With fewer flights, more passengers and historically high gasoline prices, the cost of flying is skyrocketing as the summer travel season gets underway.
Prices for flights have risen nearly 35% higher than they were at this time last year. But, thankfully, we did find some ways to help you save money.
Willis Orlando, a senior flight expert at Scott’s Cheap Flights, says there are still deals to be found for travelers looking to get away for Memorial Day weekend or the Fourth of July -- travelers just have to be flexible.
“With a little bit of flexibility, we have seen extraordinary deals for summertime, even around these holidays,” Orlando said. “But what you need to do is remember: Flying slightly off-peak can often save you hundreds. So, consider flying out for the Fourth of July weekend on Wednesday or Thursday, for example, instead of flying out on Friday. Or consider flying back on Tuesday.”
For travelers in the Metro Detroit area, you may want to consider flying out of Flint or Lansing, rather than the Detroit Metro Airport.
Before you buy your ticket, take just 10 seconds to do a search that could help you save big: Do a search for two one-way tickets, rather than one round-trip ticket.
“Very often, not always, but very often, you’ll find you can save yourself 10%, 20% or even more on the roundtrip fare by booking two one-ways instead,” Orlando said.
When booking those one-way flights, be flexible on the airline. There may be a better deal on Spirit or American Airlines vs. Delta, depending on the destination.
“You can often save a good chunk of change just by doing this 10-second check on Google, or Kayak or what have you,” Orlando said.
Related: Poll: Are you changing your Memorial Day plans due to soaring gas prices?
If you want to cancel a flight, or you later find a flight for a better deal before you take off, there are still options for you to get a full refund or a reduced fare.
“As long as you’re booking at regular economy or higher, and know that in the future if that fare drops, you’ll be in a position where you can cancel that first ticket, take a voucher with the airline in most cases, buy the new ticket and have a little something left over to spend with the airline -- whether it’s for baggage, drinks on board or for another ticket in the future,” Orlando said. “It’s really a no-lose proposition.”
If you’re still looking for a good deal, or at least a little bit of a discount, the options are out there -- it’s just going to take some time and some flexibility.
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