While this is a site about freebies, it’s also about finding good deals and discounts too! Here’s the thing, 2012 is all about ME. I know that may sound selfish but for the first time in a long time, I am putting my wants in front of everyone else. I’m making changes and marking things off my bucket list. And, one of those things is traveling more this year!
I don’t have huge worldly plans to date but I do plan to visit my best friend in New Jersey at least twice and to attend a couple work related conferences. The big trips will follow later when life calms down a little. I’m okay with that, some traveling is better than none.
I’ve been looking for cheap flights on all the popular travel related discount sites. So far, Orbitz has been the winner in terms of finding the most affordable flights. I won’t need a rental car or for these particular visits – so that’s a double score!
There is no magic formula for finding the cheapest tickets, it really boils down to taking the time to do your research and compare prices. But don’t waste too much time, compare prices, pick and move on to the other details. Below are some helpful tips.
Finding Cheap Tickets
First, you need to find out the best time to buy. In most cases purchasing your ticket at least three weeks in advance can save you money. After the three week mark ticket prices begin to rise in cost. It may not always be possible to plan in advance but if you can, try to do so. On the flipside, buying last minute can also prove to be beneficial. If the airlines failed to fill enough seats they often lower their prices last minute.
The days you plan to fly also determine your ticket price. The cheaper flights are usually available on weekdays, but not always. For instance Saturday is historically cheaper to fly while Sunday is one of the most expensive days to fly. In terms of holidays, if you are flying home for Thanksgiving it might save you a lot of money to arrive that morning compared to arriving the day before. Just ask mom to make the turkey a little later.
Sign up for email alerts on your favorite travel sites that you frequent the most so that you will be the first know about discounted rates on flights, hotels, rental cars and more. Signing up for a frequent flier program is also a good idea depending on how much you fly.
Don’t hold us to this one, because it varies per airline but if fares go down after you’ve already purchased your ticket, ask for a refund. This can be a hit or miss but it’s worth the effort. You may get lucky but you won’t know unless you try.
Use the search engines to your advantage in planning your trip. Personally I find Google to be rather helpful although you might find another search engine preferrable.
Understanding Airline Refund & Change Policies
Prior to purchasing your ticket make sure you know and understand the airline’s refund policy. Recently I purchased an airline ticket that I had to cancel less than 24 hours later due to an illness. It appeared I would get a refund but in trying to obtain one I was informed that I wasn’t eligible. The worst part was that it was around Christmas so the ticket was rather costly. I wrote a letter to the customer service department and thankfully it was reversed but at first they had no intention of giving me a refund. I had read many other stories about people not getting back their money so thankful was an understatement.
Chrissie Cole is a freelance writer for various blogs, including Speedy Incorporation, which helps new small business owners incorporate online as well as offering advice and information about running their business successfully via their small business blog.
