Whether you need to fly from Manchester to Malaga or plan to trot around the world, airfare isn’t cheap. With flight fares constantly changing, it is hard to predict when ticket prices will hit the lowest price. Fret not, for in this guide, we’ve gathered the best advice on how to save money on air tickets.
1. Consider open-jaw tickets
Open-jaw tickets allow passengers to get into one city and depart from another while bypassing the original destination. For instance, you can book a cheap flight from Belfast to Glasgow, buy a ticket from Glasgow to London, and travel the remainder of the journey, the jaw of the itinerary, by other transportation means. This type of travel allows you to take advantage of the cheapest options, visit multiple destinations, and enjoy flexibility.
2. Travel on the least popular days
The least popular days are cheaper for a reason: a bulk of travelers typically choose different days due to work or other restraints. However, if you are flexible with your dates, you can use this option and benefit from it. Travel on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays to enjoy the best deals.
3. Choose smaller airports
If you are traveling to large cities, typically, you will have a couple of airports to choose from. This multiple-choice option will allow you to save a lot of money on airfare. Keep in mind that although you may find a cheap ticket, secondary expenses, like additional transportation, will hike up your budget. So, try to calculate the potential costs before purchasing a ticket.
4. Browse on multiple platforms with price alerts
Before buying a ticket, compare the prices for the same destinations on different platforms. Check out Skyscanner, Google Flights, Kayak, and other websites to find the best offers available. Don’t miss out on a good deal; instead, set up alerts for your desired destinations on different platforms. Sign up on the chosen platforms and apps and set up notifications that will inform you immediately as soon as the price drops.
5. Add up the extra charges
Flight prices can come with hidden fees. Before purchasing your tickets, determine whether you must pay extra for carry-on and checked baggage, seat selection, and other services. These costs can increase your overall expenses and result in a heftier price than you originally expected.
Finding the cheapest tickets is not so much about a stroke of luck as about being proactive. By planning beforehand, flying low-cost, choosing open-jaw tickets, setting alerts, and traveling to smaller airports, you will save money on airfare.