Airfare accounts for a significant part of any travel budget. Expensive plane tickets may hinder you from traveling to your dream destination or mess up your vacation budget. Whether you are flying solo for business or with family for a vacation in Philadelphia, here are seven tips for finding inexpensive flight deals.
Book Early
Most airlines may increase fares as the departure date nears. So, the earlier you book your ticket, the cheaper it may be, and you save significant money. During the off-peak season, book your flight 2-3 months before and 4-5 months in the high season. Last-minute bookings may be prohibitively expensive. Also, book Expresspark airport parking, so you get a secure and low-cost parking space before you fly.
Be Flexible
Flight ticket prices change constantly based on the day of the week, season, and month. For instance, airline tickets are more expensive on weekends and near holidays compared to other times of the year. The secret to cheap flights is to be flexible and travel mid-week or during an actual holiday.
Use Budget Carriers
Unlike in the past, when only expensive traditional airlines were available when flying to and from Philadelphia, today, you can fly in a budget airline. While budget airlines may not be as posh as the conventional ones, and you pay for premium upgrades, you get to your destination without the hefty price tag. However, be wary of hidden costs as they may increase ticket prices substantially.
Leverage Special Deals
Airlines often have fantastic deals, ranging from special promotions to reduced ticket costs to increase competitiveness. Joining the airlines’ mailing list allows you to access special offers promptly and fly cheaply.
If you are under 26 years, you can take advantage of student discounts and lower your flight fare by 10-20%. Also, contrary to the common notion that holiday packages are costly, booking a holiday package can earn you discounts on flights and accommodation.
Shop Around
Do not buy the first flight ticket you come across; it pays to do your research to find good deals. Numerous sites help you compare flight prices, such as Momondo, Kayak, and Skyscanner, to identify the most competitive one.
Go Incognito
In most cases, airlines increase plane ticket prices when demand surges. Also, your search history can be used to price tickets. For example, if you have been searching for a specific flight, the price may increase since you have shown intent to purchase. Staying anonymous when booking tickets – going incognito or clearing search cookies can increase the chances of getting a cheap flight.
Connect Flights
When booking long-haul flights from Philadelphia, those with a connection may be cheaper than direct ones. Connecting flights can reduce air travel costs but increase travel time. Therefore, ensure your connecting flights have at least three hours between them in case of delays.
You don’t have to pay for an arm and a leg for flight tickets when traveling. Flexibility and creativity will get you cheap flights and decrease travel expenses. The tips above are tested to get inexpensive flights and save money on air travel.