5 Simple Tips For Securing The Best Deals On Cheap Flight Tickets
Traveling by airplane on vacation is a great way to get to your destination in a fraction of the time it would take by car or any other means for that matter.
However, it can also be a daunting task as airline tickets prices can quickly add up. To help you out, here are 5 simple tips for securing the best deals on cheap flight tickets.
Start your search early. Airlines often offer discounts for early purchases. That makes it a great idea to start looking for the flight prices several weeks – or even months – before your planned trip. You won’t be able to get an exact date at this point, but you can have an idea of how much you can save if you purchase your tickets early.
Compare prices. Don’t settle for the first offer that you find. Take the time to compare prices offered by different airlines. Check their websites, also online agencies. There are lots of options out there, so it is worth it to go through them all and try to find the best deal.
Be flexible with your dates. Flexibility is key when you want to secure the best deals on cheap flight tickets. A difference of several days can lead to very different prices. Try to find the most suitable dates for your trip, but also explore different options and see if it can help you save some money.
Sign up for emails. Airlines often have exclusive offers for subscribers to their email list. If you don’t mind receiving some promotions and reminders, it can be a great way to secure the best deals on cheap flight tickets.
Look for flight sales. Some airlines, especially the budget and low-cost ones, often have special promotions or discounts that are only valid for a limited time. Keep an eye for these offers and hit “book now” at the right time.
Finding Flight Deals with Miles
Another great way to save on flight tickets is to use miles or points.
Depending on your travel habits and credit cards, you might have amassed quite a few miles or points. If this is the case, take the time to check the different offers and see if it allows you to secure some discounted tickets.
For example, there are airline credit cards with “miles” as a perk. By using these cards for your expenses, you might be able to use the accrued miles to purchase flight tickets. This is a great way to get some discounts – or even get free tickets.
The same approach also works with loyalty programs. Airlines’ loyalty programs often offer discounted or free tickets using the miles or points you have accumulated. Again, take the time to explore this option and you might be able to secure some great deals.
There are also third-party services that specialize in helping you realize the best value from your miles and points. You can check out services like AwardWallet or Points.com to see what options you have and what offers are available.
Finally, there are also geographically-targeted loyalty programs. These programs – like Southwest Airlines’ Rapid Rewards – are specifically designed for people in a certain region of the world. Take a look at these programs and see if any of them can help you find some discounted tickets.
Taking Advantage of Alternative Airports
Finally, taking advantage of alternative airports can also help you find some great deals on flight tickets. Most cities have multiple airports in the vicinity, and some of them might be located a bit farther away but they can offer significant savings on tickets.
For example, if you are traveling to Los Angeles, you could fly into both LAX and Long Beach. Both offer international flights, but the prices for flights arriving at Long Beach can be cheaper, depending on the airline.
Also, if you’re willing to be flexible with your dates, you could save even more money. Airlines usually fill up flights to one airport before the other, so you could save quite a bit by picking the cheapest one between the two.
Finally, don’t forget to look at airports that are just outside of the city. For example, if you’re going to London, you could fly into London City Airport, which is only about a 30-minute train ride away from the city center.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I get discounts by buying tickets in bulk?
A: It depends on the airline. Some airlines offer discounts for bulk purchases, so you should check with the airline to see if this is an option.
Q: Are there any other ways to get discounted flight tickets?
A: Yes. You should also check online search engines to find group discounts and sign up for airline updates, which will alert you to special deals.
Q: Can I purchase tickets from the airline directly?
A: Yes, you can purchase tickets directly from the airline. You can also check out online ticketing sites, which usually offer lower prices.