Major Airlines are Hiking Fees, But You Can Still Save on Flights

Written By Mary Beth Eastman
Last updated October 31, 2018

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Money Saving Tips
October 31, 2018

Simple. Thrifty. Living.

Flying has become increasingly expensive during the past several years due to the cost of fuel, maintenance on the aircraft, and other factors. Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, no one wants to spend an exorbitant price on airline tickets if it isn’t necessary. Getting bargains on these flights is still possible if you use these common sense tips.

Browse websites that are known by savvy travelers for their bargain prices. They are in touch with the different airlines and help them to fill flights that aren’t full or during the less popular departure times. If you aren’t picky about when you travel, you can score a flight for a minimal cost. Some sites to visit include Travelocity, Kayak, CheapAir, and Skyscanner. Don’t forget to check the airline site itself, often they have flash sales that aren’t advertised and this is a great way to obtain inexpensive flights.

Typically, you’re more likely to get a low-cost flight if you purchase your tickets in the middle of the week, such as Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. Timing is also important when you consider the most popular season for travel in the area you are visiting. For instance, prices to go to Florida are much lower in the late fall, winter, and early spring months, but if you are traveling to Colorado these are the peak seasons and prices will be higher.

There is a great amount of competition among airlines, therefore they frequently reward loyal customers by giving them first access to the best deals. Sign up for an airline loyalty card when you book a flight in order to track your travels with them. They will also alert you to flash sales, and bargain flights via email or text.

If you have a low-interest credit card that rewards you with points, this is a smart way to be able to save money on flights. Wise consumers pay all their bills with the credit card in order to earn more points, and then pay off the credit card each month to avoid paying interest. During the year many credit cards offer more points at certain times, and if you pay attention to these specials, your points will accrue at a faster rate. Some blackout dates may apply, but wise consumers can earn enough points for free flights, or upgrades.

By investing a small amount of time in researching your travel plans, you can score big savings on airline flights. This makes it possible to spend the savings on future trips or other luxuries that you have been coveting.

About the Author

Mary Beth Eastman

Mary Beth Eastman serves as the content manager for Simple. Thrifty. Living, where she is dedicated to helping readers use money and credit wisely. Mary Beth believes that access to the right financial information paired with a growth mindset are essential tools for getting out of debt and building wealth. Mary Beth has a degree in Journalism from Bowling Green State University and has focused her 20-year journalism career on putting readers front and center, carefully considering their concerns and presenting information that will help them in their everyday lives. She has won numerous statewide journalism awards. Her writing on personal finance as been featured on numerous websites in addition to Simple. Thrifty. Living, including Huffington Post and Lexington Law blog. Mary Beth resides in Pittsburgh, Pa., with her family and two rescue dogs.

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