The world has become more accessible ever since a price war erupted amidst airlines.
You can travel to practically any destination in the world at a fraction of the price you would have paid even half a decade back.
And, the joyride continues! Prices are not crashing anymore but there are innovative saving techniques you can use to save the moolah that could be well used on other traveling expenses.
Following are few completely legal tricks that could save you serious money, especially if you are a frequent flyer and look at traveling costs cumulatively.
1.
Flexibility pays Most airlines offer discounted periods; if you aren't particular you could wait for such offers pick the best deals.
If you can't be that flexible, looking out for cheaper dates around your date of traveling can help.
2.
Fly midweek Most people fly on weekends making the tickets expensive.
If you can manage it, fly during workdays and you will save a bunch.
It is also a good idea to avoid getting back on a Sunday.
The later you fly, the more crowds you will catch paying prime price.
Return on Saturday and catch the cheaper fare.
3.
Check, check and check Check every flight option available on the route you are flying.
You can never say where you find a great deal.
It also pays to check return fare even if you are flying one way.
Though bizarre, sometimes, return fares turn out to be cheaper than one-way tickets! 4.
Connect Often it is cheaper to fly to a nearby city and then fly to your destination.
Connecting flights and stopovers are offered at discounted prices by airlines.
5.
Fly as a courier An amazing deal that's available these days is to fly as courier.
It's faster to send documents as courier than by freight so many companies offer free flights to travelers willing to fly as couriers.
The only catch is that you are not allowed baggage and a handbag is all you can take.
6.
Early bird Early bookings are cheaper than last minute reservations.
Book at least two weeks before you fly, three if possible.
For international flights, you should book 30 days in advance to save on the fare.
7.
Be on the spot Smart travelers often make money on overbooking.
If you are not particular about dates, cancel your ticket when the flights are overbooked.
The airlines will offer you cheaper tickets and sometimes even cash return.
Another strategy is to book online right after midnight when the airlines reload their computers.
You could buy tickets that people booked but didn't buy! 8.
Saving blocks If you are a frequent flyer, you could save money buying coupon booklets.
Airlines periodically offer block tickets or coupons, especially to senior citizens and students.
Be on the lookout for such deals and cinch them as soon as you see them.
Schemes by one airline are often followed by similar offers by other airlines.
Be alert and ready to grab your destinations! Flying was never cheaper or more convenient.
The competition between airlines has made flying a buyers' market and you can make the most of it by being an aware consumer!