PS Reporter: Learn How to Avoid Major Pitfalls When Booking Cheap Flights

 

You may not know it, but you could be losing hundreds, if not thousands of dollars every time you book flights. Why? Because of deeply ingrained misconceptions and myths circulating in the travel industry. If you want to save hundreds of dollars every time you book a flight, keep reading. Don’t make the unforgivable mistake of leaving before reading the last myth, as it could save you thousands of dollars each year.

Myth #1: Clear Your Cookies or Search Incognito to Find the Best Prices

Fact: Airlines are not tracking everyone's searches or manipulating rates based on what flights you're looking at. The idea might seem plausible because of how dynamic pricing works in most industries, but airlines are not engaging in this practice. Therefore, clearing your cookies or searching in incognito mode will not necessarily yield the best prices for cheap flights.

Myth #2: There is a Perfect Time to Book Airline Tickets

Fact: There is no one-size-fits-all perfect time to book cheap flights. Airline ticket prices are highly volatile and depend on a range of factors including destination, seasonality, and your specific booking needs. While some believe there is a magical window for the best deals, the reality is that prices fluctuate unpredictably.

Myth #3: Websites Can Predict Accurate Prices

Fact: Websites that predict flight prices are making educated guesses based on historical data. However, these predictions are not always reliable. Events like major sports games or sudden increases in demand can cause prices to change unexpectedly, making historical data an imperfect predictor.

Myth #4: Book as Early as Possible

Fact: Booking extremely early is not always the best strategy. According to CheapAir’s data, flight prices can be higher if booked more than 5.5 months in advance. Conversely, prices tend to increase significantly about 3 weeks before departure. The optimal time to book for the cheapest flights is generally between 1.5 to 5.5 months before your departure.

Myth #5: There is Only One Best Booking Website

Fact: Flight prices often vary between different websites. Third-party OTAs like Expedia buy flight tickets in bulk, and the price depends on the booking class they have purchased. As cheaper seats sell out, prices naturally rise. Therefore, even if you prefer Google Flights or Skyscanner, it’s wise to compare prices across multiple websites before booking.

Myth #6: Hidden-City Ticketing is a Clever Trick to Save Money

Fact: Hidden-city ticketing, where travelers book a multiple-city flight and disembark at a layover, can seem like a smart way to save money. However, most major airlines have policies against this practice. If caught, airlines can cancel your remaining flights and even ban you from their frequent flyer programs. It’s risky and could end up costing you more in the long run.

Myth #7: Saturday Night Stopovers are Needed for Lower Airfares

Fact: The Saturday night stopover rule has become less relevant with the advent of low-cost airlines like Spirit and Southwest. Business travelers no longer have the same influence on fare structures as they once did. Thus, booking without the need for a Saturday night stay can still yield competitive prices.

Myth #8: Booking One-Way Tickets is Not as Economical as Round-Trip

Fact: It used to be true that round-trip tickets were always cheaper than one-way flights. However, with increased competition and changing airline pricing strategies, one-way flights can sometimes be more economical. Always compare one-way and round-trip options to ensure you're getting the best deal for cheap flights.

Tips for Booking Cheap Flights

Be Flexible with Dates and Destinations

Flexibility is key when searching for cheap flights. If you can adjust your travel dates by a few days or consider alternative destinations, you might find significantly lower fares. Use tools like fare calendars and flexible date searches to explore the best options.

Set Fare Alerts

Sign up for fare alerts from various travel websites. These alerts notify you when prices drop for specific routes, helping you catch deals as soon as they become available.

Use Frequent Flyer Miles and Rewards Programs

Leverage frequent flyer miles and credit card rewards programs to offset the cost of flights. Many airlines offer substantial discounts and perks to loyal customers.

Book Connecting Flights Instead of Non-Stop

While non-stop flights are more convenient, they can be more expensive. Consider booking flights with layovers, as they are often cheaper.

Avoid Peak Travel Times

Traveling during peak seasons and holidays usually means higher prices. If possible, plan your trips during off-peak times to take advantage of lower fares.

Consider Alternative Airports

Flying into or out of smaller, less popular airports can sometimes save you money. Check nearby airports when searching for flights to see if there are cheaper options.

By debunking these myths and following our tips, you can make more informed decisions and find the best deals on cheap flights. Happy travels from PS Reporter!