We all want cheap flights, but can we get them? Here are some smart ways to save money on flights.
Your first priority is to do your research and find out what dates are the cheapest. These will usually be during what’s called ‘the shoulder seasons’.
The ‘shoulder seasons’ are the weeks between the peak season and the off-season. To work out what months to book a flight, you need your find out whether your country is in the Northern or Southern Hemisphere.
When Are Shoulder Seasons? Peak Or Off-Season
In the Northern Hemisphere, the summer is usually the peak season, and winter the off-season. So, shoulder seasons are typically March-April (early May in some places) and September-October(early November in some places).
For the Southern Hemisphere the seasons are flipped compared to the Northern Hemisphere. So, peak travel is during winter and the off-season is summer. Therefore, shoulder seasons in the Southern Hemisphere are typically mid-February-April and September-early December.
Northern Or Southern Hemisphere?
Countries included in The Northern Hemisphere are broadly all of North America, Central America, and the Caribbean islands. Most of South America, UK, Europe, and Asia are also in the Northern Hemisphere, along with about two-thirds of Africa.
The Southern Hemisphere includes Antarctica, Australia, New Zealand, most of South America, South Africa, Indonesia, Madagascar, Fiji, and island nations off Oceania.
Cheaper To Book Weekdays Than Weekends
It is always cheaper to book on weekdays than on weekends. You can also be flexible with your destination by considering flying into a nearby airport or a smaller city that may be cheaper to fly into.
If you are using the flight comparison site WayAway – a flight from London Heathrow to JFK New York at the weekend would cost about $1,155 and returning the next weekend $1,208 dollars. Going early to mid-week would cost $513 on a Monday and $529 return on a Wednesday.
There are a number of flight comparison websites and apps that can help you find the cheapest flights. These websites and apps search a variety of airlines and travel agents to find the best deals.
Check Out Prices On Comparison Sites But Avoid Pitfalls
Some popular flight comparison websites and apps include Google Flights, Kayak, Skyscanner, Momondo, and Hopper. I use WayAway.
Many airlines and travel websites offer email alerts that will notify you when there are sales or discounts on flights to your desired destination. I have one with British Airways, but you can get one with your favourite airline.
Some people use budget airlines which offer lower fares than traditional airlines, but they may also charge fees for things like checked bags and seat selection. Be sure to factor in all of the fees before you book a flight on a budget airline.
Airports Outside The Capital May Be Cheaper
In the UK there are airports like Stansted, Gatwick and Luton which are just outside London. Flights to New York on WayAway were about $100 dollars cheaper from outside London airports like Stansted, however you may have to factor in a train or bus ride. If it’s an early or late night flight those options might not be available, so it could be a costly taxi or slightly cheaper mini cab ride. The average price of a taxi to Stansted from London is about £70 excluding tips.
No Magic Formula For A Cheap Flight
There is no magic formula for finding the cheapest time to book a flight, but in general, it is a good idea to book your flight in advance, especially if you are flying during peak season. However, there can also be deals to be found if you book your flight at the last minute.
If you travel frequently, you can sign up for a travel rewards credit card or airline loyalty program. British Airways gives you air miles every time you fly. Other airlines give you points which you can use to get discount flight tickets.
Do You Want Points Or Cash Back?
Westaway does not give you points or air miles when you buy flight tickets through them. Thru offer cash back. You can also buy hotel accommodation through them and rent a car. Do your own research and see what’s best for you.
Share Your Luggage With A Friend
Another saving is packing light to avoid getting charged for overweight bags. If you are going with a friend you could ask them to put some of your items in their luggage.
If travelling by plane is not your thing, consider other travel options like going by train or bus. You never know, you might find a bargain. And for God’s sake, don’t forget to take out travel insurance, as any accident may lead to medical bills that might wipe you out.
Photo credits from top: Pixabay, Lukas Kloeppel, and Chait Goli.