Everyone loves a good travel deal, but finding affordable flight tickets can feel like a challenge. A Malaysian traveler shared his methods he tried to secure the cheapest flight fares and these tips could save you a significant amount on your next trip! Here’s how you can book budget friendly flights like pro:
1) Book At The Right Time, Book Early, But Not Too Early
When it comes to airfare prices, timing is the key. According to experienced travelers, the best time to book flights is about 3-6 months in advance, while domestic flights should be booked 1-3 months prior to departure. AVOID booking last-minute tickets as prices tend to increase in a blink. At Least AIM took the book 21 days before departure. Airlines usually allocate a limited number of cheaper seats for early bookers, with prices increasing the more tickets are sold.
2) Be Flexible with Travel Dates, Book on Mid-Week
Flight prices change based on demands. Instead of choosing fixed travel dates, use fare comparison tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner to find the cheapest days to fly. Airlines often refresh their booking system by Tuesday at 7PM.Mid-week flights (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) are often cheaper compared to the other days. There are statistics that show many searches for flights during the weekends, hence why it is cheaper when you book in the mid-week.
Suitable Flying Days: Consider flying on midweek days too, as it is considered less busy, which often results in cheaper flights and more pleasant travel experience due to less crowds.
3) Use Incognito Mode or Clear Cookies While Searching
Have you ever noticed that flight prices seem to increase after multiple searches? This happens often because airlines and travel sites track your browsing history. To avoid price hikes, clear you cookies, or use incognito when you search for flight prices.
4) Consider Budget Airlines and Connecting Flights
While premium airlines offer comfort, budget airlines might significantly rescue costs. Additionally when booking a flight with layover instead of a direct route can often be cheaper. Be sure to compare different options before booking.
5) Sign Up for Airline Newsletters and Fare Alerts, Look for the ‘Best Deal’ for International Flights
Many airlines and travel websites offer exclusive discounts to subscribers. Signing up for fare alerts can help you get the limited time promotions and flash sales before the price hikes up.
Airlines often release their best deals about 11 to 12 weeks before departure. Monitoring prices during this period can help you land on a cheaper flight.
6) Consider Landing at smaller airports
Opting for nearby airports with lower landing fees, such as Manchester, Gatwick or Heathrow, can lead to cheaper flights. From there you can find a train or budget flight to your final destination.
7) Compare prices across various platforms
Don’t focus on one website, try looking into many platforms, sometimes you can get it cheaper compared to the ones you see. Here are some platforms the traveler shared: Skyscanner, CheapFlight, Momondo, Kayak, Google Flight, Ita Software.
Getting cheap flights is all about strategy. With these simple yet effective tips, you can maximize your savings and enjoy a budget friendly travel experience. So, start planning your next trip!
