It’s still winter, but are you already dreaming about your next summer vacation? The little angel tells you in your ear that you should take advantage of your holiday allowance to save money, while the little devil encourages you to pamper yourself and take your much-desired trip. But we have good news: one thing does not invalidate the other. Fortunately, nowadays it is very easy to get cheap air tickets, you just need to have a few tricks up your sleeve. In this article we teach you which ones.
You need to dedicate yourself to this research, but we guarantee that the time spent searching for the best prices is worth it and can result in an unforgettable and very affordable trip.
Before starting your search, make sure you have a credit card and what benefits it includes, as the card can be a great ally in your savings during your holidays.
#1 – Use more than one company
It is not mandatory to use the same airline on outbound and return flights.
It is important to compare the different routes that each one offers and understand which offers are the most advantageous. For example, Ryanair may have lower prices for an outbound flight on the date you are considering traveling. However, on the return date, Easyjet may offer more attractive prices.
There is no problem in combining flights – quite the contrary, you will only benefit.
#2 – Compare the various flight offers
The secret is in comparing. There are airline comparators that display ticket prices so you can evaluate, compare and choose the most suitable one for you.
Use platforms like eDreams, Skyscanner or Momondo to find the most affordable flights on a given date to a given destination. We also advise you to search as many comparators as possible, as you can find a wide range of prices for the same destination and day.
#3 – Your credit card can provide you with cheap air tickets
Before booking your trip, check what benefits your credit card includes. Who knows, maybe there’s one credit card with miles which allows you to enjoy great discounts on flights.
This type of card allows you to accumulate air miles every time you make purchases (for example: for every 1 or 2 euros you spend, depending on the card, you can accumulate one or more miles), so that these can then be exchanged for travel tickets. plane or even upgrades from economy to business class.
Furthermore, if you have a card with an associated insurance package, you may even have travel assistance, which covers damage caused by lost luggage, flight delays, among other situations that may arise when you go on vacation.
In addition, these cards can also offer discounts on hotels, restaurants, rent-a-cars and other experiences that can help you save more on your vacation.
#4 – Buy in advance
These days, the sooner you buy your ticket, the better. Gone are the days when the ideal time to get cheap air tickets was about eight weeks in advance. As the travel date approaches, demand increases, meaning flight prices also increase.
So, if you already have dates in mind for your vacation, don’t waste time and buy your tickets now to enjoy more competitive prices.
If you have an adventurous spirit, you can try your luck and buy more at the last minute. As a rule, airlines, when they still have seats available close to the travel date, reduce prices to be able to fill all the seats. However, it’s a risk you take: either take the risk and make a big saving or you’ll be left without a place.
#5 – Choose the right day
Choosing the right day, both in terms of purchasing the flight and the departure date, has an influence on the final price paid. As a rule, there is more demand on weekends and holidays, so you should avoid buying plane tickets on those days.
To get cheaper air tickets, choose to do your search on weekdays, such as Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, as this way you will be more likely to find competitive prices.
Choosing the day you travel is essential to save on the ticket price. As a rule, if you are in Europe, the best day to travel is Tuesday and if you fly at night you can also get a flight at a cheaper price.
#6 – Search in anonymous mode
Try going into “incognito” mode on your browser (on your keyboard, click Ctrl + Shift + N if you are using Windows, or Command + Shift + N if you are using a Mac) and search for flights in this mode.
Alternatively, clear the “cookies” on your browser. Websites use the information transmitted by browsers through “cookies” to influence travel prices – that is, if you search for the same route many times using the same IP address, your browser will understand your purchasing intention and will begin to show you higher prices.
Take the test: search in normal mode and then compare with incognito mode or without “cookies”.
#7 – Pay attention to social media
Airlines are increasingly present on social networks such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and use these platforms to promote discounts and promotions. As a rule, this is where brands run advertising campaigns with cheap air tickets and with which you can get good discounts.
This could be a great opportunity to act on impulse and book that unplanned trip.
Follow these tips and prepare for your dream vacation. Don’t forget: compare all the options on the market carefully, choose the right time and make sure you take advantage of all the benefits that your credit card can give you in this regard.
