For first-time travelers and even frequent flyers, booking an affordable flight can be a challenge. Nobody wants to overpay, but many don’t know how to avoid it, so the questions multiply: What's the best time to travel? What kind of flight should I take to save money? What are the advantages of a rewards program? Where should I book my flight?
The good news is that there are answers. Saving money on flights isn’t a guessing game. Following a few essential tips will make the process a little easier.
Travel on the least crowded days
Airlines charge more on busier days, especially on major holidays such as July 4th, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s. If you can, avoid the peak times to save money.
You can take the same approach regarding which day of the week to fly. Since most people depart and return on weekends, Fridays and Sundays are high-volume travel days. Flights on Tuesday, Wednesday or Saturday are less crowded and will save money. Also, be sure to check if any major events or conventions are occurring at your destination that could increase demand and push up the price of your ticket.
If you have the flexibility, you can take this strategy of avoiding peak times to save money to another level. Instead of choosing your destination and dates first and trying to save money second, reverse the order. Look for the best deals first and choose your destination and dates on those deals.
Book connecting flights when possible
Many people like the convenience of direct flights because they get you to your destination faster without the hassle of changing planes. But there is a cost. Because of the demand, direct flights are always more expensive than connecting flights.
Connecting flights are a better option if you're trying to save money. They can have other advantages, too, especially for international travelers who appreciate a rest stop between long flights. Also, some airlines offer free stopovers, which, in essence, are extended layovers between flights.
