Securing the lowest cost airfares is a skill that savvy travellers have mastered, and with the right strategies, you can too. In this quick guide, we round-up the top tips to find the best airfare deals.
One of the most effective ways to find the lowest airfares is to be flexible with your travel dates and times, because flight prices can vary significantly based on the day of the week, time of day, and even the time of year.
Use flexible date search options on airline websites or third-party platforms such as Sure Connect to compare prices over a range of dates.
Finding the sweet spot for booking a flight can save you substantial money. Generally, booking too far in advance of your departure date can result in higher fares. However, booking too close to departure may also be pricier if there is high demand for that flight. However, if the flight is under-booked the airline may do a last minute sale to fill up seats, in which case booking at the last minute can be a huge cost-saver.
If you’re not big on gambling whether the flight will be cheaper or more expensive closer to departure, aim to book your flight approximately 2-3 months before your travel date for domestic flights, and 4-5 months for international flights.
Take advantage of price comparison websites from trusted sources, like Sure Connect, to streamline your search for the lowest airfares.
These websites aggregate prices from various airlines, allowing you to easily compare and find the best deals.
Stay ahead of price fluctuations by setting up price alerts for your desired routes. Many travel websites and apps offer this feature, notifying you when there's a significant drop in airfare for your selected route. Setting an alert for flights to your destination will allow you to capitalise on price reductions and secure the lowest possible cost.
Remember that if you’re flexible with your travel date you can set a price alert for a longer period of time, ensuring you get the best prices for a flexible period (1-3 months) and not only the best price for a set travel date (1-3 weeks). You can also ask your trusted travel agent to alert you to when there are flight specials for your preferred destination(s), and be sure to sign up to your travel agent’s newsletter to get all the latest deals.
Budget airlines often offer lower base fares than their full-service counterparts. If you’re prepared to pack light and forgo leg-room and other creature comforts, these, low-cost flights can be much cheaper.
However, you need to keep in mind that low-cost airlines typically charge extra for checked-in luggage, aisle seating and other “perks”. So if these are must-haves, you should always compare the price of a low-cost ticket with all extra cost services included to the price of a full-service airline, because full-service can sometimes work out cheaper when you factor in all the add-on costs charged by budget airlines.
If you frequently travel with a particular airline, join their frequent flyer programme. Accumulating miles not only offers potential free flights but also grants access to exclusive promotions and discounts.
Keep an eye on your mileage balance and use rewards strategically to lower your overall travel costs.
While direct flights are convenient, exploring options with layovers might uncover hidden deals, like free city tours in the layover destination.
Be mindful of layover durations, though, and always ensure you have enough time to comfortably make your connecting flight.
Consider bundling your flight with other travel components like accommodation and car rentals, as these bundled deals can offer good value for money.
And always look out for inclusive package deals that include flights, transfers, accommodation, meals and more. These package deals, often offered exclusively by travel agents, can result in significant cost savings compared to booking each element separately.
Having a good travel agent can be a game-changer in the quest for the lowest airfares, because experienced travel agents typically have access to exclusive deals and promotions from airlines that may not be readily available to the public.
So find yourself a trusted travel agent, establish a good relationship and let the good deals roll in!
Airlines frequently run sales and promotions, offering discounted fares for specific routes or time periods.
Stay informed by subscribing to airline and/or travel agent newsletters, following them on social media, or regularly checking their official websites for announcements.
Finding the lowest cost airfares is a combination of strategy, flexibility, and staying well-informed. From utilising price comparison tools to exploring flexible travel options, these tips and tricks empower you to make informed decisions and secure budget-friendly flights.
Additionally, having a reliable travel agent can provide you with a valuable edge, offering access to exclusive deals and personalised assistance. By incorporating these strategies into your travel planning, you can embark on your journeys with the confidence that you've secured the best possible airfare deals. Safe travels!
