The Truth About Finding Cheap Flights
Bargain hunters know finding cheap flights is nearly impossible. As a travel agent I can share a few tricks we use to help save our clients money.
The first one is is called reverse booking and works only if your trip is flexible. This is where you pick the place and dates based on current available bargains. Say you’re schedule is open and you don’t mind winging things. For serious wingers, they use the website called Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights).
How Going Works
It’s a membership program (like everything these days), but there is a free one (with limited deals) and a two week trial one. Once a member, you sit back and watch the bargains fly into your inbox. Plans will cost you $49 or $199 per year and promises 40-90% airfare savings.
Is Going Worth It?
Frequent travelers report that Going membership is worth it if you fall into the: I’m open to going anywhere, anytime on short notice category…Another benefit of membership is getting access to their flight deals page, otherwise hidden. Am I a member? No, but maybe when I’m retired.
Another Idea That’s Free
Every airline’s homepage has a SALE section. While more time consuming than personal emails from Going.com, this will work. Don’t forget, you can also sign up for deal alerts from your favorite airlines - or all of them. But who needs more emails?
Hacker Fares
These are when you buy two-1 way tickets on different airlines. It’s legal and worth trying. This is the site many travel agents use to begin the process. Airfare Matrix results show you all flight possibilities based on the criteria you say. Play with round trip first, then start over using one way options. Please note some low cost airlines do not show up here, (like Southwest and Allegiant), but all the major carriers do.
Your Best Bet
The tried and true Google flights has the most tools at your fingertips. This Google tool will show you when it’s the cheapest time to book a flight and track it’s price for you. I have trackers turned on for several of my dream trips…just in case. Here’s a link with images on how to set up trackers.
Pro Advice
A bit of planning goes a long way and please, NEVER book through a third party.
Always secure your flights with the actual airlines website or app.
Flexibility. Flights on weekdays are cheaper as is off peak times/months.
Timing. The best domestic deals are usually found 1-3 months out and 2-8 months for international.
Grab it fast. Deals don’t last. Prices can change in minutes. The internet knows what’s popular and when.
End Result
There is no one simple rule, single day or best time to buy a flight. Yet, with the above strategy, you may find yourself jetting off to Italy any day soon. It it was easy, everyone would be doing it. As they say, the best things in life are worth working for… kinda like true love.
