Saving a Good Deal on Airfare

Airfare can be expensive, but there are several ways to save on it and make air travel more cost-friendly.

Air travel has become an integral part of modern-day travel. People all over the world travel by air for both personal and professional reasons. However, airfare can be quite expensive, especially during peak travel times. In this article, we will discuss how you can save on airfare and make air travel cost-friendly.

Book in advance

One of the easiest ways to save on airfare is to book your tickets in advance. Airlines tend to increase their fares as the travel date approaches, so it’s always a good idea to book your tickets as early as possible. A good rule of thumb is to book domestic flights three to four months ahead and six months for international flights, with a possible 25 percent savings, according to 7News.

Use airfare comparison sites

There are several fare comparison sites that can help you find the cheapest airfare. These sites compare the prices of different airlines and display the cheapest fares. You can also set up fare alerts on these sites to receive notifications when fares drop.

Looking at some of these sites may yield discrepancies as well, such as currency conversions, not considering fuel surcharges in the final computation and even simple human error. For example, three-digit fares on a flight from Sydney to Dubai, UAE with stopovers in Manila, Philippines, when the actual price is over $1200.

Be flexible with travel dates

Being flexible with your travel dates can also help you save on airfare. If you are open to travelling on weekdays or during off-peak seasons, you can find significantly cheaper fares. Additionally, booking a flight with a layover can also help you save on airfare.

In many respects, travelling on a weekday may shave the costs because of smaller demand as opposed to weekends, school holidays or days during peak season. The team at Compare the Market stated that seasons to watch out for the most are during Christmas holidays and lean times to travel are February to March, May, and mid-October to mid-November.

Flight times

Check the departures and durations of each prospect flight you choose. While flights with long layovers may be cheaper, consider the expected check-in time at your hotel as well. For example, if you are booking a hotel in Seoul, South Korea with the check-in being the night of March 15 but you opted to layover in Taipei, Taiwan, for up to ten hours, consider flying out of Australia as early as March 14.    

Join loyalty programmes

Joining an airline’s loyalty programme can help you earn points and miles, which you can redeem for free flights or upgrades. Most airlines have their own loyalty programmes, and you can join them for free. You can also use credit cards that offer rewards and points for air travel.

Discount codes

Before booking your airfare, look for discount codes and promotions. Many airlines offer special discounts for students, military personnel, and senior citizens. Additionally, you can also find discount codes online that can help you save on airfare.

Sometimes, certain airlines will run promotions for flights around $100 for a ticket to Port Moresby, PNG or Jakarta, Indonesia. However, make sure to read the fine print before booking that flight, as even budget carriers will have higher charges attached for certain parts such as meals and beverages, not to mention strict baggage limits.

Budget carriers

Flying with budget airlines is another way to save on airfare. Budget airlines offer significantly lower fares than traditional airlines. However, you may have to compromise on comfort and amenities. Some popular budget airlines in Australia include Jetstar, Tigerair, and Virgin Australia.

Consider alternate airports

If your destination has multiple airports, consider flying into an alternate airport. This can help you save on airfare, as fares tend to be lower for less popular airports. For example, if you are flying out to Tokyo, Japan from Manila, Philippines, consider a flight that touches down at Haneda International instead of Narita. From there, you can take the overland route to the capital. 

Pack light

Packing light can also help you save on airfare. Most airlines charge extra fees for checked bags and overweight baggage. If possible, try to pack all your belongings in a carry-on bag. However, if lugging everything in a single carry-on is not possible, make sure your baggage does not go past the stated check-in limit for your ticket. Some travellers recommend bringing a small weighing scale to gauge if your baggage will remain within limits.

With the above advice being followed, you can make air travel cost-friendly. This is even more paramount as Aussies are eager to travel again after over two years of lockdowns and a travel bubble. So, the next time you plan a trip by air, use these tips to save on airfare and make your journey more affordable.

DEAL OR NO DEAL? Check out our catalogue on USHOP — your one stop shop for deals and discounts!

If you liked our “Saving a Good Deal on Airfare” and find it useful, check our blogs regularly for more information to get updates on UBOMI’s budget app and expense tracker.

DISCLAIMER: This article is for informational purposes only. UBOMI does not endorse or have working relationships with any company mentioned in this article.