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- 11 Things You Should Avoid Doing When Booking a Flight (cheapism.com)
Traveling doesn’t have to break the bank. With some savvy planning and smart strategies, you can enjoy your trip without overspending-especially when it comes to buying plane tickets, often the priciest part of a vacation. Here are 11 common mistakes to avoid to help you snag better deals on airfare.
1. Not Being Flexible With Travel Dates
If your schedule allows, shifting your departure or return by a day or two can lead to significant savings. Many flight search engines like Google Flights, Kayak, and SkyScanner let you easily compare prices across a range of dates to find the best deal.
2. Booking on the Wrong Days
Avoid weekend purchases when demand-and prices-tend to be higher. Studies show that buying tickets on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday can be up to 2% cheaper, and flying midweek can save you roughly 12% compared to weekend flights.
3. Avoiding Red-Eye Flights
Late-night red-eye flights are usually less expensive due to their inconvenient timing. Though waking up early can be tough, these flights often come with perks like shorter security lines and less crowded airports.
4. Not Checking Nearby Airports
Don’t limit your search to just one airport. Larger hubs near your origin or destination often offer cheaper flights.
Just weigh any additional transportation or accommodation costs to see if the savings are worthwhile.
5. Always Choosing the Cheapest Fare
The lowest base fare isn’t always the best deal. Budget airlines often charge extra for seat assignments, checked bags, and even carry-on luggage.
Make sure to read the fine print so you’re not caught off guard by hidden fees.
6. Ignoring Credit Card Rewards
If you travel frequently, use credit cards that earn airline miles or points, like Chase Sapphire Preferred or Capital One Venture. These rewards can offset the cost of flights, hotels, and car rentals-check your card’s perks to maximize savings.
7. Not Setting Price Alerts
Use tools like Hopper, Kayak, or Google Flights to set up notifications for price drops. These alerts can help you pounce on last-minute deals or fare reductions to save money.
8. Booking Too Early
Contrary to popular belief, booking flights too far in advance might not get you the best price. Airlines often hold off on releasing their steepest discounts until closer to the departure date.
Research suggests that around 2.5 months (about 76 days) before your trip is the ideal booking window.
9. Not Booking Flight Segments Separately
For itineraries with layovers, booking each leg independently-possibly on different airlines-can yield better prices. Just be sure to allow plenty of connection time to avoid missing flights.
10. Overlooking One-Way Ticket Options
Sometimes, purchasing two one-way tickets with different airlines can be cheaper than a round-trip ticket. This approach works best if you’re flexible with carriers and travel routes.
11. Not Calling Airlines Directly
Don’t underestimate the power of a phone call. Calling airlines or travel agencies can uncover last-minute deals, discounts on same-day flights, or package offers that aren’t available online.
If a flight has recently been canceled, you might be able to grab a great price.
With these tips in mind, you can navigate the complexities of airfare purchasing more confidently and keep your travel budget intact. Safe travels!
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- 11 Things You Should Avoid Doing When Booking a Flight (cheapism.com)