Get ahead of the bus, the day where you just step up for YOU and say “That’s IT, I am going on vacation!” Vacations are our moments of freedom, our time to be unplugged from the world. Everyone has their own budget when it comes to travel. Additionally, each of us has our own ‘special’ destination bucketlist.
What we all have in common is the pang to travel. For so many, over 1 billion people per year actually, flying is the way to a destination. Airfare can be so complicated and yet so necessary. Let’s navigate through the 7 Secrets for finding the best airfare for every budget, and then lavishly live travel out loud!
7 Secrets For Finding The Best Airfare For Every Budget
Stop wasting time you don’t have on things that can just happen for you. Airfare checking is a total PIA but we all have wants, from the best airfare to the fasted flight pattern. Costs of airlines tickets change on a constant basis (well about every 3-4 days) and all of this is cause for a small panic attack. There is nothing worse than trolling sites to compare fares or find a flight that matches your budget! Stop the insanity! Flying is fun and faster than other means, so just relax, we got this!
1. Planning In Advance For the Win!
Book those flights at least 6 weeks in advance (personally I do it 6 months!). There is no guarantee of the cheapest airfare, but there is a good chance you will find a good deal! Have a favorite airline? Signing up for website notifications that inform you when airfares drop so you are aware of the best deal and can book.
2. Time of Year Matters
According to an article on USA Today, you will find that the time of the year more dictates the pricing than the day of the week. However, if you search a site like one of my favorites, SOUTHWEST, you will find prices are drastically lower on the weekdays. (search flights for Pittsburgh To Miami as the example, you will be surprised by a lot!).
Remember when there are holidays, there are more flights. More days off translates to more people ‘off the ground and in the air!’
3. Fly Early Or Fly Late
2 trends you can see is that flying in the way early morning (and I have done plenty) those 6 AM flights has its advantages. Often there are fewer people flying, though I would never guess this by how jammed Southwest always is.
Conversely, think about hotels, and check-in. Most people leaving hotels and resorts do not have to be out until late morning and rooms generally are not required to be ready before 3P (just using standard protocol here). Thus, if you can fly in later in the day, and get a non-stop you do not have to deal with the hassle of the check-in thing and flights are often less. Again I am going to reference Southwest for this.
4. Fares Need To be Compared
We all get lazy and have some fleeting ‘a’fares (sorry had to) with our favorite airlines. Stop the insanity. Always compare fares. Just because you have a favorite airline doesn’t mean you will always get the best deal. When you do a thorough comparison you will find that can find the best deal out there. Try a site that will search multiple airlines.
5. Connecting Is Not Always A Bad Thing
Earlier in life, I would tell you that connections suck, but they can be lifesavers. If you have ever flown in and out of the Atlanta airport you are already with me on this and get me! A small-time between flights (up to 3 hours is great for regrouping, bathroom and food breaks and getting from one side of the airport from the other) is good. Save your armpits from sweating, save your lungs from collapsing, and give yourself a bit of space from those tight flying quarters.
Quirky Way To Score That Connecting Flight.
Additionally, when you book a connecting flight you can (sometimes) save up to 50% on airfare. I will tell you from personal experience, it is not how it sounds. We needed flights to Puerto Vallarta. We found that it would be cheaper to fly out of Atlanta, but there was nothing ‘well-priced’ to incent me to book from the SAME carrier. What did we do? We purchased cheap flights to Atlanta, got off and connected on to Aeromexico saving us HUNDREDS of dollars. That is connecting a flight in MY language.
6. Stay Social
First and foremost, if you love one particular airline, hook up on social media. Sometimes you will find great deals. Now, don’t forget to get those email alerts. Last, keep your options open. Use booking site updates as well, no particular brand but places like Expedia, etc.
7. Don’t Book Group Travel You Will Get Rooked
Traveling as a group is incredible, but can be costly. If you do not believe me read this article from Business Insider and How To Get THe Cheapest airfare! It is NOT by booking a group at a time. Rather, you should all find ONE flight and one airline you can agree on, head to Facetime, Google Hangouts or whatever, and do your ‘booking thang’ at the same time. Each individually and grab those good rates!
Here’s the thing. Some of your friends might have a bigger budget and want the different classes on the plane (comfort or business rather than economy). This kind of booking lets everyone grab what fits their budget, while still being on the same flight!
Now you are briefed and ready to travel, where to? Use my tips to see if you can secure the best possible deal for your next big getaway! Let me know how you do with them! I use them every day! Lavishly live travel out loud because you have found the 7 secrets for finding the best airfare for every budget! ~ DANA