Looking to save money on holiday airfare? No one wants to pay full price for plane tickets, especially during the holiday season. Fortunately, travelers across the U.S. have been able to take advantage of lower airfare in 2024 compared to the previous year, which was marked by inflated ticket prices. While prices have generally fallen, some destinations are actually getting more expensive, especially at certain times of the year.
If you’re planning to fly soon for the holiday season, now is the time to book your flight to save money. The period immediately following the peak summer season, known as the “shoulder season,” is usually a prime time to score some cheap flights. Here are some tips on how to save money on airfare and get those plane tickets for less than the sticker price.
1. Aim to fly mid-week: Booking flights to take off and land on weekdays, specifically Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, can save you money. According to Google Flights data, Tuesday is the most economical day to fly based on past flight records. Flying during the early to middle part of the week can result in savings of 13% to 20% on ticket prices compared to weekend flights.
2. Consider a budget airline: If cost is a priority for you, consider booking through a budget airline. While budget airlines may be smaller and offer fewer amenities compared to larger airlines like American, United, and Delta, they can save you hundreds of dollars. Some budget airlines in the U.S. include Allegiant Air, Frontier Airlines, and Spirit Airlines.
3. Take advantage of one-way flights and layovers: Booking one-way flights and flights with layovers can give you more options to choose from price-wise. You may find cheaper fares by booking through different airlines for different legs of your trip. Flights with layovers can also save you money, with travelers saving 25% by booking a flight with a layover instead of a nonstop flight.
4. Utilize a travel credit card: Travel credit cards can help you save even more money by rewarding you with points or miles for both travel-related and everyday expenses. You can exchange these points or miles for perks like airline tickets and hotel stays. Some airlines, like United and Delta, offer credit cards that pay in miles and provide perks like priority boarding and free checked bags.
5. Try travel apps and features for finding flight deals: Apps like Going and Google Flights can help you discover cheap domestic and international flights by aggregating deals and mistake fares. Google Flights recently introduced a new “Cheapest” tab on its platform to help travelers save money and find ultra-cheap flights with ease.
By following these tips and utilizing the resources available to you, you can save money on holiday airfare and make your travel plans more affordable. Don’t miss out on these opportunities to score affordable flights and make the most of your holiday travel experience.
