Searching For the Most Affordable Way to Fly
If you’re like most travelers these days, keeping costs low is a top priority when planning flights. With prices at the airport always fluctuating, it can be tough to know which airline will really give you the best bang for your buck. In this article, I’ll share everything you need to know about finding budget-friendly flight options.
Do Your Research on Discount Airlines
From my own experience of flying cheap, some of the top airlines to consider for affordable fares are Southwest, Frontier, Allegiant, Spirit, and JetBlue. These carriers are commonly referred to as “ultra-low-cost carriers” since they have stripped-down services to keep ticket prices minimal. While you’ll miss out on perks like free baggage or meal service, the savings can be substantial if you travel light.
Be sure to thoroughly research policies for each discount airline so there are no surprises later. For example, I once flew Frontier without realizing they charge steep fees for carry-ons that didn’t fit under the seat. A $35 bag that I could have gate-checked for free on other airlines ended up costing me nearly $100! Live and learn.
Consider Alternative Airports
In major cities, you may find significantly lower fares by flying into a secondary airport rather than the main one. I saved over $100 by flying into Newark Liberty rather than New York JFK on one trip. Another smart tactic is broadening your search to include airports within a few hours’ drive. Renting a car and driving can still be more affordable than pricier flight options.
Be Flexible on Dates and Times
If possible, give yourself some flexibility when selecting travel dates. Flying mid-week rather than peak weekend times is almost always cheaper. And prices often fluctuate hugely depending on how far in advance you book – the further out, the lower rates tend to be. I’ve seen prices drop by half or more just by waiting a couple months. So unless it’s a must-getaway weekend, hold off booking until the best deals roll in.
Sign Up for Airline Emails
By subscribing to mailing lists from your preferred discount airlines, you’ll get insider access to flash sales, mistakes fares, and other limited-time deals that can seriously save you money. Some airlines even offer first-time flyer discounted rates if you sign up. These emails are a treasure trove for hunting down cheap flights when others may not see them.
Use Flight Search Tools
Google Flights is amazing for browsing potential routes and getting a sense of average prices over different days. You can also set price alerts to get notified when costs drop below your target amount. Sites like Kiwi.com, Skyscanner, and Momondo let you search routes across multiple carriers simultaneously for the absolute lowest rates. Their results grids make it simple to compare options at a glance.
Consider Travel Packages
Bundling your flight with a rental car or hotel stay can sometimes save you money versus booking transportation and lodging separately. Sites like Expedia, Travelocity, and Orbitz let you easily find package deals where the total is less than the sum of its parts. Even if you only use them as a starting point to avoid rip-off fees, bundles are worth a look for saving a few extra dollars here and there.
Use Airline Credit Cards
Signing up for an airline-branded credit card may get you bonus miles or an annual travel credit that can knock a notable chunk off flight costs. Just be sure to pay balances in full each month to avoid interest charges that negate savings. Loyalty to one airline through elite-qualifying flight spends over time often leads to perks like free bags and upgrades. Do the math to ensure long-term benefits outweigh annual fees.
Check for Discount Travel Agencies
Trusted names like CheapOair and Expedia are great for finding savings, but lesser-known agents can undercut them further. Do some digging online for mom & pop agencies focused solely on bargain hunting. Their intimate airline industry connections sometimes unearth incredible steals. Like that time I booked a last-minute $118 flight to Cancun through an agent – over half off similar routes elsewhere!
Try Airline Hacks and Mistake Fares
With some skilled sifting, you’d be shocked what mistake fares or glitches can be found. Kind of like scoring concert tickets before they sell out. Sites like TheFlightDeal aggregate crazy cheap itineraries that may require some legwork to purchase, but could save hundreds or more. Following deal hunting gurus on social media also exposes insider tricks for navigating airline technical loopholes and exploits. Luck plays a huge role, but some diligent monitoring may pay off in spades.
In summary, finding truly cheap flights takes some research savvy and flexibility on your part. But as you can see from these strategies, with a little effort you’re almost certain to come across affordable rates that fit your travel needs. Let me know if any other questions come up in your search for budget airfare. Wishing you smooth and wallet-friendly travels!
Top 5 Cheapest Domestic Airlines in the United States
| Airline | Average Domestic Roundtrip Fare | On-time Performance | Baggage Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spirit Airlines | $136 | 78% | Fees for carry-on and checked bags |
| Allegiant Air | $164 | 82% | One free personal item, fees for checked bags |
| Frontier Airlines | $178 | 80% | Fees for carry-on and first checked bag |
| JetBlue | $210 | 81% | One free personal item, fees for second checked bag |
| Southwest Airlines | $216 | 79% | Two free checked bags |
FAQ
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What are some of the cheapest airlines to fly with?
Some of the most inexpensive domestic airlines in the U.S. are considered to be Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and Allegiant Air. These airlines are known for having rock-bottom fares but also charging fees for things like carry-on bags or selecting your seat. Basically, you get what you pay for with these super low-cost carriers.
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Do budget airlines have restrictions?
For sure, while the ticket prices may seem amazing cheap, budget carriers typically have all kinds of rules. Maybe you’ll only be allowed a personal item like a purse or laptop bag that fits under the seat, or you might face fees for checking a bag. And good luck changing or canceling your flight – it usually costs an arm and a leg! At the same time, as long as you know the policies, these restrictions shouldn’t come as a surprise.
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Are there any hidden fees?
Honestly, it can be kinda tricky to tell exactly what you’re gonna spend flying on a low-cost airline once all is said and done. Like, the advertised price might not include things customers regularly pay for, like choosing your seat or carrying on a bag. Unfortunately, it’s easy to end up spending a lot more than expected thanks to various surcharges. My advice would be to do your research so there are no “gotchas” down the line.
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Which airline has the most amenities?
When it comes to extras like assigned seating, legroom, carry-on bags, and cancellation policies, the larger traditional carriers will usually provide the most amenities. Airlines like Delta, American, and United have a variety of seating options and give passengers more flexibility. Of course, that kinda stuff comes at a price – you’ll be paying substantially more than a discount airline. It’s all about balance I guess.
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Is it better to fly directly or connect through another city?
This one really depends on the specific route. Sometimes a nonstop flight is available on a major airline for not too much more bread, making it worthwhile to avoid a connection. However, if connecting means a massive savings, it might be worth spending a couple extra hours in transit – especially on a budget airline. No choice is clearly better in all situations, so it pays to shop around and look at the different options. A credits card travel expert made a good point – convenience often has a cost.
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How far in advance should I book a cheap flight?
From what I’ve read, booking six weeks to three months before your travel dates can score you seriously good deals. The further out you can plan a trip, the lower chance there is of high demand jacking up the rates. Of course, last-minute travel is kinda exciting – but don’t expect to find rock-bottom prices just days before flying. I guess planning ahead shows some real commitment, but leaves things open if your schedule changes. Might be worth giving it a shot next time for the potential cost savings, yeah?
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Should I fly on a holiday or weekday?
It’s no secret that flights around holidays tend to cost more greenbacks. Traveling on dates like Christmas, New Years or Thanksgiving is when you’ll see those eye-watering airfare prices. Your wallet will thank you by choosing off-peak days instead, like mid-week. That being said, who doesn’t want to visit family for important occasions? If a holiday travel is essential, starting early on flight searches and flexible dates could save you money in the long run. Hey, what do the travel gurus say – expect to pay more when everyone else wants to fly too!