The Best 5 Flight Booking Hacks Every Traveler Needs

 Booking Hacks Every Traveler needs

 It can feel like you’re playing a game when you book a flight.  Prices go up and down without warning.  Fees creep in.  One minute you’re ready to book, and the next minute you’re looking at a fare that is twice as high.  Does this sound familiar?

 I have also been there.  I travel a lot, so I know how hard it can be to go through all the airline websites and booking engines.  But here’s the good news: there are techniques to get around the rules that work.

 Today, I’m going to tell you about the five best flight booking hacks that can help you save money, lower your stress, and get better bargains.  These strategies will help you get ahead, whether you’re planning a fantasy vacation or just want to see family without spending a lot of money.

 1. Use apps that compare fares to save the most money

 Fare comparison apps are one of the easiest methods to locate amazing prices.  These apps show you pricing from many airlines and booking sites all at once, so you don’t have to check each airline’s site one by one.

 Why This Works

 Airlines don’t always charge the same amount for the same flight.  Different travel agents, airline websites, and aggregator apps may all have different deals for the same journey.  You can see these differences with comparison apps.

 Best Apps for Comparing Fares

•  Skyscanner is easy to use and lets you choose from a range of dates.
•  Kayak is great for setting price alerts and filtering by features.
•  Momondo helps you find hidden offers and cheaper merchants on other sites.

 A personal tip: I once found a flight across the Atlantic that was $150 cheaper on Momondo than on the airline’s own website.  I used the money to pay for my motel!

 How to Use This Trick

•  To avoid price tracking, search in private mode on your browser
•  Before you book, look at a few different apps.
•  If you can, be open to changing dates.

 Transition tip: Timing is still important, even with comparison applications. Let’s look at another hack that can help you book at the right time.

2. Set up fare alerts to find out when prices go down.

 Setting fare notifications can save you hundreds of dollars if you don’t need to book right now.  A lot of apps let you keep an eye on costs for certain routes and dates and let you know when they go down.

 Why Fare Alerts Are So Useful

 Prices for flights change all the time because of demand, competition, and sales.  Alerts make sure you don’t miss abrupt price decreases.

 Apps that are good for fare alerts

•  Google Flights –  Alerts that work and a clean UI.
•  Hopper tells you when to buy and predicts price trends.

 For example, let’s say you want to go to Bali but can be flexible with your dates.  Hopper will let you know as soon as prices drop to their lowest expected level.  Stop refreshing websites all the time!

 How to Use This Trick

•  Set up more than one alert for airports near you.
•  Don’t wait too long after getting an alert; you might miss the bargain.
•  Set notifications and give yourself a wide range of trip dates.

 This method also works well if you plan ahead by months, since it gives you time to take advantage of bargains.

3. Use airline rewards programs to your advantage

 Being loyal pays well, especially for people who travel a lot.  You should join airline rewards programs even if you don’t fly every month.

 Why You Should Do It:

• You can earn miles or points on every flight.
•  Use them to get free or cheap travel.
•  Get benefits like free bags or priority boarding.
•  The best ways to get airline rewards
•  Join even if you only travel a few times a year.
•  With AwardWallet, you may keep track of more than one program.

 Look out for special deals or credit card offers.

 Some airlines work with alliances, like Oneworld or Star Alliance, which lets you earn and use points on more than one airline.

4. Think about booking connecting flights separately

 Booking connecting flights separately might save you a lot of money, but it takes a little extra work.  You can book two distinct legs individually instead of one ticket from Point A to Point C with a stop at B.

 How This Hack Can Help You Save Money

 Airlines set prices for various itineraries in complicated ways.  Sometimes it’s cheaper to buy two individual tickets than one that includes both.

 Things to Use

•  Skiplagged is known for its “hidden city” ticketing, which lets you schedule a longer route but get off at the layover.
•  Google Flights lets you choose several airlines for cheaper multi-city trips.

 For instance, a direct ticket from New York City to Chicago may cost a lot.  But a ticket to Milwaukee with a stop in Chicago can be cheaper. You just don’t take the last leg.

 Things to Keep in Mind

•  If you plan to skip legs, don’t check your bags.
•  If one leg is late, you’re accountable for it if you book them separately.
•  Always check the airline’s restrictions.
•  But for the smart tourist who is ready to prepare ahead, this can save them a lot of money.

5. Be open to changing airports and travel dates

 One of the best but least known ways to save money on travel is to be flexible.  You can save a lot of money if you can change your plans a little bit.

 Things that save money by being flexible

•  Other Airports:  Look at cities close by.  It can be more cheaper to fly into Oakland than SFO.
•  Dates of Travel: Flights on weekdays are usually cheaper than flights on weekends.
•  Red-eye Flights: Flights at less popular times are sometimes cheaper.

 How to Get Deals That Are Flexible

•  To find the cheapest dates, use the calendar view on Google Flights.
•  In Skyscanner or Kayak, check the box next to “Nearby Airports.”
•  Be willing to be a little inconvenient to save a lot of money.

 Personal tip: I saved $300 by flying on a Tuesday instead of a Friday.  That’s a fancy dinner (or two) at my destination!

Final Thoughts: Start Making Better Reservations Today

 You don’t have to spend a lot of money to travel.  You can outwit the airlines and save money by using comparison apps, setting alerts, joining rewards programs, booking intelligently, and being flexible.

 Don’t take the first price you see when you’re arranging a trip.  Try these ideas and see how much you can save.

 ✈️  Are you ready to try out these hacks?  Tell me which one works best for you, or leave a comment with your own favorite trick!