With the pandemic seemingly behind us and the summer approaching, it’s time to get back to bucket list travel!! Retirement offers most retirees the time to see the world but often funds are tight for those big trips. Along with lodging, air travel is often the most expensive part of any trip. Every retiree can benefit from saving money on airfare!! Here are my top 6 tips for getting the best deal from the airlines:
Tip #1: Plan ahead
Airlines bump up their prices for flights around holidays and in the summer. Finding low-priced seats can be a challenge. My mantra is BOOK EARLY!! The earlier you book, the more likely you are to get a good price on the flight you want. For some airlines, you can also keep checking and if the price goes down, you can rebook at the lower price. You’ll get a credit for future flights. Booking early can be a win-win but be mindful of change fees! During the pandemic, all the major airlines waived change fees, but they have slowly been creeping back. If you can’t commit to specific dates, booking early might not be for you. If you are paying excess change fees, you certainly won’t be saving money on airfare!
Tip #2: Check neighboring cities
If you are lucky enough to live near multiple airports, checking nearby locations can sometimes lower the price with minimum inconvenience. You probably already know about those options where you live but don’t forget to also check your destination. In the Washington D.C. area, traveling in and out of Baltimore can sometimes save you hundreds of dollars. In New York City, New Jersey’s Newark airport might be an option. A trip to Los Angeles could be cheaper if you fly into Long Beach, Ontario, or Burbank. Thinking outside the box is helpful. Flying into Spokane, Washington might get you closer to where you want to go in Idaho and for less money. Take a look at the map and check prices.
Tip #3: Don’t forget the connecting cities too
Flying to Nairobi via London Heathrow is only one option. Check flights through Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Zurich, Brussels and even Dubai. Check the airports’ website or use an app like FlightAware to see who flies into your destination city and from where. If you are planning a short layover in the connection city, sometimes booking a through ticket is cheaper. But more often, booking two tickets will save you money and you’ll have the added bonus of spending a night or two in the connecting city.
Tip #4: Be flexible on dates
It is not uncommon to find a better price if you book mid-week but every once in a while, the best prices are on a Friday or Saturday departure. Check every day of the week and be flexible also on time of day. Those very, very early morning flights can be cheaper, and you have the added bonus that they are more likely on time. Overnight flights can be another less expensive option. Aside from time of day or day of the week, be mindful of when airlines start their “in-season” pricing. Leaving for a trip on the 14th of May rather than 15th of May could save you a pretty penny. Trips to Hawaii may be more expensive in November than October. Skipping travel around Memorial Day or 4th of July will be more cost effective just about anywhere in the U.S.
Tip #5: Look at all classes of service
Take a look at everything you get with the price of your ticket. Sometimes a different class of service or bundled rate will be higher priced but will save you money by not having to pay for seat selection or luggage. Other times it is better to purchase add-ons a la carte. The price difference can be so minimal it is definitely worth booking in a higher class of service. Premium economy is a great example. I’ve found tickets just $20-$30 more which is well worth the price for the added space and comfort. Sometimes as the departure date comes closer, the airlines will offer upgrades for a hundred or so dollars. Using miles can also be a great way to up your class of service and save money.
Tip #6: Don’t hesitate
If you see a good price, book it. Don’t wait! The price can evaporate in a matter of seconds. You will likely have 24 hours to cancel without penalty anyway. Be aware that some airlines will track your searches and will up the price to scare you if you’ve been searching a lot. Always clear your history cache frequently.
Booking flights for the best price can be challenging but it’s a great feeling getting a bargain price!! These tips for saving money on airfare can help you manage one of the biggest expenses on your trip. And money saved is always good!!
