As someone who has been flying at least once a month for the past 25 years, I've picked up a few tricks of the trade when it comes to booking flights. These tips have not only saved me a significant amount of money over the years, but they have also enriched my travel experiences in ways I never thought possible. Here, I'm sharing them with you in the hopes that they can do the same for your adventures.
Best Day to Book
Believe it or not, the day you book your flight can have a big impact on the price you pay. Studies have shown that the best day to book a flight is on a Tuesday.
Cheapest Days to Travel
In addition to picking the right day to book your flight, you also need to consider the cheapest days to travel. The most budget-friendly travel days are typically on a Wednesday and Saturday.
Clear Your History
Here's a tip that might catch you off guard: clear your browsing history or use incognito mode when booking flights. Airlines and travel sites often track your visits and may increase prices based on your search history. By clearing your history or using incognito mode, you can help ensure you're seeing the most competitive prices.
Free Stopovers
Did you know that some airlines offer free stopovers? This can be a great way to see more destinations without paying extra. For instance, if you want to fly from London to New York, check flights to other cities like Boston or Barcelona. You might find a flight with a free stopover in one of these cities, allowing you to save money and add another destination to your trip. The best way to find these is to use the explore map feature on Google Flights.
Airline Loyalty Programs
Signing up for an airlines' loyalty program can offer a wealth of benefits. Not only do these programs allow you to accumulate points that can be used for future flights, but they often send out exclusive upgrade offers to their members.
Student Discounts and Cash Back Websites
If you're a student, always check to see if the airline offers a student discount. This can sometimes result in significant savings. Additionally, consider using cash back websites like Quidco and Top Cash back when booking your flights.
Points Credit Cards
Using a credit card that offers points for travel-related purchases is another great way to save money on flights. These points can often be redeemed for free or discounted flights, making your trips even more affordable.
I hope these tips help you save money and enhance your travel experiences. And remember, every traveler has their unique ways of making their journeys more enjoyable and affordable, so if you have any flight booking tips of your own, feel free to share them in the comments below. Let's learn from each other and make the world of travel even more accessible!
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Travel and flight expert Paul has spent over 15 years giving first class service with a London based airline. This travel and flight expert has been crossing the Atlantic sometimes 10 times a month!