15 Tricks to Buy Cheaper Flight Tickets in 2024
Traveling can be an unforgettable adventure, but planning a trip can often cost us a lot of time, money, and nerves. Flight fares are constantly changing, making it challenging to find the lowest prices. However, here are 15 insider tricks to help you buy cheaper flight tickets, including five new tips to enhance your savings strategy in 2024.
1. Be Mindful of Extra Fees
When comparing flight prices, pay attention to hidden fees. Low-cost airlines may tempt you with low base fares but charge for additional services such as baggage, seat selection, and in-flight amenities. Take these extra costs into account to ensure you get the best deal.
2. Book Connecting Flights Individually
Direct flights may seem convenient, but booking separate parts of your trip can sometimes get you lower prices. Use flight search engines to compare prices for individual legs and consider combining airlines to find the best deal.
3. Sign Up for Price Alerts
Take advantage of price alert tools offered by various travel websites and apps. Set up alerts for your desired routes and receive notifications when prices drop, allowing you to get the best deals as soon as they become available.
4. Take Advantage of Reward Programs
If you frequently fly with a particular airline, you can save a lot by joining their loyalty program. Accumulate miles through flights, credit card purchases, or promotions, and redeem them for discounted or even free tickets.
5. Combine Your Travel Costs
Consider combining your flight with other elements of your trip, such as accommodation and car rental. Many travel websites offer discounts for booking flights, hotels, and activities together, providing overall savings compared to booking each component separately.
6. Plan Ahead
It’s best to buy a flight ticket three months before your trip or at least three weeks before. Average ticket prices tend to rise as the departure date gets closer, so waiting to book at the last minute can be an expensive gamble.
7. Book on Weekends
While the most expensive tickets tend to be booked on Tuesdays and Fridays, you can save more by booking your flight on a Sunday.
8. Choose the Best Days to Take Off
Starting your trip on a Tuesday or a Wednesday will also help you save money on airfare.
9. Be Flexible
When searching for a plane ticket, being flexible with your travel dates will save you money. Compare prices 2-3 days before and after your desired departure.
10. Browse on Multiple Platforms
Always check multiple sources before booking your flight. Use search engines like Skyscanner, Kayak, or Google Flights to get the best offers. Also, check airline websites directly.
11. Go ‘Incognito’
Many search engines and booking sites store your previous search history, so prices might change based on what you have already browsed. To avoid this and ensure you get the best deal possible, turn your internet browser to incognito mode before booking your flight.
12. Don’t Assume Non-Stop Flights Are More Expensive
Direct non-stop flights may actually cost less than flights with stops, especially in low-travel seasons or when a new route is added.
13. Search for “Error Fares”
Error fares are super cheap flight tickets resulting from airline mistakes that fail to be detected in a timely manner. They happen quite often, so keep an eye out for them.
14. Buy an “Open Jaw” Ticket
An open jaw flight will fly you to one destination and then fly you back from another. For example, you fly from Venice to Porto and then fly back to Venice from Lisbon. When fares are high to a particular city, with an open jaw, you can take advantage of a cheaper destination nearby.
15. Fly with Low-Cost Airlines
Low-cost airlines offer considerably cheaper tickets than their full-service counterparts. Although the seats are smaller and there is no free food, it’s still a great option to save money.
Additional Tips for 2024
16. Utilize Flexible Booking Options Many airlines now offer more flexible booking options, allowing you to change dates without hefty fees. Take advantage of these to book early without the fear of losing money if plans change.
17. Explore Alternative Airports Flying into or out of alternative airports can often save you money. Check nearby airports to your destination and compare prices.
18. Use Travel Credit Cards Many travel credit cards offer points or miles for purchases. Use these cards to pay for everyday expenses and accumulate points to redeem for flight tickets.
19. Take Advantage of Seasonal Sales Airlines often have sales during off-peak times. Sign up for newsletters or follow airlines on social media to stay informed about these deals.
20. Consider Travel Agencies Sometimes, travel agencies have access to special deals and packages that aren’t available to the general public. It’s worth checking with them to see if they can find you a better price.
By incorporating these strategies, you can maximize your savings and make your travel planning less stressful. Happy travels in 2024!
For more tips and deals, visit Desmo Travel or contact us at info@desmotravel.com.
