Usually, the biggest expense in getting to a destination for a trip or vacation is the airfare. You can always find a cheap hostel, inn, or rental, but your options are limited when it comes to buying a plane ticket. How can you go about finding the best airline prices? How can you be sure that you’re truly getting the best rate possible?
Keep in mind that the best airline price is not necessarily the lowest rate. It’s the one that offers the best value for the money. Factor in expenses such as luggage and in-flight beverages, as well as the duration of the flight. If you’re going to have a layover somewhere, you’re likely going to have to buy lunch or snacks at the connection airport. Would it be cheaper just to pay a bit more for a direct flight?
Some experts recommend that you book your airfare at least seven weeks in advance. It’s usually around this time period (50 days) that the average fare is discounted a bit. This is just a trend, however, and not always something that is set in stone.
Last-minute deals (within two weeks of departure) are sometimes available as well, but it could be risky to wait until the last-minute – especially if there is a major holiday or event coming up in the destination city.
Which Sites Are Good for Getting the Best Airline Prices?
It’s a good idea to use a site that will allow you to compare prices from multiple airlines that offer flights to and from your destination. Use a site that has useful filtering tools so that you can filter ascending price, descending price, number of connections, durations, times, etc. You might also want to consider including a search for accommodation with your plane ticket. You will need a place to stay anyway, and it’s sometimes cheaper to combine a hotel room with airfare than to book them separately.
The easiest way to find the best airline price is simply to be flexible. Rates can go up or down within a matter of days. In some instances, price can fluctuate over a period of hours. If there isn’t an option for you to be flexible with the dates, then consider being flexible with the airports. Determine if it would be worth it to fly to an alternative airport that might be located a bit further from your desired location.
Lastly, always look for travel coupon codes, discounts, and promotional offers that can be redeemed at a particular travel site. Sometimes all it takes is a coupon to help you obtain the best airline prices.
There is no need to put off that business trip or dream vacation. The best airline prices are obtainable – all you have to do is make use of Travelocity discounts. It’s the best place for comparing airfare and hotel rates; there are tons of inexpensive travel options available every single day.