Tips and tricks to find low-cost flights for your next luxury trip
Not everyone who travels in luxury flies business or first class. Indeed, saving money on flights can be a game-changer when it comes to planning a luxury trip. By strategically seeking out the best deals, travellers can free up a substantial portion of a trip’s budget, allowing you to splurge more on extraordinary experiences and luxurious accommodation. Whether it’s staying at a lavish resort, dining at world-renowned restaurants, or indulging in exclusive activities, the extra funds accumulated from cutting down flight costs can transform an ordinary journey into an extraordinary one.
Want to learn more about finding affordable flights to your dream destinations? Let’s dive into some tried and tested ways to get more affordable flights.
1. Be flexible with your travel dates and times
One of the most effective ways to find low-priced flights is to be flexible with travel dates and times. Airline ticket prices vary depending on the time of year, the day of the week, and even the time of day. If you have the flexibility to travel during off-peak times, such as weekdays or late nights, you are more likely to find better deals. Additionally, consider travelling during shoulder seasons, which are the periods between peak and off-peak seasons when prices are generally lower.
2. Set up price alerts
It can be time-consuming to check flight prices for your desired destination constantly. Luckily, several online tools and websites allow you to set up price alerts. These alerts notify you when the prices for your chosen flights drop, helping you snag the best deals. Some popular platforms for setting up price alerts include Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak.
3. Use flight comparison websites
Flight comparison websites are excellent tools for finding the best deals on flights. These websites aggregate flight information from various airlines and travel agencies, allowing you to compare prices and choose the most affordable option. Some popular flight comparison websites include Skyscanner, Kayak, and Momondo. Remember to clear your browser cookies or use incognito mode while searching for flights, as some websites may increase prices based on your search history.
4. Consider alternative routes and layovers
Sometimes, taking a slightly longer route or including a layover can lead to significant savings. While direct flights may be more convenient, they are often more expensive. By exploring alternative routes and considering layovers, you may find cheaper options. Just check the travel time and consider if the savings are worth the extra time and potential inconvenience.
5. Be open to alternative airports
When searching for flights, consider alternative airports near your destination. Sometimes, flying into smaller airports or airports a bit further away can lead to significant savings. Look for nearby airports and compare prices to see if the cost of transportation from the airport to your final destination is still reasonable.
6. Take advantage of sales and discounts
Many airlines run occasional sales and discounts, so look to take advantage of these offers. It is worth subscribing to the newsletters of your favourite airlines so that you are informed when there are special offers or flight sales, and to use cashback sites when purchasing tickets. Look out also for price glitches which are more common than you might imagine!
7. Opt for budget airlines
Visiting luxury destinations can be pocket friendly if you choose good-budget airlines! Budget airlines have revolutionised the travel industry by offering significantly lower fares compared to traditional carriers. While budget airlines may not offer the same level of luxury as premium airlines, they can still be a great option. Just be sure to check for additional fees and restrictions before booking, as some budget airlines charge extra for services like checked baggage or seat selection.
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8. Consider booking one-way flights
In some cases, booking two one-way flights with different airlines can be cheaper than booking a round-trip ticket with a single airline. Finding the best combination may require some extra effort, but it can save you money in the long run. Make sure to check the prices for both one-way and round-trip tickets before making a final decision.
9. Use frequent flyer miles and rewards programs
If you travel frequently or plan to do so in the future, consider joining frequent flyer and rewards programs offered by airlines. Accumulating miles or points through these programs can lead to future discounted or even free flights. Some credit cards also offer travel rewards programs, allowing you to earn points on your everyday purchases that can be redeemed for flights. Plus, if you have enough points saved up, you may even have the option of booking a luxurious 1st class ticket at a discounted/affordable rate!
10. Be prepared to book flights quickly
Prices fluctuate rapidly, so it’s essential to be prepared to book quickly when you find a great deal. Have your payment information ready and be ready to decide when you come across a low-priced flight. Delaying your booking can result in the prices increasing or the seats being sold out.
Luxury travel is more in reach than many realise. With recent advancements in booking technology and many affordable flight options, booking your next trip to your dream destination is not a far-fetched idea. These tips and tricks allow you to find low-priced flights and embark on your dream adventures without breaking the bank. Remember to be flexible, take advantage of discounts, use online tools, and be persistent in your search, and this will free up more funds so you can treat yourself once at your destination.
Saurabh Goel is Founder & CEO at Amber. Amber is a platform that provides thousands of affordable accommodation options in cities across the US, UK, Canada and Australia.
If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.
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Not only are layovers usually cheaper I feel that they are better for my health too.
If I am looking at a flight of over 10 hours I start researching layovers. Sitting cramped and still for more than 7 or 8 hours can’t be good for us.
Changing planes after 6 or 7 hours is good for the circulation and it’s even more of a bonus if you can get a breath of fresh air too.
My top tip is … Tuesday!
I’ve had some great prices booking flights on Tuesdays.
I get that people are flying to business on Monday and often coming back Thursday and Friday. There’s probably also a lot of long weekend traffic on Thursday / Friday / Monday.
But why isn’t Wednesday usually as low priced as Tuesday?
Anybody got any answers?
There are budget airlines and budget airlines!
I’ve got to fly to Nice in August. One “budget” airline is currently quoting £408 for a single London to Nice. The day before another London airport is charging a mere £37.
It really is worth doing your background work and taking notice of all these tips and tricks!
There is some really useful advice here. I’ll also be taking a good look at Amber.
Alternative airports can have more advantages than just cheaper airfares. Once you get away from the big name airports things like the car parking and bus transfers can be cheaper too. There might be a trade off between longer distances from the city centre and less crowded public transport. Yet more to think about.
This year shopping around for flights has become more necessary than ever.
Firstly, flight prices have really shot up.
Secondly, like most people, my wages haven’t kept up with inflation so I’m having to shop around to make sure that I can still do some trips.
Didn’t know the search incognito trick. I’ll have to remember that one.
Unfortunately being flexible isn’t an option for us as my wife is a teacher. When she’s on holiday it’s always peak time for flight prices.
One February, we went skiing for half term. The flights were so expensive that we vowed never to ski again until my wife retires.
You’ve missed one tip out!
Fly on Friday 13th – it is much cheaper.
I’ve been looking at flying from Sri Lanka to London, Uk on Friday 13th October and on average the fares were about £40 cheaper.
I know that this isn’t one for everybody but if you’re not superstitious and your dates are flexible it’s a nice little saver.