Traveling is awesome but paying top dollar for flights? Not so awesome. Read on to learn about the myriad of simple ways you can save money when booking flights.
Timing Matters: Save Money When Booking Flights
Time affects EVERYTHING. For example, the time of year. Everyone knows that overall, prices to warmer-weather places skyrocket in the winter. This is common knowledge for most but, have you considered how time of day might affect prices? How about the day of the week. I’m not saying it’s a hard and fast rule that flights are always less expensive on weekdays, however I can say that this year alone, I have saved HUNDREDS (collectively) by flying on weekdays. For example, due to having class Monday nights, as opposed to during the day, I am easily able to save by flying back home on Mondays instead of scrambling for a Sunday evening flight.
Pros of flying on weekdays
- generally lower flight prices
- usually less people at the airport than on the weekend
- also save $ when it comes to uber/lyft (think no weekend premiums)
Cons of flying on weekdays
- less flights/flight options available
Pro Tip: Be flexible with dates and times: Flying on weekdays, especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays, is often cheaper than flying on weekends. Early morning or late-night flights tend to be less expensive compared to peak times.
Airline: Save Money on Flights With Budget Airlines
What airline you choose to fly with can drastically affect prices. Some airlines are known for their ‘cheap’ flight prices or ‘discount airlines’ if you will. The most popular are:
- Allegiant Airlines
- Frontier Airlines
- Breeze Airways
Allegiant Airlines
Allegiant Air is an American low-cost airline headquartered in Summerlin, Nevada. It is a relatively small airline that primarily focuses on providing leisure travel options to various destinations within the United States. Here are some key points about Allegiant Air:
- Business Model: Allegiant operates under a unique business model that focuses on offering non-stop flights between smaller, underserved airports and popular vacation destinations. This approach helps the airline avoid the direct competition that larger airlines face on major routes.
- Destinations: Allegiant Air primarily serves leisure travelers seeking affordable flights to popular vacation spots. Their destinations include cities in states like Florida, Nevada, California, Arizona, and more. They often fly to secondary airports near major tourist destinations.
- Fees and Ancillary Revenue: Allegiant is known for its à la carte pricing model, where passengers can choose to pay for additional services such as seat selection, baggage, priority boarding, and more. This approach allows the airline to offer low base fares while generating additional revenue from optional fees.
Frontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines is an American ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) headquartered in Denver, Colorado. Here’s an overview of Frontier Airlines:
- Business Model: Frontier Airlines is known for its ultra-low-cost business model, which aims to provide travelers with affordable fares by offering a no-frills experience. Passengers have the option to pay for additional services and amenities beyond the basic ticket price.
- Destinations: Frontier Airlines serves a variety of destinations within the United States and to some international destinations in Mexico, Canada, and the Caribbean. Similar to other ULCCs, the airline tends to focus on high-traffic routes between major cities and popular vacation spots.
- Fees and Ancillary Revenue: Frontier Airlines is known for its à la carte pricing structure, similar to other ULCCs. Passengers can choose to pay for add-ons such as seat assignments, baggage, priority boarding, and more. This approach allows passengers to customize their travel experience based on their preferences and budget.
Breeze Airways
Breeze Airways
Breeze Airways is a relatively new American low-cost airline that was founded by David Neeleman, who is also known for co-founding airlines like JetBlue and Azul. Breeze Airways aims to provide affordable and convenient air travel options to underserved markets in the United States. Here’s an overview of Breeze Airways:
- Founding and Focus: Breeze Airways was founded in 2020 and officially started operations in 2021. The airline’s focus is on connecting smaller cities and underserved markets with nonstop flights. It aims to fill gaps in air travel routes that are typically overlooked by larger airlines.
- Network: Breeze Airways operates point-to-point flights between cities that are often not well-connected by other airlines. The airline’s route network emphasizes connecting cities in the southeastern United States, including destinations in Florida, the Gulf Coast, and the eastern seaboard.
- Business Model: Breeze Airways operates as an ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) with a strong emphasis on efficiency and cost savings. Similar to other ULCCs, Breeze offers a range of optional services and amenities that passengers can choose to add to their basic fare, allowing them to customize their travel experience based on their needs.
- Customer Experience: The airline aims to differentiate itself by offering a comfortable and pleasant flying experience, even on shorter routes. This includes features such as spacious seating, inflight entertainment, and free Wi-Fi.
Pro Tip: Use Airline Miles and Points: If you’re a frequent traveler, consider joining airline loyalty programs and using miles or points to redeem for flights.
Start And End Destination
I do realize this is an obvious factor. Where you are going drastically changes what you pay BUT the reason this idea deserves some time dedicated to it is because of how location affects airlines. Not all airlines are available at all airports. As a native Cleveland-er I have always sought flights out of Cleveland-Hopkins International Airport (duh, right?). Well, it had never really occurred to me much before to see what flights are available out of Akron-Canton International Airport which is considerably smaller. What I ended up learning, only months ago, was that, although considerably smaller, the Akron airport houses some airlines that Cleveland airport does not, AND that those airlines fly DIRECT to many destinations that if I were to fly to from Cleveland, would require a connecting flight. For example, I spent this past New Years in Nashville with friends which is when I initially, through them, learned of Breeze Airways (which flys direct to Nashville, unlike airlines out of Cleveland). Since that trip, I have already booked Breeze a handful of times and flew Breeze round-trip to Charleston, SC.
Discount airlines pros: flight prices; cons: may only offer flight on 1 or 2 days a week, extra charges for baggage
Another way to save money on flights is by letting the savings themselves essentially ‘pick’ the destination. Charleston was a completely random trip. I just looked at flight prices for all the destinations available for the dates I wanted to travel.
Pro Tip: Book in Advance: Generally, booking your flight tickets well in advance can help you secure lower prices. Aim for at least a few weeks before your travel date.
However, if there is a specific destination you really want to head to…
Pro Tip: Consider Nearby Airports:Check for flights from nearby airports as they might offer cheaper options. Be sure to account for the additional travel cost to get to and from these airports.
For example, flying into Fort Lauderdale instead of Miami or vice versa depending on flight availability and prices. ALSO, consider where you are flying out of. Cleveland is the nearest airport to me (approximately a 20-25 minute drive), HOWEVER I frequently fly out of the Akron airport (40-45 minute drive). The reason for this is I have found direct flights out of the Akron airport where I would need a connecting flight if flying out of Cleveland. Additionally, although a farther drive, it is considerably less expensive for me to leave my car at the Akron airport than Cleveland-Hopkins. There is also the added fact that with the Akron airport being so much smaller, it is a beautifully smooth process getting through TSA and to your gate.
Saving money on flights requires a combination of careful planning, flexibility, and utilizing various strategies. Here are some additional tips to help you save money on flights:
More Ways to Save Money on Flights
- Use Fare Comparison Websites: Utilize flight search engines like Google Flights, Skyscanner, Kayak (just tap below!), and Momondo to compare prices across various airlines and travel agencies.
- Set Fare Alerts: Sign up for fare alerts or price tracking services. These platforms can notify you when flight prices drop for your chosen routes.
- Travel Light: Many airlines charge for checked baggage. Traveling with just a carry-on can help you avoid these fees.
- Avoid Peak Travel Seasons: Traveling during off-peak seasons can result in lower flight prices and fewer crowds. Also, keep in mind that destinations vary in what their peak travel seasons are!!!
- Consider Connecting Flights: Direct flights are often more convenient, but connecting flights can be cheaper. Just be prepared for longer travel times.
- Check for Special Deals and Promotions: Keep an eye out for special deals, flash sales, and promotions that airlines and travel agencies offer. (follow my twitter @isabel_fehn for updates!)
- Consider Package Deals: Sometimes booking flights and accommodation together in a package can save you money.
- Check for Student, Military, or Senior Discounts: If you belong to any of these groups, inquire about potential discounts when booking.
- Be Cautious with Add-Ons: Avoid unnecessary add-ons like travel insurance or seat selection if you can.
- Book one way tickets: Sometimes, booking two one-way tickets with different airlines can be cheaper than a round-trip ticket with a single airline
- Book red-eye or overnight flights: These flights tend to be cheaper because they are less popular. While you might sacrifice some sleep, you can save money. Also, early morning or late-night flights are often cheaper than mid-day options.
Remember that flight prices can fluctuate, and the best strategy is often a combination of these tips based on your specific travel needs and preferences. Be patient and take the time to research before making your booking.
