How to Find Affordable Family Vacation Flights
Family vacations are a joy, but the cost of booking your holiday, especially flights, can be a burden. Want to know how to secure a budget-friendly ticket for your next family trip? Here are our top tips for finding cheap flight tickets!
1. Timing Your Booking
Timing is crucial when booking flights. Many believe that the earlier you book, the cheaper the ticket. However, our research shows that tickets are usually at their cheapest 6 to 8 weeks before departure. If you’re traveling during the holiday season, it’s advisable to book well in advance. Otherwise, aim to book your flights 6-8 weeks ahead.
2. Comparing Prices
Don’t settle for the first price you see. Check multiple websites as prices can fluctuate by tens of dollars. Websites like Kayak and Skyscanner provide an overview of all ticket prices. Skyscanner also has a user-friendly app.
3. Being Flexible
Flexibility can save you money. If possible, be flexible with your travel dates and departure and arrival cities. Sometimes, it’s cheaper to depart from a different airport or to use different airports for departure and arrival. If you’re not traveling to and from the same airport, ensure you have a plan for the final leg of your journey: getting from the airport to your home.
4. The Best Day to Book a Cheap Ticket
Did you know that Tuesdays are the best day to book your ticket? Most airlines start new promotions at the beginning of the week, typically on Mondays. This means airline prices are lowest on Tuesdays as competitors match each other’s prices. The best time to buy a cheap ticket? Tuesdays at 03:00 PM.
5. Clear Your Cookies
Remember to clear your cookies! If you don’t, there’s a high chance that a first-time visitor to the airline’s website, such as your neighbor, could book cheaper tickets than you. This is because the website recognizes you as a repeat visitor through your cookies. To encourage you to finally purchase your ticket, the prices increase. By deleting your cookies, you’re treated as a “first-time visitor,” ensuring you see the best rates available.
6. Use the Hopper App
Consider using the “Hopper, Airfare Predictor” app. This handy tool knows exactly when you should buy your ticket to ensure you get the best deal. Give it a try and see if it works for you.
7. Avoid Last-Minute Booking
The myth that last-minute booking gives you the best prices is not always true. In some cases, when airlines haven’t sold enough seats on a specific flight, you might find a cheap last-minute ticket. However, generally, last-minute booking will only make your ticket more expensive.
8. Set Up a Price Alert
More and more booking and comparison sites offer the option to create a price alert. For instance, if you create one on WeFlyCheap, they will notify you when they have found the best deal for you. This way, you’ll always be the first to know about the cheapest tickets.
The travel experts at WeFlyCheap were kind enough to share these tips with us. Do you have any tips on booking a cheap ticket? We’d love to hear them.
Want more tips on saving money when booking your next family vacation? Check out this article: 5 Tips: Save money when booking your holiday with kids.