How to Score the Cheapest Flights Online

Photo by: Bigstockphoto
Photo by: Bigstockphoto

Nothing is more exciting than planning a vacation with the whole family. But to make the most out of your money, make the extra effort of looking for the best deals online. The good news is, most airlines offer budget-saving promos all the time. Of course, these promos are not announced so you want to pounce on it when you have the chance! In today’s post, we are listing down tips to score amazing deals on flight fares online:

Check for Promos Early and Often

Did you know that you can save as much as $200++ on the same airline ticket as long as you secured said ticket at the right time? Airlines change their rates very frequently. In fact, airlines utilize hi-tech computer systems that adjust the flight rate in real time! What’s cheap today might be over $200 more expensive tomorrow! So do not wait until the last possible minute to book an airline ticket. Always check the fares as soon as you finalized your travel plans. Check for at least several times a week to get an idea what a good deal is. Finally, be ready to book that flight if the rate is good because that offer might not be around for long.

Optimal Buying Time

On average, the best time to book a flight is about 7 weeks in advance for domestic flights. However, the number could vary depending on your destination and the date of your flight. To avoid paying extra, do not book your flight 14 days of your travel date. Do not book too early either. Booking more than 5 months in advance will cost you extra. You want to book a flight 3 to 4 months in advance unless you are traveling during holidays or peak season.

Consider the Week of your Flight

The day of the week you fly could affect your airfare by as much as $29. Generally, the least expensive days to fly are Tuesdays and Wednesdays for domestic flights. Fridays and Sundays are the most expensive. If you are traveling for the weekend, schedule your trip to Saturday to Monday instead of Thursday to Sunday to save money. If you are traveling for a full week, book the trip on a Tuesday to Tuesday or a Wednesday to a Wednesday.

Peak Seasons and Holidays

As a general rule, booking a trip on a holiday or during the peak season means paying extra for flight fare. Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year, and other major holiday cause an influx of travelers, so the flights are very expensive than normal rates.

International flights adjust rates by season so check when are the low and peak seasons for certain destinations you want to visit. For instance, if you are going to Europe, you are more likely to get the best deals by scheduling your trip in February or March instead of December and January. If you book a European trip in peak season, you are more likely to pay double the usual fare!

Comparing Rates Online

We cannot stress this enough, compare rates online. You want to compare rates from at least 5 different airlines before deciding which airline to choose. By comparing rates online, you will get an idea what is the best deal and get more value for your money.  Never pounce on the first offer you come across with or you are likely to pay more.