3 Tips to Booking the Best Airline Deals

Hi Everyone,

I am writing early this week due to the holiday AND the fact that I leave for Mexico on Saturday to spend a fun filled week in Cancun!!! I can’t wait to tell you all about it.

With my upcoming trip as well as all my trips in the past, I find that the biggest stressor is how much airline tickets cost. We all know how much gas is for our cars and we cringe every time we have to fill up our tanks, but now we have to suffer when we fly places as well. You would think that since so many people are on a plane that the cost per person for the fuel would be minimal but apparently it is not. I don’t know the exact calculations but something just is NOT right!!!

Tip 1: Book Early or VERY late.

The best way to combat these high airline tickets is to make sure you book as early as possible. As soon as you have the dates set for you trip you should try to book. Some airlines will allow you to receive the discounted rate after you book if they have a sale later on. Other airlines will give you a credit for future flying or return the money straight out. Of course, if you change your flight times you may be hit with change fees (except on Southwest of course)!  So be careful to make sure the time works for you.  I would say that a good frame to book in to get the best deal is 3-6 months before your flight. Obviously this is impossible sometimes but the earlier the better in the airline industry. You may also find a great steal if you wait till the day before or day of a flight. The issue with this is that you are risking the flight being sold out, overbooked, or paying very inflated prices. If you get onto an empty flight then chances are you will get a great deal.

Tip 2: Shop around

Make sure you are looking at various different sites including direct with the airline but also through sites such as Kayak.com, CheapOair.com, Priceline.com, ect. These will pull pricing from various places to make sure you can see all your options. Act fast though because if you run a search on one of these sites, it could be gone before you click to book.

Tip 3: Search for Sales

Of course you would think this is obvious but many people don’t do it. One secret I will share with you that I received from a travel agent friend of mine is that airlines change their rates on a daily basis but new sales, promotions, and large price changes occur most often at midnight between Wednesday and Thursday. I know that means staying up late, but it could be the difference between paying $145 a ticket or $400 a ticket. (Crazy right?!?)

That’s it for today folks! I hope you all have a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving and keep an eye out for highlights from my Mexican escape this coming week!