The Art of Booking Flights: Insider Tips and Tricks
Many of our clients ask us “when is the best time to book their flights?” This is always a difficult question to answer as there is no perfect answer. Flight pricing tends to fluctuate daily and it can almost feel like you are playing a game of Russian Roulette when you are trying to decide when to book your flight. We have compiled a list of essential tips to help you navigate the flight booking process like a pro. So, fasten your seatbelts, and let’s get started!
Be Flexible with Dates and Destinations:
One of the most effective ways to find great flight deals is by having flexibility in your travel plans. Consider adjusting your departure and return dates by a few days to take advantage of cheaper fares. Additionally, be open to alternate airports near your destination, as they may offer better prices.
Use Incognito Browsing or Clear Cookies:
Flight prices can increase based on your browsing history. To avoid this, either use an incognito or private browsing mode or clear your cookies before searching for flights. By doing so, you’ll prevent websites from tracking your search history and potentially offering higher prices based on your previous searches.
Set Fare Alerts & Tracking Apps :
Take advantage of fare alert services or apps that notify you when prices drop for your desired route. These alerts can help you stay updated on the latest deals and book your flights at the right time. The Hopper App is an amazing tool to utilize when searching for the best time to book your flights. The Hopper will map out the entire year for you with color-coded prices that indicate whether the price is high or low based on the date, as well as predict whether or not the price is likely to drop or not for your specific dates. We would recommend only using the Hopper App as a tool to track flights as it is not a reliable tool with which to book flights. It is also important to note that it does not include flights for Southwest or Delta Airlines.
Compare Multiple Airlines
Use reliable flight search engines to compare prices, routes, and amenities offered by different airlines. A great resource to check pricing options for multiple airlines is Google Flights. You can also check out the price graph feature that allows you to view price trends over a specific period, helping you determine the best time to book. You can also set up alerts to track flight prices as well. Consider direct bookings with airlines as well, as they may provide exclusive discounts or benefits.
Consider Layovers and Connecting Flights
Direct flights are convenient, but they can often be more expensive. If you’re on a budget, consider booking flights with layovers or connecting flights. Sometimes, these flights can significantly reduce the cost of your ticket. However, ensure that the layover duration is reasonable and allows ample time to catch your connecting flight without unnecessary stress. It is recommended to have at least a 2 hour layover for domestic travel and at least 3 or more hours for an international flight to allow for time to get through customs.
Join Loyalty Programs
Frequent flyers should join airline loyalty programs to accumulate miles and enjoy exclusive benefits. Even if you’re not a frequent traveler, signing up for these programs can still be advantageous. Some airlines partner with credit card companies, allowing you to earn miles through everyday purchases and later redeem them for discounted or free flights.
Be Mindful of Peak Travel Seasons
Flights during peak travel seasons (i.e. Holidays, Spring Break, etc.) tend to be more expensive. If possible, plan your trips during off-peak periods when demand is lower. Not only will you find better flight deals, but you’ll also experience less crowded airports and destinations.
Book in Advance, but Not Too Early
While booking in advance can often save you money, booking too early may not be advantageous. Airlines usually release their flight schedules around 11 months in advance, but the best time to book can vary depending on the destination. As a general rule, aim to book international flights 2-3 months ahead and domestic flights 6-8 weeks before departure for the best combination of availability and price.
Check Baggage Allowances and Fees:
A flight price may look amazing at the time you book, but there may be a ton of fees that you weren’t aware you would need to pay for when you reached the airport. Spirit Airlines is a good example of an airline that charges extra onboard baggage and seat selection fees. Before booking, familiarize yourself with the baggage allowances and fees of the airlines you’re considering. Baggage policies can vary significantly, and excess baggage charges can quickly add up. Pay attention to both checked and carry-on baggage limits to avoid unexpected expenses at the airport.
Check for Refund and Change Policies:
Before finalizing your flight booking, carefully review the refund and change policies of the airline or booking platform. Life is unpredictable, and circumstances may arise that require you to modify or cancel your travel plans. Understanding the policies in advance can save you from unnecessary penalties or frustrations later on.
Get Travel Protection:
Travel protection can protect you financially if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unforeseen circumstances. These may include personal or family emergencies, illness, natural disasters, or other events outside your control. With travel protection, you can recover non-refundable flight costs and other prepaid expenses, ensuring you don’t bear the full financial burden of a canceled or shortened trip. It also covers travel delays, missed connections, lost/delayed baggage, emergency medical expenses and more! Remember, travel protection is an investment in your travel experience, safeguarding you against unexpected events that could otherwise result in significant financial losses and stress.
We hope you found these flight tips helpful and we also hope you will consider using Vacay Wiz to help you plan your next vacation!
