Air Travel for Less
No other means of transportation will get you to your destination faster, or more safely, than a modern airline. If you're not careful, though, traveling by air can also be more costly than most other travel options. Here, we've made a few suggestions to help you save on the airfare costs of your next flight.
Book Your Trip Online
You have probably seen one or more of the discount airfare websites widely advertised on television. It's true, shopping for airfare online through third-party negotiators can sometimes save you a significant amount. Shop around before you buy to make sure you're getting the best possible deal.
Look for Travel Packages
You may be able to reduce the cost of your plane tickets by combining your purchase with parking, car rental or lodging arrangements. When shopping for package deals, make sure you compare the prices of the individual services with the cost of the offer. Only purchase what you need in order to receive the most for your money.
Stay Flexible
Depending on the amount of traffic the airways are experiencing at the time of your trip, you may be able to save by staying flexible with your travel dates—and with your destination. An airport across town from your desired location may offer a better rate than one that is located right next door. In the same way, departing earlier in the week instead of on the weekend may also help you save.
Plan Ahead
If you know well ahead of time that you're going to be traveling during a holiday or other high-traffic season, book your tickets early. Airfare prices usually escalate in increments as the departure date nears. On the other hand, they can also drop. Keep an eye on the rates even after you buy. If prices drop below what you've already paid, you can sometimes contact the airline and ask for a refund of the difference.
Buy Last-Minute
For trips that don't fall on holidays or during high-traffic seasons, waiting until the last minute may be worth the risk. When airlines don't successfully fill all of their seats, prices can plunge. Search online for websites that specialize in last-minute airfare, and you may be surprised at how much you can save.
The strategy that works best for your budget will ultimately depend on your travel plans. If you take time to compare prices, you should be able to find an airline that offers the service you need at a reasonable price. If you would like more suggestions for flying on a budget, take a look at our Ways to Pack and Save page and learn how to avoid the pinch of an overstuffed suitcase.