At Christmas, the only thing more exciting than receiving presents is saving money.​ When it comes to getting from home to where the festivities are, planes are rarely the cheapest option.​ But with a little planning, you can still save big and get cheaper flights this Christmas.​

The key is to start early.​ Travel websites show the best deals when you book ahead, so it pays to start looking at airfare as soon as you know where you’re headed.​ Make sure to compare airlines for the best options, and don’t forget to check for sales and special deals.​

If you know when you want to go, it’s also worth it to be flexible with your return date.​ Without a strict schedule, you can land cheaper fares that work with your plans.​ If you’re not too concerned with a particular airline, you can also take advantage of last minute deals that offer even more savings.​

It’s also worth looking into direct flights.​ If you’re flying somewhere with multiple stops, it’s often cheaper to go non-stop.​ You might even be able to find deals on other airlines that offer the same route.​

And don’t forget to keep an eye out for loyalty programs.​ If you’ve built up points with a particular airline, there’s a chance you’ll be able to redeem them for discounts on flights or upgrades.​ It might even be worth it to sign up for a loyalty program if you don’t have one to earn special deals.​

Finally, airports can offer discounts and special discounts.​ Check out their websites or call to find out what extra savings you can get.​ That way, you can save even more when you book, getting you to where you need to go at the lowest price possible.​

Book Early, Save More

When it comes to getting the best deal on flights, timing is key.​ Booking too far in advance can mean you miss out on great last minute deals, or even deals that come up between the time you book and the time you fly.​ But if you don’t leave enough time, you can end up with a surprise spike in airfare.​ As a rule of thumb, try to book at least six weeks in advance.​

Airfares tend to soar around the holidays.​ That makes it even more important to plan ahead if you expect to save big.​ This is especially true if you’ll be traveling to a popular destination.​ To get the best deal, try booking as early as you can, and compare the prices of each airline to make sure you’re getting the best deal.​

As you consider when to fly, think about what time of day is best.​ Early morning flights are often the cheapest, while later flights can be pricier.​ Just make sure that you don’t sacrifice comfort for the sake of cutting corners.​

Another way to save money during the holiday season is to travel during off-peak times.​ That means flying on major holidays, like Christmas and New Year’s Eve, or during the week or on Saturdays, when fewer people are traveling.​ These are the best times to get discounted prices.​

Finally, if you can’t fly on the dates of your choice, consider flying on an off-brand airline.​ Smaller airlines can often offer sizable discounts, and they usually offer more flexible return dates, so you can adjust your plans if you need to.​

Take Advantage of Layovers

When it comes to Holiday travel, layovers can offer big savings.​ A two-stop flight from one US city to another can often be much cheaper than a direct flight.​


And while it will take you longer to get there, the cost savings can be worth the extra time.​

Layovers can also be great for sightseeing, especially if you’re traveling to other countries.​ For example, if you’re flying from Canada to the USA, you might have the opportunity to take in the culture and cuisine of a major city like Toronto or Montreal before you depart.​ And as an added bonus, you don’t have to worry about booking a hotel — just enjoy the city and hop on the plane.​

Other great destinations for layovers include Munich, Dubai, and Tokyo.​ If you know ahead of time where your connecting flight will be, you can plan accordingly and book a few hours of sightseeing or an evening meal.​ The costs associated with a layover can often be less than you’d pay for a night in a hotel.​

But don’t forget to factor holding times into your plan.​ You want to make sure that your layover is long enough for you to enjoy the destination, but not so long that you miss your connecting flight.​

Finally, don’t forget to budget for food and activities while you’re on the layover as well.​ That way, you can make the most of your time and still get to your destination on time and on budget.​

Money Saving Tips

Once you start looking into flights, you might find yourself overwhelmed at the number of options available.​ Don’t let sticker shock scare you away.​ There are plenty of ways to save money when you plan ahead.​

The first tip is to consider flexible dates.​ Going a few days either way can make a big difference in price.​ For example, if you’re flying roundtrip, you might be able to get a cheaper fare if you leave on Thursday and return on Monday rather than leaving on Saturday and returning Sunday.​

Next, when you’re looking at flights, don’t forget to check budget airlines.​ Many of them offer cheaper tickets to popular destinations and don’t show up on the radar of regular travelers.​ That can make them great options if you’re looking to save money on airfare.​

And remember to factor in the cost of luggage.​ Most airlines charge extra for checked luggage, and some even charge extra for carry-on bags.​ If you’re planning to bring a lot of goodies home with you, it can pay to plan ahead and figure out which airlines offer the best rates.​

Finally, if you’ll be flying multiple times while you’re away, look for packages that offer roundtrip or multiple ticket discounts.​ This way, you can save money by booking multiple flights at once.​

Money Saving Apps

Technology has made it easier than ever to save money on flights, and there are myriad apps that can help you find the best deals.​ The most popular flight search engines, such as Skyscanner or Google Flights, can help you track prices and get alerts when fares drop.​ Some also let you compare prices across a range of airlines so you can be sure you’re getting the best deal.​

Then there are apps that specialize in finding the cheapest flights.​ KAYAK, for example, is great for quickly scanning a range of airlines and airports for deals.​ Hopper also has a great price tracking feature that lets you compare fares and monitor when the prices change, so you can be sure you’re getting the best deal.​

In addition, there are plenty of other apps that offer special discounts for traveling on certain days, buying multiple tickets, or signing up for loyalty programs.​ If savings is your top priority, it pays to do some research and find apps that are tailored to your needs.​

FAQs

What is the best way to save money when booking flights?

The best way to save money when booking flights is to plan ahead.​ Start looking at airfare as soon as you know where you’re headed, compare airlines for the best options, and look for sales and special deals.​ It can also help to be flexible with your return date and look for last minute deals.​

How far in advance should I book flights for the holidays?

It’s best to book at least six weeks in advance for the holidays.​ Airfares tend to soar around this time, so booking as far in advance as possible can help you get the best deal.​

What are some tips for taking advantage of layovers?

When taking advantage of layovers, it’s important to budget for food and activities.​ Also, consider your timeframe and be sure that your layover is long enough for you to enjoy the destination, but not so long that you miss your connecting flight.​

Can apps help me save money on flights?

Yes, there are many apps that can help you find the best deals on flights.​ Popular search engines such as Skyscanner or Google Flights can help you track prices and get alerts when fares drop, while other apps specialize in finding the cheapest flights.​ It can also be helpful to look for apps that offer special discounts for buying multiple tickets or signing up for loyalty programs.​