Let's be honest, all of us, travellers, would love to have more money to spend on activities, excursions and simply fun things to do, such as restaurants, bars and local tourist attractions. It helps when you get a good deal on flights, as air travel accounts for the most of your expenses when travelling. So, how do you save when booking a flight? Are there any golden rules for booking air travel?
The main thing, it seems, is to know when to book and where. In this quick review we will share with you a few ways, seven to be precise, how to fly from A to B at the best price. Well, let's put a little disclaimer in place here and say the most reasonable cost.
Best time to book the cheapest flights
If you really want to save a few quid, bucks or other dough, depending on how you call money in your country, you should search and book cheap flights well in advance instead of desperately hunting for the last minute deals. It is important to keep in mind that airfares are cheaper when you book 11 months in advance. Therefore, if you are planning to take a trip during the summer, book it in winter. You should allow yourself 3-4 months minimum. Let's be honest, how cool is that - your holidays are sorted early. No stress whatsoever. Some flights go on sale even earlier - 18 months before the departure date. The only reason why holiday companies might offer good discounts is when they are not fully booked closer to departure date. But don't expect that to be the rule. It's more luck than anything else. Obviously, if you only have time and resources to book a few weeks before you jet off, then you don't have much choice. So, always remember - try to book in advance when possible. That guarantees you savings.
Be flexible when booking flights
Demand affects the cost in any business. We all know that. Civil aviation and flights are not an exception. Choose departure days which are the least popular. Avoid weekends - fly mid-week or off-season. Try to avoid Mondays, Fridays and Sundays, if you can. Choose connections with longer waiting time. Your patience and prudence will help you to save money. Also, try to fly to smaller airports rather than busy hubs. Lots of airlines compete for the best slots paying hefty airport taxes that contribute to the final ticket price.
Search for discounts for children
For all those travelling with children it's almost imperative to check and compare what different carriers are offering on the same route. Some airlines apply different pricing for infants, children or young adults whereas some treat all passengers the same way from the costs stand point. It pays to check airline T&C's before booking - a real chance to save. Some carriers simply don't charge a fee for the little ones aged up to two years (unless they occupy a seat). You can also find discounts on flights for children and the elderly, it all depends on the airline's policy. At the same time, be careful when choosing low cost airline flights. They can offer a low basic fare however as you add luggage allowance, check-in options the price quickly builds up and you may even have to pay a premium.
Giving up travel extras
It is always advised to read carefully what's included in the price of your flight. This can be food on board, entertainment, seat selection cabin luggage and so forth. Consider giving up as many extras as it is reasonable. At the end of the day, some airlines may simply offer a better service for the same price. It's also about value that you are getting not just the seat cost. For example, British Airways allows passengers with children to choose seats in the cabin at no extra cost, so that the families travel stress free in comfort.
Booking with air miles
Frequent flyers benefit from airline loyalty programs and can fly cheaply using their air miles. Terms and conditions apply when booking with air miles and you should always check with your airline, but generally, you only pay taxes when using your airline points to book flights. We recommend you joining all airline rewards programmes that you fly with. It doesn't cost you anything and can only save you money in future. You also get your rewards points backdated.
Subscribe to deals and promotions
Sign up for the airlines deals and travel newsletters to be the first to find out about promotions, flash sales and other offers or discounts. Also, keep an eye on the travel space in general - you may discover a new market entrant trying to make a name in the industry and to win customer trust with aggressive discounts.
Always compare first
Savvy travellers from around the world never book their first flight deal they see on the Internet. They compare offers from different airlines and travel agencies first. So should you. Just shop around to get the best deal. Try using websites like Airinme that collate offers from hundreds of providers direct and compare deals. Play with the filters to see how cheaper options can be found. Once you have found the right option, simply click on the link with the price and you will be taken to book on the provider's web site. Airinme is a free unbiased service that don't charge you any booking fees.
