Hello fellow budget hunters – This has been another long awaited post. These are my top 10 flight hacks for getting the best deals and saving all those pennies.
This was highly requested after my Super cheap flights post!
1. Travel at the cheapest times
The price of flights varies considerably depending on the month, day and even time of travel. Skyscanner and Momondo let you compare flight prices across a whole month meaning you’ll be able to see the cheapest days to fly, saving you a potential packet. Avoiding the weekends can make a huge impact on the price of flights. Why not compare travel from a Wednesday to Wednesday rather than a Friday to Friday.
2. Use Skyscanner’s ‘Everywhere’ tool to find the cheapest flights from any airport
Don’t mind where you go as long as you can get there cheaply? Then use Skyscanner’s ‘search everywhere’ option which lists the cheapest flights from your local airport in price order.
3. Bring your own food on board
Yes. So long as the foods aren’t liquid (soup, hummus, yoghurt), it’s fine to bring snacks and sandwiches. This will also save you a so much compared to the in-flight menu.
4. Fly from an alternative airport
Even though there may be an airport on your doorstep, don’t rule out the possibility that it may be cheaper to fly from one slightly further away. It may work out cheaper, even with the cost of a train or bus ticket to reach the alternative airport. Use ‘nearby airports’ search feature to see how much it costs to fly from various airports.
5. Fly indirect
If money is more important than time, then consider a flight with a stop-over. Search for indirect routes (as well as direct) which are often a far cheaper option.
6. Weigh your luggage before you leave home
Some of us get to the airport to find we’re over our baggage limit and end up paying puffed up charges. Avoid this by weighing your bag before you leave home and take out any unnecessary items if you find you’re over the limit.
7. Mix and match your flights
Using Skyscanner’s ‘flexible’ search tool allows you to mix and match your airlines to find the cheapest price, and the times that suit you best. You can save money by flying out and back with different airlines or from different airports.
8. Travel in low season
If you can avoid it, don’t head to Australia for Christmas or to Spain just as school summer holidays begin. Travel off-season and you’re sure to find better bargains. Much of Europe still has beautiful weather come September, but with kids back at school, flights will be cheaper and your destination a lot less crowded.
9. Pre-book airport parking
This one doesn’t always apply but same goes for public transport. If you need to leave your car at the airport for the duration of your trip, be sure to book your parking well in advance. Booking on the day is normally much more expensive.
10. Beat the baggage fees
Either fill your pockets or hand luggage only. See my packing guide for Sofia here.
Until next time,
The Great Ambini
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