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We’ve all been there. Finding the best-priced flight tickets can be daunting, with the fear of missing out on the best deals often floating around in our minds. But don’t worry! In this blog post, I'll share some great tips to help you secure the best ticket prices for your travels. Let’s dive in!

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Peak Season vs Off-Peak Season

Let's start by understanding the difference between peak season and off-peak season.

PEAK SEASON: Think of peak season as the times when travel demand is at its highest, such as summer or winter vacations, and holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. During peak season, ticket prices tend to be super expensive due to the high demand for flights.

If you're traveling during peak season, it's best to book your tickets well in advance. Aim to book domestic flights 3 - 7 months ahead and international flights 4 - 10 months ahead to secure the best deals.

OFF-PEAK SEASON: On the flip side, off-peak season refers to periods when travel demand is lower, resulting in fewer tourists and lower ticket prices. These periods offer the opportunity to explore destinations with fewer crowds and more affordable airfare.

For off-peak season travel, you can often find great deals by booking closer to your departure date. Consider booking domestic flights 1 - 3 months in advance and international flights 2 - 8 months ahead for the best savings.

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Be Flexible — if you can!

Flexibility in travel dates can be the key to unlocking significant savings on your flights. Here's why it's crucial:

EXPLORE DIFFERENT DATES: Before settling on your travel dates, check multiple flight platforms like Google Flights, Kiwi, WayAway, or your favorite booking sites to compare prices.

From my experience, I like to start by looking at Google Flights and looking for dates with green prices, indicating the best deals, and avoiding red or yellow prices — which can be expensive. Then, I like to look at WayAway and Kiwi to compare ticket prices. Sometimes I find that other platforms are cheaper than what Google Flights shows.

BENEFITS OF BEING FLEXIBLE: Being open to flying on different days of the week or during off-peak seasons can lead to substantial savings. During peak travel seasons, flights tend to be more expensive, and destinations are often overcrowded, resulting in long lines in literally everything and fewer photo opportunities.

Personally, I prefer traveling during off-peak seasons to avoid crowds and enjoy a more relaxed experience. For example, when Gabriel and I traveled to Taiwan, we booked our tickets four months in advance and flew out in October. Even though it was still very hot and humid, we loved that there were fewer crowds and shorter wait times, making our trip more convenient and enjoyable.

By staying flexible with your travel dates, you can maximize savings and enhance your overall travel experience.

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Flexible Dates Booking Strategies

When you're open to traveling without a set date in mind, consider these strategies for finding cheap flights:

UTILIZE FLIGHT COMPARISON SITES: Keep an eye on fare trends by using platforms like Google Flights, Kiwi, or WayAway to compare prices across multiple airlines and booking channels. Make sure to not stick with just one platform and keep browsing for the BEST ticket price.

SET UP PRICE ALERTS: Take advantage of price alert features available on many booking platforms to receive notifications when fares drop, allowing you to get the best deals.

ALTERNATIVE AIRPOTS: Expand your search beyond your local airport and consider nearby airports as well. Sometimes flying from or to a different airport can result in lower fares.

FLEXIBLE DATE SEARCH OPTIONS: Take advantage of flexible date search options offered by booking platforms, allowing you to compare prices across a range of travel dates to find the best deals.

TIP: Remember to stay flexible with your travel dates and compare prices across platforms regularly for the best deals!

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Booking for Specific Dates

When you have specific travel dates in mind, consider these tips for finding affordable flights:

UTILIZE FLIGHT COMPARISON SITES: Use fare comparison tools like Google Flights, WayAway, Kiwi, or your favorite booking sites to compare prices across different airlines and booking channels. This allows you to find the best deals available for your chosen dates.

BOOK IN ADVANCED: Depending on your preference, consider booking your flights well in advance to secure lower fares.

BE FLEXIBLE WITH YOUR DEPARTURE & RETURN DATES: Flexibility with your travel dates can lead to significant savings. Explore different departure and return date combinations to find the most affordable options.

EXPLORE ALTERNATE ROUTES OR LAYOVERS: Consider alternative routes or layovers to find cheaper flight options. Sometimes, taking a slightly longer route or adding a layover can result in considerable savings.

RESEARCH BUDGET AIRLINES: Look into budget airlines and discount carriers for additional savings. These airlines often offer lower fares compared to traditional carriers.

Additionally, follow the guidelines for booking tickets based on peak and off-peak seasons to maximize savings.

TIP: Consider booking flights on less popular travel days like Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday for potential savings, as these days tend to have lower demand. Usually, business travelers travel on Sunday, Monday, and Friday = more expensive flights.

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Use Travel Credit Card(s) to Save on Flights

Maximize your travel savings by leveraging flexible travel rewards programs offered by travel credit cards.

Many travel credit cards offer rewards programs that allow you to earn points or miles for every dollar spent. These points can then be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, and other travel expenses.

SIGN UP FOR A TRAVEL CREDIT CARD: If you travel frequently or love to travel more, consider signing up for a travel credit card like the Chase Sapphire or Capitol One Venture. These cards often come with sign-up bonuses and reward structures tailored to travelers' needs.

ACCUMULATE POINTS WITH EVERYDAY SPENDING: By using your travel credit card for day-to-day expenses such as groceries, dining out, and shopping, you can accumulate points or miles quickly. These points can add up over time and be used to exchange for flights or other travel expenses.

REDEEM POINTS FOR FLIGHTS: Once you've accrued a significant number of points, you can redeem them for flights directly through the credit card's rewards program. Or, you can choose to partially pay for flights using points and cover the remaining balance with cash.

Signing up for a travel credit card and strategically using it for your everyday purchases can unlock substantial savings on your travel expenses. Explore the benefits and rewards offered by different cards to find the one that best suits your travel preferences and lifestyle.

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Budget Airlines

Consider flying with a budget airline to save even more on your airfare. Budget airlines like Spirit and Frontier offer lower-priced tickets, but there are a few things to keep in mind:

ADDITIONAL FEES: While budget airlines offer cheaper fares, they often charge extra fees for amenities like checked bags, carry-on luggage, and in-flight snacks. Be sure to factor in these additional costs when comparing prices.

ASSESS YOUR NEEDS: Think about your travel preferences and needs before booking with a budget airline. Determine if the potential savings outweigh the trade-offs in comfort and convenience. For longer flights or if you require additional amenities, a traditional airline may be a better option.

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Final Thoughts

As we wrap up, let's recap some key moments:

• STAY FLEXIBLE: Be open to adjusting your travel dates and exploring off-peak seasons for potential savings.

• UTILIZE RESOURCES: Take advantage of fare comparison tools, sign up for airline newsletters, and consider budget airlines to find the best deals.

• LOYALTY PAYS OFF: Maximize your travel rewards by signing up for travel credit cards and loyalty programs.

• RESEARCH AND COMPARE: Don't settle for the first deal you find. Shop around and compare prices across different platforms to ensure you're getting the best value for your money.

I hope my strategies and tips shared in this post help you to find affordable flights for your next adventure. Remember, the journey begins with finding the right flight at the right price.

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