Finding cheap flights isn’t rocket science. It just takes some flexibility and a little research. When you need to get away but don’t want to spend a bundle, consider these tips and watch the savings stack up. Put these money-saving travel hacks to good use and give our flight search a try. They don’t call us Cheapflights for nothing.
Sounds obvious, right? But different airline ticket providers – from the big online agencies to local travel providers – simply don’t have access to all of the same airlines, flights, availability and pricing. So no single airline, consolidator or agency will always have the lowest airfare, nor will they always have the best selection of airline tickets. You have to weigh your options. And that’s where Cheapflights.co.za can help. Cheapflights lets you compare flights from a variety of providers so you can find the best deal out there right now.
Be flexible
It’s all about supply and demand. Some departure times are more popular – and more expensive – than others. While cheap plane tickets are available at peak times, you generally have to book far in advance. If you’re looking to score a cheap flight and have some flexibility, you’re in luck. Here are four ways being flexible can pay off in a big way…
- Consider alternative airports
When comparing options, consider other airports in your area. While one airport may be your go-to because of convenience, you’ll never know how much you could save if you flew out of (or into) another airport nearby. For example, when flying from Port Elizabeth, consider all airports like George and East London and when heading to a destination like New York, consider all your options – JFK, LaGuardia and even Newark.
- Choose your dates wisely
Everyone wants to depart at 7 p.m. on a Friday night, which means that those flights tend to become quite pricey rather quickly. The same goes for Saturday mornings or any other time when it’s the most convenient for the majority of travellers. If you can make it work for your schedule, try flying on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, rather than on the weekend. Overnight flights are another great way to save. Not only are they often cheaper, but you won’t need to pay for accommodation the night you’re in the air. Select a window seat, bring a neck pillow and (try to) get your Zzzs.
- Fly on public holidays
Travelling over a public holiday? If you can, consider swapping your pre-public holiday flight for a flight on the actual day. Not only will you likely save money, but you’ll skip a percentage of the crowds who have the same travel plans as you.
- Pick a deal, not a destination
Looking to get away? Don’t settle on one destination until you see what’s out there. Looking for a beach holiday? Don’t limit yourself to Ibiza. If you know the type of trip you want to take (be it a beach holiday, a long weekend in a city, a ski trip or an outdoorsy adventure), there may be destinations with all that you’re looking for on offer, for much less than the destination you originally had in mind. Do some research, compare your options and you’ll likely walk away with a trip booked that ticks all your boxes AND leaves money in your pocket.
Pick the perks that matter to you
Finding the absolute lowest airfare can be rewarding, but there are other factors to consider, like value – the overall mix of price, quality and convenience. Before you shop, it makes sense to decide what’s most important to you. You might be getting a really cheap plane ticket, but do you want to stop and change planes several times? Some airlines are more comfortable and provide more in-flight amenities than others, while budget carriers strip away the perks so they can charge less per seat.
Budget airlines (and the comparable basic economy fares offered by many of the bigger airlines) typically offer bare-bone fares with a low price tag but no perks. While that may not be for everyone, if you can travel light, this could mean an extremely cheap flight. That said, read the fine print prior to booking to see what’s included in the ticket price.
You’ve got mail
Newsletters and email alerts are a great way to stay up to date on fare sales and travel deals. Sign up for the Cheapflights newsletter to have the latest fare sales, hotel discounts and holiday package deals sent straight to your inbox. Flash sales and last-minute flight deals can provide unmatched savings, and signing up for travel email alerts is one way to make sure you don’t miss them when they pop up.
Quick and dirty tips
- Be flexible – alternative airports and flexible departure dates and times can save you money.
- Book early – generally, the earlier you book, the more you can save on plane tickets, especially for short-haul flights within Europe.
- Discount airlines – if you don’t mind fewer perks, these cheap flights offer tons of savings.
- Do your research – compare prices to make sure you’re getting the best deal available.
It’s not hard to find cheap flights when you’re well informed and well connected. Ready to give us a try? Start your search at Cheapflights.co.za.
