Finding cheap plane tickets isn’t rocket science. It just takes some flexibility and a little research. When you need to get away but don’t want to spend a bundle, consider these tips and watch the savings stack up. Put these money-saving travel hacks to good use and give our flight search a try. They don’t call us Cheapflights for nothing.
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Sounds obvious, right? But different airline ticket providers – from the big online agencies to local travel providers – simply don’t have access to all of the same airlines, flights, availability and pricing. So no single airline, consolidator or agency will always have the lowest airfare, nor with they always have the best selection of airline tickets. You have to weigh your options. And that’s where Cheapflights.ca can help. Cheapflights lets you compare flights from a variety of providers so you can find the best deal out there right now.
Be flexible
It’s all about supply and demand. Some departure times are more popular – and more expensive – than others. While cheap plane tickets are available at peak times, you generally have to book far in advance. If you’re looking to score a cheap flight and have some flexibility, you’re in luck. Here are four ways being flexible can pay off in a big way:
Consider alternative airports
When comparing options, consider other airports in your area. While one airport may be your go-to because of convenience, you’ll never know how much you could save if you flew out of (or into) another airport nearby. For example, when heading to a bigger city like New York or London, consider all of your airport options. But also be sure to consider all associated travel costs, including transportation to and from the airport.
Choose your dates wisely
Everyone wants to depart at 7 p.m. on Friday night, which means that those flights tend to become quite pricey rather quickly. The same goes for Saturday morning, or any other time when it’s the most convenient for the majority of travellers. If you can make it work for your schedule, try flying on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday rather than on the weekend. Overnight flights are another great way to save. Not only are they often cheaper, but you won’t need to pay for accommodations the night you’re in the air. Select a window seat, bring a neck pillow and (try to) get your Zzzs mid-flight.
Fly on holidays
Travelling over a holiday? If you can, consider swapping your pre-holiday flight for a flight on the actual holiday – Christmas day rather than the Saturday before Christmas, for example. Not only will you likely save money, but you’ll skip a percentage of the crowds who have the same travel plan as you.
Pick a deal, not a destination
Looking to get away? Don’t settle on one destination until you see what’s out there. Looking for a beach vacay? Don’t limit yourself to Florida. If you know the type of trip you want to take (be it a beach trip, a long weekend in a big city, a ski trip or an outdoorsy adventure), there may be destinations with all that you’re looking for on offer for much less than the destination you originally had in mind. Do some research, compare your options and you’ll likely walk away with a trip booked that checks all your boxes AND leaves money in your pocket.
Pick the perks that matter to you
Finding the absolute lowest airfare can be rewarding, but you will also want to consider the overall mix of price, quality and convenience. Before you book, decide what’s most important to you. You might be getting a really cheap plane ticket, but do you want to stop and change planes several times? Some airlines are more comfortable and provide more in-flight amenities than others, while budget carriers strip away the perks so they can charge less per seat.
Low-cost carriers (and the comparable basic economy fares offered by many of the bigger airlines) typically offer bare-bones fares with a low price tag but no perks. While that may not be for everyone, if you can travel light, this could mean an extremely cheap flight.That said, read the fine print prior to booking to see what’s included in the ticket price.
You’ve got mail
Newsletters and email alerts are a great way to stay up-to-date on fare sales and travel deals. Sign up for the Cheapflights newsletter to have the latest fare sales sent straight to your inbox. Flash sales and last-minute flight deals can provide unmatched savings, and signing up for travel email alerts is one way to make sure you don’t miss them when they pop up.
Quicktips
- Be flexible – Alternative airports and flexible departure dates and times can save you money.
- Book early – Generally, the earlier you book, the more you can save on plane tickets.
- Discount airlines – If you don’t mind fewer perks, these cheap flights offer tons of savings.
- Do your research – Compare prices to make sure you’re getting the best deal available.
It’s not hard to find cheap plane tickets when you’re well informed and well connected. Ready to give it a try? Start your search at Cheapflights.ca.
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