Unlock the secrets to budget-friendly air travel with 10 practical tips! Save big on flights and explore more
Namaste, travel enthusiasts! Ever dreamt of jet-setting across India or even globetrotting without
emptying your wallet? Booking flights can often feel like navigating a maze, with prices fluctuating like the Sensex. But don’t you worry!
We've got your back with 10 super-practical tips that will help you snag the most affordable flights, every single time. Get ready to tick off those travel destinations without burning a hole in your pocket. Let's dive right in and unlock the secrets to budget-friendly air travel!
Be a Flexible Flyer: Embrace the Date Shuffle
One of the golden rules of booking cheap flights is to be flexible with your travel dates. Don't get fixated on specific weekends or holidays. Airfares tend to be higher during peak seasons and weekends due to increased demand.
Instead, try searching for flights a few days before or after your preferred dates. Often, you'll find that flying mid-week (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays) can significantly lower the fare. Airlines often reduce prices on these days to attract more travellers.
Use airline websites or online travel agencies (OTAs) like MakeMyTrip, Yatra, or EaseMyTrip, which have calendar views that show price fluctuations across the whole month. This allows you to easily identify the cheapest days to fly.
Another helpful trick is to consider flying during the shoulder seasons – the periods just before and after the peak travel times. The weather is still usually pleasant, and the crowds are thinner, which means lower flight prices.
Keep an open mind, be adaptable with your dates, and watch those savings soar!
The Early Bird Gets the Worm (and the Cheapest Flight!)
Timing is everything when it comes to snagging a bargain, and that perfectly applies for cheap flight tickets. As a rule of thumb, booking your flights well in advance is a great way to save money. But exactly how far in advance should you book?
The sweet spot is generally considered to be around 2-3 months for domestic flights and 5-6 months for international travels. During this period, airlines are more likely to offer lower fares to fill up their seats.
Avoid last-minute bookings unless you are extremely fortunate or are okay with paying a premium. Close to the departure date, fares usually skyrocket as the demand increases and only those who need to travel urgently for personal or professional reasons book the tickets.
So plan your trip in advance, mark your calendar and set reminders to monitor prices and book your flights accordingly. This would drastically improve your prospects of grabbing a steal deal on your flight tickets.
Incognito Mode is Your Friend (No, Really!)
Ever noticed how the price of a flight seems to increase every time you check it? This is often due to cookies stored in your browser. Cookies are small files that track your browsing activity.
Airlines and OTAs use them to identify your interest in a particular flight and sometimes increase the price accordingly. To avoid this price hike, browse in incognito mode or private browsing mode.
This prevents websites from tracking your search history and can help you see the true price of the flight. Alternatively, you can clear your browser's cache and cookies regularly. This is especially important if you are repeatedly checking for the same flight.
By browsing incognito or clearing your cookies, you erase all previously stored data that may lead the websites to trick you into thinking that the flight price is continuously increasing so you book immediately.
Embrace Budget Airlines (But Read the Fine Print!)
India has a growing number of budget airlines like IndiGo, SpiceJet, GoAir (now Go First), and AirAsia India. These airlines offer significantly lower fares compared to the full-service carriers. However, it's important to be aware of their policies and additional charges.
Budget airlines often charge extra for baggage, meals, seat selection, and even printing your boarding pass at the airport. Therefore, before booking, carefully compare the total cost of the flight, including all the add-ons you may require.
If you're travelling light and don't need any frills, budget airlines can be an excellent way to save money. Some airlines have hidden costs, so make sure you check the fine print. Often times, you may end up paying a lot more than you anticipated.
Also, keep in mind that some budget airlines fly to smaller airports which might require additional travel time and cost.
Fly to Alternative Airports (Think Outside the Box!)
Sometimes, flying into a smaller or alternative airport near your destination can be significantly cheaper. Big hub airports generally have higher fares due to increased demand and landing fees. Research alternative airports that are within a reasonable distance of your final destination.
For example, if you're travelling to Mumbai, consider flying into Pune and then taking a train or bus. You might be surprised by how much money you can save by being a bit creative with your arrival or departure airport choices.
In some cases, these secondary airports might even have easier access to the city center. This approach may also save you time on security checks and baggage claim, which can be advantageous especially if you are a frequent traveller.
Keep in mind the cost of transport from the alternative airports to your final destination. Therefore factor that in before booking your ticket.
Compare, Compare, Compare! (The Golden Rule)
Never settle for the first price you see. Always compare flight prices across multiple websites and airlines. Use online travel agencies like Skyscanner, Google Flights, Kayak, and Momondo to get a comprehensive overview.
These websites aggregate flight prices from various airlines and travel agents, allowing you to easily identify the cheapest options. Also, check the airlines' own websites, as they sometimes offer exclusive deals that aren't available elsewhere.
Price comparison is a crucial step in finding affordable flights so, take the time to do your homework and ensure you get the best price before booking. Moreover, keep track of each price as it varies from time to time.
Subscribe to Email Alerts (Let the Deals Come to You!)
Many airlines and OTAs offer email alerts that notify you when the price of a flight to your chosen destination drops. Sign up for these alerts to stay informed about the latest deals and promotions. This is a passive way to track flight prices without having to constantly check websites.
You can also set price thresholds, so you only receive alerts when the price drops below a certain amount. This can save you time and effort in your hunt for the most affordable flight. Keep a close eye on these emails and be ready to book quickly when a good deal comes along.
Also check the terms and conditions of airlines or OTA before signing up for notifications. These notifications often come with some conditions applied to them.
Use Credit Card Rewards (Travel for Free!)
If you have a credit card that offers travel rewards, use it to book your flights and earn points or miles. These points can then be redeemed for free flights, hotels, or other travel expenses. Some credit cards also offer travel insurance and other benefits, such as airport lounge access.
This isn't to encourage you to take a personal loan, but this is a great way to make the most of your regular spending. Do your research and find the credit card that best suits your travel needs. Make sure your card is not the reason for accruing more debt in the form of interest.
Also, make sure to pay your bills on time and avoid carrying a balance, which can negate the value of any rewards you earn.
Consider Connecting Flights (Patience Pays Off!)
Non-stop flights are convenient, but they are often more expensive. If you're willing to endure a layover or two, you can often save a significant amount of money. Connecting flights, especially those with longer layovers, tend to be cheaper.
However it's imperative to consider your time and tolerance for travel delays. If you are not in a hurry, connecting flights can be an excellent option for finding affordable flights. Be sure to check the layover time and ensure it's sufficient to make your connecting flight.
Also, make sure that the airline provides accommodation in case of substantial flight delay.
Be Flexible with Your Destination (Sometimes the Journey is the Reward!)
If you are not restricted to a specific destination, try being flexible with your travel plans. Sometimes, flying to a less popular destination and then traveling to your desired location can be cheaper than flying directly. Moreover, keep an eye out for special fares to new or less-traveled routes.
Being open to new experiences can lead to unexpected adventures and huge savings!
So there you have it – 10 simple but effective tips to help you book affordable flights every time. With a little planning and flexibility, you can travel the world without breaking the bank! Happy travels!
