Think you know all of the ways to score cheaper airfare? Let's find out!
With just a month of summer left, your wanderlust may be setting in. A stay-cation or road trip aren't your only options for a quick vacation, though! Here are some great ways to find cheaper airfare and get the biggest bang for your buck.
Think Regionally
It may be an hour or more away, but flights out of Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI) are regularly cheaper than Dulles (IAD) or Reagan National (DCA). Every airport has its own agreements for routes and airlines, so check them all if you're flexible with your departure city.
Be Flexible
When you fly is almost as important as where you go. Travel during the week is less popular and therefore cheaper than leaving town on a Friday or Saturday. Booking a flight for a Tuesday to Tuesday can often save you hundreds of dollars.
Skiplagged
Special comparison sites like Skiplagged or Skyscanner are designed to give you minute-to-minute updates on airline pricing. You have to be quick, though, and be ready to purchase your ticket when you find a great fare. One of the coolest features on Skiplagged is the line graph at the top of any search. It's a dynamic tool that shows you dips and spikes in the pricing if you were to change your travel dates. Give it a try!
Be a Little Extra
Can't quite swing a first-class or business class ticket, but you can't stand the thought of coach? Buying two economy tickets gives you double the space and is usually thousands less than a single first-class seat. On long-haul flights, this can make a world of difference.
You can also take advantage of last-minute upgrades when you do self-check-in at the airport kiosks or self-check-in online. Flying home from New Zealand, I went from regular economy to exit row premium economy with THREE FEET of extra legroom for an extra $120. Talk about being totally worth it!
Consider Your Timing
To determine the absolute rock-bottom prices, check fares about three or four months out. That will give you an idea of the price range you're shooting for. According to Skyscanner, 6 a.m. is the best time to find the highest number of seats available. They also recommend buying domestic tickets at least 30 days out and international tickets at least four months from your departure date. Despite the idea that Tuesdays are the best day for the lowest prices, historical data from 2018 shows that tickets are cheapest when purchased on Saturdays (for domestic flights) and Sundays (for international flights).
Whatever method you use, don't just buy the first airline ticket you find when planning a trip. You'll be kicking yourself if you don't at least do a little research or expand your search a little to get the lowest possible fare.
**All of the photos in this article are courtesy of Pexels.
Do you have any great tips on finding cheaper airfares? What's your experience on buying tickets on certain days and times? Let us know in the comments!