super-low prices publish. These "error fares" are monitored by Secret Flying and The Flight Deal, sending alerts when those pop up. If you find one, book it immediately because these fares are usually corrected in relatively short order by the airline.
9. Fly During Off-Peak Seasons
You will save a lot in terms of the cost of the flight when you travel in the off-season. Whenever possible, try to avoid major holidays and peak travel seasons. For example, if you're trying to travel inexpensively in Europe, then spring or fall is generally your best options, while tropical destinations may offer good deals just before or after high tourist season.
10. Pack Light to Avoid Baggage Fees
The budget airlines nickel and dime you, but the first thing they do it with is with baggage fees. Travel light: If you can, take only one bag on, sparing the fees for checked luggage. Most airlines will give you one free personal item, so use this to your advantage and get a larger backpack or small duffel that fits within the dimensions of the airline. Also, always know the baggage policy of the airline you're flying with before you book your ticket to avoid surprise fees.
Conclusion
Prices vary on a daily basis; the secret to having one's finger on the pulse and flexibility can save a lot in 2024. From price comparison sites, rewards schemes, to booking flights on off-peak times, here are 10 hacks that will save you big on your next adventure. Safe flight!