Fly for Less: 7 Hacks to Book Cheaper Plane Tickets
Traveling doesn’t have to break the bank if you know the right strategies. For budget-savvy travelers, here are seven effective tips shared by Malaysian traveler, Muhammad Dayan, to help you snag the best deals on flight tickets:
- Book on Tuesday and Wednesday
If you’re searching for cheaper flights, mark your calendar for Tuesdays and Wednesdays. These days are often when airlines update their booking systems, typically around 7:00 PM. Airlines anticipate that most travelers browse for flights during weekends, so prices tend to spike on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
- Book Early, But Not Too Early
Timing is crucial when booking tickets. Ideally, secure your tickets at least 21 days in advance. Airlines allocate a limited number of low-priced seats, such as the first 20 passengers on a flight, followed by higher price tiers for subsequent bookings. Booking too early, however, may not yield the best deals as airlines initially set prices conservatively.
- Choose Less Busy Flying Days
Consider flying on quieter days like Tuesday or Wednesday. These days typically experience lighter air traffic, leading to reduced demand and lower ticket prices. Avoid flying on peak days like Fridays and Sundays when airports and booking systems are at their busiest.
- Hunt for the ‘Best Deal’ on International Flights
For international travel, the sweet spot for deals is around 11 to 12 weeks before your departure date. During this period, airlines often offer discounted rates, so keep an eye on ticket prices and act quickly when a great deal appears.
- Opt for Smaller Airports
Flying into smaller airports can be a money-saver. Instead of landing at popular hubs like Heathrow in London, consider alternatives such as Manchester Airport. From there, you can use public transportation to reach your final destination. This strategy often results in significant savings.
- Clear Your Browser Cookies
Frequent visits to airline websites may trigger price hikes due to tracking via cookies. Airlines’ booking systems sometimes interpret repeated searches as an indicator of high interest, prompting them to increase prices. To avoid this, clear your browser cookies or use incognito mode before searching for flights.
- Compare Prices Across Platforms
Never settle on the first price you find. Use flight comparison platforms such as:
- Skyscanner
- CheapFlight
- Momondo
- Kayak
- Airpaz
These tools provide a broad overview of ticket prices across multiple airlines and help you identify the best deals available.
Conclusion
Scoring cheap flight tickets requires a bit of planning and resourcefulness. By following these tips and staying vigilant about price trends, you can stretch your travel budget further and make the most of your adventures. Happy flying!
