Cheap Airfare - Three Strategies to Stack the Odds in Your Favor
Most people know the number one strategy for getting the lowest airfare possible - always book as early as possible.
But did you know that there are, at least, three other valuable strategies to help you save hundreds, maybe even thousands of dollars on your airfare? Strategy number 1: Book flights at uncommon times of the day.
The most sought-after time for booking flights is 9 to 5 and this is when airlines hike their fares to maximize profit so, to save yourself money, it's better to stay away from this time slot altogether.
Do this and you are more likely to receive a lower airfare.
For example, a recent search on Expedia for roundtrip airfares from New York to Miami revealed that a 6:30 a.
m.
or an 8:15 a.
m.
flight on U.
S.
Airways goes for $220 but the same flight at 8:45 or 9:00 a.
m.
will go for $249.
That's a $29 increase on just what's generally considered the cheapest flights available at that time.
Imagine how much of difference that increase makes when you suddenly have to purchase two or more tickets! Strategy number 2: Book your flight so you will stay over during the weekend.
Since most flights are business related and most business travelers like to return before the weekend, airlines will offer you a better deal if you stay over for the weekend.
However, refrain from flying on a Monday or a Friday as those are popular departure and return days.
Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the booking days that you want to snag that low fare.
So, if you're looking to get the best deal on airfare for a one-week trip (7 days) to Florida from New York, you'll probably get a better deal if you go from a Tuesday to a Tuesday rather than a Monday to a Monday.
By the same token, that means also avoid situations where you book your departure day any time from a Friday night to a Sunday night as that too will affect the rate.
Strategy number 3: Airfares can still get discounted even if you've booked your flight months in advance.
Booking early helps immensely in getting the cheapest fare possible but that doesn't mean the airfare still can't plummet even further.
It's wise to keep checking up on the fare just to make sure.
If the fare does drop, give the airline a call and they will refund you the difference.
Calling the airlines to discuss a refund in the difference can also lead to another benefit.
If you ask, airlines will offer you free vouchers toward future ticket purchases.
So try following these top three strategies to help guarantee that you get the cheapest fare possible and many happy travels!
But did you know that there are, at least, three other valuable strategies to help you save hundreds, maybe even thousands of dollars on your airfare? Strategy number 1: Book flights at uncommon times of the day.
The most sought-after time for booking flights is 9 to 5 and this is when airlines hike their fares to maximize profit so, to save yourself money, it's better to stay away from this time slot altogether.
Do this and you are more likely to receive a lower airfare.
For example, a recent search on Expedia for roundtrip airfares from New York to Miami revealed that a 6:30 a.
m.
or an 8:15 a.
m.
flight on U.
S.
Airways goes for $220 but the same flight at 8:45 or 9:00 a.
m.
will go for $249.
That's a $29 increase on just what's generally considered the cheapest flights available at that time.
Imagine how much of difference that increase makes when you suddenly have to purchase two or more tickets! Strategy number 2: Book your flight so you will stay over during the weekend.
Since most flights are business related and most business travelers like to return before the weekend, airlines will offer you a better deal if you stay over for the weekend.
However, refrain from flying on a Monday or a Friday as those are popular departure and return days.
Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the booking days that you want to snag that low fare.
So, if you're looking to get the best deal on airfare for a one-week trip (7 days) to Florida from New York, you'll probably get a better deal if you go from a Tuesday to a Tuesday rather than a Monday to a Monday.
By the same token, that means also avoid situations where you book your departure day any time from a Friday night to a Sunday night as that too will affect the rate.
Strategy number 3: Airfares can still get discounted even if you've booked your flight months in advance.
Booking early helps immensely in getting the cheapest fare possible but that doesn't mean the airfare still can't plummet even further.
It's wise to keep checking up on the fare just to make sure.
If the fare does drop, give the airline a call and they will refund you the difference.
Calling the airlines to discuss a refund in the difference can also lead to another benefit.
If you ask, airlines will offer you free vouchers toward future ticket purchases.
So try following these top three strategies to help guarantee that you get the cheapest fare possible and many happy travels!
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