Although most people will see travel as a luxurious privilege, one doesn’t necessarily need to have loads of cash lying around to be able to explore a bit. If you’re thinking of planning a trip in the near future, or are needing to travel for work or relocation, here are some tips to help you save money while flying.
Subscribe to Travel Newsletters
Although newsletters are often a bit of a nuisance, they can actually be pretty useful when used intentionally. Sign up to the newsletters of several flight platforms, and you will probably receive some deals in your inbox from time to time. You may also be able to update your subscription preferences, so that you only get emails pertaining to new deals, discounts, and specials.
Fly During Quieter Periods
While you may not have much control over when you’re flying, if you do, you can certainly save some money by not traveling in peak holiday season. Flights, hotels, and AirBnbs will all be more affordable during the quieter months. If you are traveling during December peak season, you could save money by flying on a day like New Year’s Eve. Nobody wants to travel on days like this, but that’s exactly why there will be more affordable flights – so catch them if you can! Evening flights tend to cost less too.
Sign Up for Frequent Flyer Programmes
If an airline has one, make sure to sign up for their frequent flyer programme. To benefit from this, you’ll have to book all of your flights on that airline – or on airlines that are grouped with others that allow you to redeem your rewards from all of them. For example, Star Alliance includes Lufthansa, SAA, Turkish Airways, and Ethiopian Airways.
Book In Advance. As Far As Possible
If your trip is last minute, then this one isn’t going to be very helpful for you. However, airlines tend to sell their most affordable tickets first. So, if you are able to plan a trip in advance, book your tickets as soon as you find a price that you are happy with. Sales or specials may be introduced later, but unfortunately, you’ll never know when they’re coming – so rather be safe and book!
Book Flights With Stops
Flights with stops in between are generally a lot more affordable than direct flights. Although direct flights are convenient, you could also view the stop as an opportunity to experience something new – even if you just get a moment to gaze out the airport windows into a town you haven’t visited before.
Find Out About Booking Changes Cost
If you need to change the time or day of your flight, find out what the costs of doing it online would be. Generally, it is cheaper to make changes online than it is over the phone.
Use Loyalty Discounts
Find out about the benefits of any loyalty programmes you’re signed up to. For example, you can get up to 30% off on Emirates international flights when using a Smart Shopper card, to retrieve the discount with Pick ‘n Pay’s travel partner. Insurance programmes may also have benefits.