by Rick Seaney
Here’s a reality check: summer air travel is typically far from affordable. Following Thanksgiving and Christmas, the summer months rank among the most costly for flights, particularly around Independence Day. Nevertheless, there are still opportunities to score significant savings.
1.)Utilize digital tools. Numerous airfare search platforms, including my own, provide options to subscribe to flight alerts. This feature allows you to receive notifications about deals with minimal effort on your part.
What you can do: Conduct a brief fare search to your intended vacation spot to gauge initial ticket prices, enabling you to identify a genuine bargain when it appears. If you receive a notification for a fare that suits your budget, act quickly; the lowest-priced tickets are often in limited supply.
2.)Plan your flights wisely. Tickets for flights departing in early to mid-June and late August tend to be significantly lower than during the peak season. Prices tend to soar when kids are out of school, marking the height of summer travel.
What you can do: If you don’t have school-aged children or if your kids are too young for school, capitalize on these lower fare periods. If that’s not feasible, read on for more tips.
3.)Choose economical days to fly. Year-round, the best days for cheap flights are generally Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. While many of us favor weekend trips with Friday departures and Sunday returns, this preference drives up prices significantly since airlines capitalize on this demand.
What you can do: Opt for the most affordable days for both departure and return. If that’s not an option, try to incorporate at least one budget-friendly day into your travel schedule to save money.
4.)Consider connecting flights. You might have heard about the ‘convenience tax.’ While it isn’t an official charge, it reflects the higher cost of direct flights. While non-stop options can sometimes be the best value, frequently, connecting flights can be up to 60% cheaper.
What you can do: Compare costs between non-stop and connecting itineraries, taking into account both price and total travel duration. Ultimately, only you can decide if the savings are worth the extra time, but connecting flights can also provide a welcome break for children who need to stretch their legs during layovers.
5.)Choose the right luggage. Before opting for a large suitcase, consider whether you truly need that much space. Not only are carry-on bags typically complimentary on most airlines, but they also stay close, reducing the risk of getting lost. I rely on my carry-on for all my trips, even those to Europe and Asia.
What you can do: Review your airline’s website for fees associated with baggage. Several low-cost carriers charge for carry-ons, and this is also true for many basic economy tickets offered by major airlines.
6.)Enroll for expedited security screening. When it comes to travel, time is money, and few things waste more time than waiting in long security lines. Instead, access quicker PreCheck lanes and keep your footwear on.
What you can do: Register for PreCheck, which costs $85 for a five-year membership. Children aged 12 and under can enjoy these benefits under a parent’s membership at no cost. For international travelers, consider signing up for Global Entry, which includes PreCheck (note that all ages must pay for this membership).
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