Never Overpay for Airfare With These 5 Proven Tips for Cheaper Plane Tickets

Airfare costs in 2024 have eased compared to last year’s sky-high prices. However, some destinations still have seasonal spikes, making smart booking strategies essential. Follow these five tips to ensure you always get the best deal on plane tickets.

1. Fly Mid-Week for the Best Deals

Weekend flights can break your travel budget. According to data from Google Flights, flying on Tuesdays and Wednesdays can be 13%-20% cheaper than taking off on Fridays or Sundays. While there isn’t a magical day to book tickets, choosing mid-week travel days often yields significant savings.

2. Embrace Budget Airlines

If luxury isn’t a top priority, budget airlines can save you hundreds. The trade-off? Fewer amenities and additional fees for extras like carry-ons or seat selection. Top U.S. budget airlines include:

• Allegiant Air

• Spirit Airlines

• Frontier Airlines

• Southwest Airlines

Calculate potential fees ahead of time to ensure your savings aren’t offset by add-ons. Budget airlines are perfect for short trips and casual getaways.

3. Book One-Way Flights and Consider Layovers

While round-trip tickets are convenient, one-way flights can offer better pricing flexibility. For instance, fly to your destination with Delta and return with American Airlines if it’s cheaper. Adding layovers can also cut costs; flights with stops save travelers up to 25%, per Google Flights data.

4. Leverage Travel Credit Cards

Using a travel credit card is a smart way to collect points and miles. Cards such as those from United and Delta offer perks like priority boarding and free checked bags. Maximize savings by using these cards for everyday purchases to accumulate rewards faster, redeeming them for discounted or even free flights.

Paying with a travel rewards credit card can earn you perks such as flight discounts, seat upgrades, priority boarding, complimentary checked baggage, and airport lounge access.

5. Use Travel Apps and Deal Finders

Tech tools like Google Flights’ “Cheapest” tab make finding affordable airfare easy. Just input your travel details, and this feature will show you the best low-cost options at a glance. Apps such as Hopper and Skyscanner can also alert you to fare drops, giving you the upper hand when booking.

These strategies help you avoid overpaying and make flying more affordable. 

Even after you score the best deal on your airfare, the price you paid can go down. How do you lock in the lowest rate? With Refare.ai you are leveraging an expert negotiation team that monitors and gets you the best price on your tickets after you book ensuring the best possible deal and additional savings you are entitled to.