Learning how to save money purchasing airline tickets is vital for pursuing their dreams and continuing their lifestyles.
For some people, there’s nothing more liberating or exciting than travel. They design their entire lives around being able to hit the open road (or sky) and experiencing new places, people, and things. They live minimally to save money or find remote online jobs they can do from anywhere in the world.
However, for people who like to travel, learning how to save money purchasing airline tickets is vital for pursuing their dreams and continuing their lifestyles. We’re here to help you increase your savings.
Keep reading for our top tips on how to lower your costs when buying plane tickets.
1. Buy Your Tickets as Early as Possible
Typically, the closer your flight is, the more expensive it will be to book. Assuming you’re not traveling due to an emergency or other time-sensitive reasons, try to book your flight a few months in advance.
This can be especially important if you plan to fly during or near popular travel times. This includes holidays such a Thanksgiving and Christmas. However, tourist seasons also tend to create massive surges in airfare prices.
2. Take Advantage of Packages
Depending on where you’re going, you may also require lodging at your destination. One of the most important tips for purchasing plane tickets is to find them inside vacation packages. You can save a substantial amount of money on both your airfare and your lodging by booking them together.
If you’re staying with friends or relatives once you arrive at your destination, this won’t be a viable option. However, you may be able to find good deals by purchasing airline tickets packaged with rental cars.
3. Shop Around for the Best Prices
Next, remember that airline prices aren’t set in stone. You’ll find different prices for the exact same flights depending on what source you’re using. This not only applies to vacation package companies but also travel agents and other ticket purchasing websites. Discover the most convenient flight for your destination by using Flightsleaving.com to browse departures, arrivals, and flight times from your chosen airport.
Don’t settle for the first good deal you find. For all you know, there may be better offers out there.
4. Give Yourself Plenty of Time Between Connecting Flights
One of the biggest mistakes people make when buying plane tickets is failing to account for layover times. While no one wants to spend multiple hours waiting for their next flight, missing your flight altogether is much worse. This is a common occurrence for people who don’t allow themselves plenty of time between their connecting flights.
Keep in mind, just because your plane is delayed, it doesn’t mean your next flight will wait for you to board. Try to give yourself at least an hour and a half to two hours to make connecting flights. Consider the following factors:
- Size of the airport
- How busy the airport will be (based on time, date, and location)
- If you have to go through customs
- Where your next departure gate is
These are especially important tips for how to travel internationally. You don’t want to be stuck in a foreign country you weren’t prepared for.
5. Follow Travel Blogs and Companies
If you don’t mind a loose structure and a little impulsivity, you can save money on flights by following travel companies and leaping on any exclusive promotions that pop up.
Typically, these deals are for specific locations and lodgings. However, taking advantage of these can save you hundreds of dollars. Best yet, many of these promotions give you a broad window of time in which to use your tickets.
6. Flexibility Can Save You Money
One of the most important tips for saving money on flights is knowing when not to travel. For example, there are certain days of the year, month, and week, that are the busiest for airports.
For example, try not to travel during the weekend or on days directly before and after popular holidays. Additionally, purchasing airline tickets for early morning and late-night flights will save you money.
7. Think About the Return Trip
When learning how to buy plane tickets for the most hassle-free travel, be sure to consider your return trip. This is especially important if you’re flying out of a busy, foreign, or otherwise unfamiliar airport.
Give yourself plenty of time on the day of your departure. While earlier flights may save you money, they may also make it hard to make your flight.
8. Consider Booking Multiple One-Way Flights
Surprisingly, you may not be saving as much money as you think by purchasing round-trip tickets. Though most package deals require round-trip flights, considering other options may be a good idea.
Sometimes, buying one-way tickets to and from the location may save you money. Do your research to compare and contrast prices before committing to tickets.
9. Subscribe to Airline Social Media and Email Lists
The major airlines have social media pages you can follow, email lists you can subscribe to, or both. Like following popular travel blogs, this can be a good way to find exclusive offers and monumental savings on airfare and other travel expenses.
While this may include specific trips, being on their email list will also entitle you to coupons for cheaper flights, car rentals, upgraded seats, and more.
10. For Extra Help, Consider a Travel Agent
Finally, think about hiring a travel agent to help you save money purchasing airline tickets. Their fees are built into the tickets and/or packages they sell you. Online vacation booking sites work exactly the same way.
However, a travel agent can also answer questions and provide insight into your flights, destinations, lodgings, and more. Travel agents can be incredibly beneficial for first-time flyers and/or foreign travelers.
Want More Information on Purchasing Airline Tickets and Other Travel Advice?
To avoid unnecessary travel-related stress, we recommend taking care of the logistics, like purchasing airline tickets and booking hotels, well in advance. Additionally, it’s important to keep a laid-back mentality about travel. Flow with your vacation and don’t sweat the small stuff.
Our blog is dedicated to helping new and veteran travelers alike make the most out of their adventures. Be sure to check out some of our other articles for more tips and advice on flying, traveling, booking hotels, and more.
