Lois Larson
There are various ways to save money on flights, such as using airline miles or credit card points, flying during the off-season, and purchasing tickets at the airport. Some airlines offer discounted rates when purchasing tickets at the airport, although this may depend on the route and flight. Additionally, certain airlines may charge extra for services such as checked baggage, advance seat assignments, and meals, so it is important to understand the restrictions and fees associated with the ticket. In some cases, airlines may offer free tickets or vouchers for future flights in place of compensation for denied boarding or other issues. Overall, flexibility and research are key to finding the best deals and saving money on flight tickets.
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What You'll Learn
- Discounts for buying tickets at the airport
- Saving money by using airline miles or credit card points
- Saving money by flying during the off-season
- Avoiding extra fees for checked baggage, seat assignments, meals, etc
- Understanding ticket types and restrictions (e.g., non-refundable, baggage restrictions)
Discounts for buying tickets at the airport
While it is possible to buy tickets at the airport, it is generally recommended to book your flights online before you travel to the airport. This is because, in most cases, there are little to no advantages to buying an airline ticket at the airport. In fact, you may even be redirected to the airline's website to book your ticket. However, there are certain circumstances in which it may be cheaper to buy tickets at the airport.
Firstly, only certain airlines offer discounts for buying tickets at the airport, typically low-cost carriers. For example, some people have reported saving money by buying tickets at Frontier Airlines counters. However, it is worth noting that Frontier Airlines does not provide clear information on ticket counter hours and procedures for ticketing. Additionally, low-cost carriers often charge extra for seat assignments, carry-on bags, and checked bags, so it is important to consider the overall cost of your trip.
Secondly, the number of flights you book can impact the potential savings. Buying tickets at the airport is usually more cost-effective when you are booking multiple flights, especially for a large group. The savings can add up quickly when you are purchasing tickets for multiple people.
Lastly, it is important to consider the time and effort involved in buying tickets at the airport. In some cases, you may need to wait for a long time at the counter, and the process of purchasing tickets in person can be time-consuming. Therefore, it is recommended to check the airline's ticket counter schedule beforehand to ensure that you arrive at the appropriate time.
Overall, while there may be discounts for buying tickets at the airport, it is important to weigh the potential savings against the time and convenience of booking online. The availability of discounts can vary depending on the airline, the number of flights, and other factors. Therefore, it is always a good idea to research and compare prices before making your purchase.
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Saving money by using airline miles or credit card points
While it is possible to save money by buying tickets at the airport, this is limited to certain airlines. Discount carriers, such as Frontier Airlines, offer cheaper tickets at the airport as they charge a "passenger usage fee" for booking online. However, it is important to note that these low-cost carriers often charge extra for various services like seat assignments and baggage.
A great way to save money on flights is by utilising airline miles and credit card points. By signing up for loyalty programs and acquiring a rewards credit card, you can accumulate points and miles that can be redeemed for flights and upgrades. Some airlines even offer perks like free checked bags and preferred seating upon earning a certain number of points.
Credit card sign-up bonuses can be a quick way to boost your points balance. These bonuses are often substantial, sometimes exceeding 100,000 points, but they usually require you to spend a certain amount within a limited period. It is advisable to align your credit card application with a big purchase to increase your chances of meeting the sign-up bonus requirements.
When it comes to redeeming your points, you can book travel through sites like Chase Travel, which may be the most straightforward option. However, you might get more value by transferring your points to a hotel or airline program. Tools like the TPG awards versus cash calculator can assist in determining the best way to maximise your points' value.
While it can be tempting to save your miles for a special trip, it's important to remember that travel points generally lose value over time. Therefore, it is recommended to spend them regularly instead of hoarding them. Consider your travel goals and whether it makes more sense to use your points for multiple cheaper flights or a single more expensive international flight.
By combining strategic ticket purchases, loyalty programs, credit card rewards, and thoughtful point redemption, you can significantly reduce your travel expenses and make your dream trips a reality.
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Saving money by flying during the off-season
While there are several ways to save money on flights, flying during the off-season is one of the most effective methods.
The off-season is a quieter period for airlines, typically during the spring or fall, and sometimes referred to as the 'shoulder seasons'. During these periods, airlines lower their prices to encourage more people to fly. Booking an off-season flight can save you a lot of money, with flights often up to 50% cheaper than peak season prices. For example, a ticket from New York to Athens in September (off-season) costs $435, whereas booking during the high season can cost $906.
The off-season also provides an opportunity to save money on accommodation and attractions. Hotels often reduce their rates by 30% or more, and admission fees at many attractions are typically slashed by 50%. For example, room rates at Highline Vail drop by about $150 per night in late March (off-season) compared to peak dates in December.
To take advantage of off-season savings, it's important to book your flights at the right time. For domestic trips, it's recommended to book 1-3 months in advance, while for international travel, booking 2-8 months ahead can secure the best prices. Being flexible with your travel dates and times can also amplify your savings. Early morning or late-night flights often cost less, and adjusting your trip length can reveal cheaper options.
In addition to the off-season savings, there are other strategies to save money on flights. One strategy is to use tools and apps that help you find flight deals and mistake fares, such as Google Flights, Going (formerly Scott's Cheap Flights), or Dollar Flight Club. These platforms can notify you when flights are cheaper, and some even offer instant alerts for heavily discounted flights. Another strategy is to consider flying into secondary airports, as certain destinations have cheaper flight options to nearby airports. For example, flying into Colorado Springs instead of Denver when visiting Colorado, or Bellingham instead of Seattle when travelling to the Pacific Northwest.
Lastly, certain low-cost carriers offer discounts when buying tickets at the airport instead of online. Discount carriers like Frontier Airlines may charge a "carrier interface fee" when booking through their website or call center, but this fee can be avoided by purchasing tickets at the airport counter. However, it's important to note that low-cost carriers often charge extra for various services, such as seat assignments, carry-on bags, and checked baggage. Therefore, it's essential to consider the overall cost of your travel, including any additional fees, when aiming to save money by flying during the off-season or using alternative booking methods.
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Avoiding extra fees for checked baggage, seat assignments, meals, etc
Airlines often charge extra for checked baggage, seat assignments, meals, and other services. However, there are ways to avoid or minimise these fees.
For checked baggage, the best way to avoid fees is to not check any bags. Most airlines allow passengers one free carry-on item and one free personal item, such as a purse or laptop bag. If you need to check a bag, compare fees across airlines before booking your ticket. Additionally, some airline credit cards offer a free first checked bag for the cardholder and their companions. For example, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card provides a free first checked bag perk for up to nine people on a reservation.
To avoid seat assignment fees, you can skip selecting a seat during checkout. While you might end up with a middle seat, there is also a chance you could be assigned a better seat, such as one with extra legroom or in premium economy, especially if the flight is full. Airlines like Alaska, Hawaiian, JetBlue, and Southwest do not charge for seat selection or have limited seat fees.
When it comes to meals, some airlines offer complimentary snacks and beverages, including alcoholic drinks, on longer flights. However, on flights where meals are available for purchase, you can save money by bringing your own food and drinks. Additionally, some airlines offer discounts or allow you to use reward miles for inflight purchases when using their co-branded credit cards. For example, American Airlines offers a 25% discount on inflight food and beverage purchases when using an eligible Citi® / AAdvantage® card or AAdvantage® Aviator® Mastercard®.
In addition to avoiding fees for checked baggage, seat assignments, and meals, here are a few general tips to save money when flying:
- Compare prices across airlines and consider using different airports in large metropolitan areas, as fares can vary.
- Be aware that many discount fares are non-refundable, so if you cancel your trip, you may not get your money back.
- If your flight is cancelled or delayed, ask if your ticket will be honoured on another carrier at no extra charge.
- In the event of a delayed flight, ask the airline if they will pay for meals or a hotel room during the wait.
- If your bags are misplaced, report it immediately and get a copy of the report. Ask about reimbursement for reasonable expenses incurred while your luggage is missing.
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Understanding ticket types and restrictions (e.g., non-refundable, baggage restrictions)
Airline tickets can be of two types: paper tickets or electronic tickets (e-tickets). They are issued either by an airline or a travel agency and confirm that an individual is entitled to a seat on a flight. The ticket is usually for a specific flight, but it is possible to purchase an 'open' ticket, which is more expensive and allows travel on any flight between the listed destinations. Tickets contain information such as baggage allowance, fare, taxes, and restrictions on changes and refunds.
There are generally two categories of airfares: normal fares and special fares. Normal fares are flexible, available for all classes of service, and are therefore more expensive. They are typically valid for one year and can be purchased from airlines, travel agencies, or online booking sites. Special fares, on the other hand, come with restrictions such as minimum stay requirements or advanced purchase requirements. They are often less expensive due to specified routing, which is an exception to mileage-based pricing.
Most airlines offer different branded fare levels, such as Light, Standard, and Flexible, each with its own set of conditions and restrictions. For example, Advance Purchase Excursion (APEX) fares usually have refund restrictions, require advance purchase, and do not allow stopovers. Normal fares, on the other hand, offer flexibility without routing, stopover, advance purchase, or refund restrictions.
It's important to understand the restrictions associated with your ticket type. Most discount fares are non-refundable, and if you cancel your trip, you may not get a full refund. In some cases, you may be able to apply the ticket value to a future trip, but there may be additional fees involved. Additionally, many airlines charge extra for checked baggage, seat assignments, meals, or other services, so it's essential to review the fees and restrictions before purchasing your ticket.
Some airlines may offer incentives for volunteers to give up their seats in the event of overbooking. Compensation can come in the form of vouchers for future flights or free tickets. However, if you are involuntarily bumped from a flight, you may have the right to insist on monetary compensation. It's important to understand your rights and the restrictions associated with any vouchers or tickets offered as compensation.
Lastly, it's worth noting that purchasing tickets at the airport can sometimes result in discounts, especially with low-cost carriers. These airlines often charge a fee for booking online, so buying tickets at the counter can help you avoid these additional fees. However, it's important to be aware of the potential challenges, such as long wait times and possible discouragement from counter staff.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, some airlines offer discounted tickets when purchased at the airport. However, this is not always the case, and it is recommended to compare prices online before purchasing.
Buying tickets at the airport can save you from paying certain fees that are sometimes charged when booking online. For example, some airlines charge a "carrier interface fee" for booking online but not when purchasing at the airport.
Some airlines allow partial payment upfront, but they may increase the cost of the ticket after this partial payment. Always read the terms and conditions before purchasing.
