When asked about the most comfortable way of travelling, most of the travellers will say it is ‘airways’. Taking a flight is undoubtedly the best and fastest possible way of reaching a destination but not always pocket-friendly. We often spend more than half of our travel budget on booking flight tickets. But sadly, there is always a person who got the tickets at a lesser price, sitting right next to you in your flight.
Although we cannot guarantee a substantial amount of dip in the ticket booking fare, what we can do is provide you with clever flight booking tips that will help you in finding the cheapest possible airfare. Keep scrolling for outsmarting the airlines and booking low-cost flight tickets:
1. Book Early
Book Early | #1 of 8 Flight Booking Tips for Finding Cheapest Tickets
Pre-booking is not a hack but a smart step for economical travelling. A recent survey has revealed that booking a flight ticket 47 days before the departure will help you in grabbing the cheapest airfare. Also, a recent research has suggested that the best time to book a flight ticket is on a Tuesday at 3:00 pm.
Pro Tip: Avoid booking flight tickets on Weekends as it is the peak time and often ticket prices are hiked.
2. Choose Flying Days Smartly
Choose Flying Days Smartly | #2 of 8 Flight Booking Tips for Finding Cheapest Tickets
As we all know, most of the frequent commuters fly on Fridays and Sundays. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Saturdays are the least opted days for flying as it often means sacrificing work or an extra vacation day. However, you can save money by flying on the above three days, as airline companies lower ticket prices for avoiding empty seats in their aircraft.
Pro Tip: One must avoid flying during major holidays like Diwali, Holi, and Christmas as ticket prices are awfully high on these occasions.
3. Expand your Research
Expand your Research | #3 of 8 Flight Booking Tips for Finding Cheapest Tickets
As a savvy traveller, you must expand your research before investing in fight tickets. Jumping on to the first option on the internet for booking airline tickets is not the correct approach. You must always make sure to check plenty of options and deals before booking. Some popular flight fare aggregators like Priceline & Skyscanner can also be referred for finding the best deal. Further, browsing the official website of the airline too can grab you the best deal.
Pro Tip: If you are sure about your travel plans, go for non-refundable tickets!
4. Fly during Early Hours
Fly during Early Hours | #4 of 8 Flight Booking Tips for Finding Cheapest Tickets
Try and get on the earliest flight of the day as the tickets are relatively cheap for morning departures. Another benefit of flying during the early hours of the day is that if your flight is oversold then you may get a chance to negotiate with the airlines for providing you with an upgraded seat and added amenities without having to pay more.
Pro Tip: Morning flight means there will be fewer cars on the road on your way to the airport.
5. Mask your IP Address
Mask your IP Address | #5 of 8 Flight Booking Tips for Finding Cheapest Tickets
Airline companies follow a dynamic pricing technique which means that the price for the same seat in the same flight may differ for two different individuals. Likewise, flight prices differ from country to country. For instance, if you are booking a flight ticket from the US then you may have to pay a higher fare than the one booking it from India (owing to the fact that INR is cheaper than the USD). Hence, masking the IP address of your device for screwing its location may help you in booking the cheapest seat.
NOTE: The above-mentioned trick is not illegal but is prohibited by some of the airline companies.
6. Dump your Browser’s Cache and Cookies
Dump your Browser’s Cache and Cookies | #6 of 8 Flight Booking Tips for Finding Cheapest Tickets
According to research, airline websites use browser cookies to help track your search as a part of their “dynamic pricing” scheme. Therefore, clearing your browser’s cache and cookies may help you in escaping that trap and booking a cheap flight ticket.
Pro Tip: You can opt for the incognito mode of your browser for similar outcomes.
7. Opt for Connecting Flights
Opt for Connecting Flights | #7 of 8 Flight Booking Tips for Finding Cheapest Tickets
It is well known that booking a direct flight saves plenty of time. But only a few people know about the fact that connecting flights are comparatively cheap. Therefore, opting for a connecting flight may help you in saving a fortune.
8. Utilize Loyalty Credits
Utilize Loyalty Credits | #8 of 8 Flight Booking Tips for Finding Cheapest Tickets
Airline companies love to pamper their loyal customers. Hence, not all but most of the airlines award ‘Travel or Miles Credits’ to their frequent flyers that can be utilized for making future bookings. Also, most of the bank’s credit and debit cards come with exclusive travel points that can be utilized for reducing the cost of flight tickets.
See! Outsmarting the “dynamic pricing scheme” of airline giants isn’t as difficult as we thought it would be. So, the next time you are about to book a flight ticket for you or your friends keep the above-mentioned 8 tricks in mind for finding the best deal.
Thanks for the wonderful tips for booking flights. I would recommend Emirates if someone is planning to fly Dubai. As here one can find the cheapest flight deals for UAE.