Travel Hacks: How to Fly Like a Pro and Save Big in 2024 (September)

Traveling can be both exhilarating and expensive, especially when it comes to flying. However, with the right strategies, you can fly like a pro and save big on your trips. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a newbie to the skies, knowing the right travel hacks can make a significant difference in your travel budget and overall experience. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore proven travel hacks to help you book flights strategically, take advantage of hidden opportunities, and ensure that every trip is as smooth as possible.

1. Book During the Right Time of the Month

One of the key strategies to saving on flights is understanding when to book. Airlines often adjust their prices based on demand, competition, and even the time of the month. By booking strategically, you can find better deals and avoid overpaying for your tickets.

Understanding Airline Pricing Cycles

Airlines typically release discounted fares at the beginning of the week, often on Mondays or Tuesdays. This is because they want to fill up seats that haven’t been sold over the weekend. Booking your flights on these days can increase your chances of getting a lower price. Additionally, it’s advisable to avoid booking on weekends, especially on Fridays and Sundays, as prices tend to be higher due to increased demand from leisure travelers.

Optimal Booking Windows

The best time to book domestic flights is usually between one to three months before your departure date. For international flights, the optimal booking window extends to about six months in advance. Booking too early can sometimes mean paying higher prices before sales are released, while booking too late can result in inflated last-minute prices.

Use Fare Comparison Tools

Utilize fare comparison websites and tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Kayak to monitor flight prices. These platforms allow you to track fare trends over time and set alerts for price drops. This way, you can book your flights when prices are at their lowest, helping you save significantly.

2. Be Flexible with Your Dates

Flexibility is one of the most powerful tools in a traveler’s arsenal. Being open to traveling on different dates can lead to substantial savings, as flight prices vary greatly depending on the day of the week, time of year, and even the time of day.

Travel During Off-Peak Seasons

Traveling during off-peak seasons, such as late winter (excluding holidays) or early fall, can save you money on both flights and accommodations. During these times, demand is lower, and airlines are more likely to offer discounts. Avoiding peak travel times like summer vacations, Christmas, and New Year’s will help you find more affordable fares.

Midweek Travel

Flying midweek, particularly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, is often cheaper than flying on weekends. This is because fewer people travel during the middle of the week, leading airlines to reduce prices to fill seats. Additionally, early morning or late-night flights, known as “red-eye” flights, are usually less expensive due to lower demand.

Leverage Flexible Date Searches

When searching for flights, use flexible date search options available on many travel booking platforms. These tools allow you to see fare differences over a range of dates, helping you choose the most cost-effective travel dates.

3. Take Advantage of Free Stopovers

Free stopovers are an often-overlooked travel hack that can turn a long layover into an exciting mini-vacation. Some airlines offer free stopovers in their hub cities, allowing you to explore a new destination without the extra cost of a separate ticket.

How Free Stopovers Work

A stopover is a layover that lasts more than 24 hours (for international flights) or more than four hours (for domestic flights). Many airlines, particularly international carriers, offer free or discounted stopovers in their home cities to encourage tourism. For example, Icelandair offers free stopovers in Reykjavik for up to seven days, while Emirates allows stopovers in Dubai.

Maximizing Stopover Opportunities

To take advantage of free stopovers, search for multi-city flights instead of direct flights when booking. Look for routes operated by airlines that are known to offer stopovers. Additionally, some airlines provide special packages or discounts on hotels and tours for stopover passengers, making it easier to explore the city without spending a lot.

Plan Your Stopover Itinerary

If you have a stopover, plan a mini-itinerary to make the most of your time. Research the city’s main attractions, cultural sites, and dining options in advance. This way, you can experience the highlights of the city without feeling rushed.

4. Know Your Frequent Flyer Alliances

Frequent flyer programs are a great way to save money on flights, but to truly benefit from them, you need to understand how alliances work. Airline alliances are networks of airlines that work together to offer reciprocal benefits to passengers, such as earning and redeeming miles across multiple carriers.

The Big Three Alliances

The three major airline alliances are Star Alliance, SkyTeam, and Oneworld. Each of these alliances includes several major airlines from around the world, offering extensive coverage across various regions. By focusing your travel on airlines within a single alliance, you can accumulate miles faster and have more options for redeeming them.

Maximizing Frequent Flyer Miles

Join the frequent flyer programs of the airlines you travel with most often, especially those within the same alliance. By consolidating your miles within one alliance, you can reach elite status more quickly, which comes with perks like free upgrades, priority boarding, and access to airport lounges. Additionally, consider signing up for co-branded airline credit cards, which often offer sign-up bonuses and additional miles for purchases made with the card.

Redeeming Miles Strategically

To get the most value out of your frequent flyer miles, redeem them for long-haul flights or premium cabin upgrades. These options typically offer the best value per mile compared to redeeming miles for short-haul flights or merchandise. Keep an eye out for special promotions or limited-time offers from your frequent flyer program, which can provide additional savings or bonus miles.

5. Be Flexible with Your Destination

Sometimes the key to saving money on flights is being open to different destinations. Instead of setting your heart on a specific location, consider exploring alternative destinations that are less expensive to fly to.

Use Fare Deal Websites

Websites like Scott’s Cheap Flights, Secret Flying, and The Flight Deal are excellent resources for finding discounted airfare to various destinations. These sites often list error fares, flash sales, and other limited-time offers that can save you hundreds of dollars on flights. By staying flexible with your destination, you can take advantage of these deals when they arise.

Consider Alternative Airports

Large cities often have multiple airports, and flying into a secondary airport can be significantly cheaper than the main one. For example, if you’re traveling to New York City, consider flying into Newark instead of JFK or LaGuardia. Similarly, in Europe, budget airlines often fly into smaller airports located slightly outside major cities. The savings can be substantial, especially when combined with affordable ground transportation options.

Explore Emerging Destinations

Emerging travel destinations often offer more affordable flights and lower overall travel costs. These locations are less popular among tourists, which means airlines may offer discounts to encourage more travelers. By choosing a destination that is just starting to gain popularity, you can enjoy unique experiences without the crowds or high prices associated with more established tourist spots.

6. Be Organized (But Not Too Organized)

When it comes to travel, organization is key to ensuring a smooth experience, but being overly rigid with your plans can sometimes backfire. Striking the right balance between planning and flexibility will help you make the most of your trip while keeping costs down.

Create a Flexible Itinerary

Plan the major aspects of your trip, such as flights, accommodations, and key activities, but leave some room for spontaneity. This flexibility allows you to take advantage of unexpected opportunities, such as last-minute deals or recommendations from locals. Avoid packing your schedule too tightly, as this can lead to stress and additional costs if plans change.

Keep Travel Documents and Information Handy

Before you travel, make sure all your important documents and travel information are organized and easily accessible. This includes your passport, visas, flight tickets, accommodation details, travel insurance, and any necessary contact information. Consider using a travel app or folder to keep everything in one place. Being organized with your paperwork will save you time and prevent potential headaches during your trip.

Backup Your Travel Plans

While it’s important to stay organized, it’s equally important to have a backup plan. Flights can be delayed, accommodations can fall through, and other unexpected events can occur. Prepare for these possibilities by researching alternative flights, booking flexible accommodations, and having a contingency plan for critical activities. This way, you can adapt to changes without derailing your entire trip.

7. Use Hidden City Ticketing (with Caution)

Hidden city ticketing is a travel hack that can sometimes save you money on flights, but it comes with risks and should be used cautiously. This strategy involves booking a flight with a layover in your actual destination, rather than booking a direct flight to that destination.

How Hidden City Ticketing Works

For example, if you want to fly from Los Angeles to New York, you might find that a flight from Los Angeles to Boston with a layover in New York is cheaper than a direct flight to New York. In this case, you would book the flight to Boston but get off the plane in New York and skip the final leg of the trip.

Risks and Considerations

While hidden city ticketing can save you money, it comes with risks. Airlines typically frown upon this practice and may penalize passengers who use it frequently. Additionally, you cannot check luggage when using hidden city ticketing, as it will be sent to the final destination. There’s also the possibility that the airline might reroute your flight or change the layover destination, which could leave you stranded or require you to purchase a new ticket. Because of these risks, hidden city ticketing should be used sparingly and with full awareness of the potential consequences.

8. Take Advantage of Flight Error Fares

Error fares are one of the best-kept secrets in the travel world, offering savvy travelers the chance to snag incredibly cheap flights due to mistakes in the pricing process. These errors can occur for various reasons, such as currency conversion mistakes, technical glitches, or human error.

How to Find Error Fares

To take advantage of error fares, sign up for alerts from websites and communities that specialize in spotting them, such as Secret Flying, The Flight Deal, or Fly4Free. These platforms constantly monitor airfare prices and notify subscribers when an error fare is available. Because these deals are often corrected quickly, acting fast is crucial—book as soon as you see the fare, but be cautious and wait a few days before making any non-refundable plans, as airlines sometimes cancel these tickets.

Be Flexible and Ready to Act

Error fares are unpredictable and may not align with your preferred travel dates or destinations. Therefore, flexibility is key. If you can drop everything and book a flight on short notice, you’ll be more likely to take advantage of these incredible deals. Keep your travel documents up-to-date and ready so that when an error fare pops up, you can book without delay.

9. Superhack: Put It All Together

The ultimate travel hack involves combining multiple strategies to maximize your savings and travel efficiency. By integrating the tips discussed here, you can create a comprehensive travel strategy that allows you to fly like a pro and save big.

Step 1: Start with Flexibility

Begin by being flexible with your travel dates and destinations. Use fare comparison tools and set alerts to monitor prices. Look for opportunities to take advantage of error fares, hidden city ticketing (with caution), and stopover deals. Keep an eye on emerging destinations that might offer better value for money.

Step 2: Leverage Frequent Flyer Programs

Join frequent flyer programs and focus on accumulating miles within a single airline alliance. Use these miles strategically to book long-haul flights or upgrades, and consider getting a co-branded credit card to boost your mileage balance. Remember to book during the optimal time of the month to maximize your savings.

Step 3: Organize Your Trip Efficiently

Plan your trip with a flexible itinerary that allows for spontaneity. Use a travel app to keep all your documents and plans organized, and have backup options in place for accommodations and activities. Make sure you understand the terms of your tickets, especially if you’re using unconventional methods like hidden city ticketing.

Step 4: Combine Stopovers and Open-Jaw Tickets

Take advantage of free stopovers to explore additional destinations at no extra cost. When booking, consider using open-jaw tickets (flying into one city and out of another) to create a multi-destination trip without the need for separate flights. This strategy can enhance your travel experience while keeping costs down.

Step 5: Stay Updated and Adapt

Finally, stay informed about airline policies, fare trends, and new travel hacks by following relevant blogs, forums, and newsletters. The travel industry is constantly evolving, and new opportunities arise frequently. By staying updated, you can adapt your strategies and continue to save on flights.

10. Use Budget Airlines (and Understand Their Fees)

Budget airlines can offer significant savings on flights, especially for short-haul routes. However, the low ticket prices often come with additional fees for services that are typically included in the price of a full-service airline ticket.

Choosing the Right Budget Airline

Not all budget airlines are created equal, so it’s important to do your research before booking. Some airlines are known for offering consistently good service despite their low prices, while others may cut corners that could impact your travel experience. Look for reviews from other travelers, and consider what’s most important to you—whether it’s legroom, on-time performance, or customer service.

Understand and Manage Fees

Budget airlines often charge extra for checked baggage, seat selection, in-flight meals, and even carry-on luggage. To avoid unexpected costs, read the fine print before booking and consider whether the added fees still make the flight a good deal. You can save by packing light, bringing your own snacks, and accepting a random seat assignment. Some budget airlines also charge for printing boarding passes at the airport, so make sure to check in online and print your pass in advance.

Be Aware of Secondary Airports

Many budget airlines fly into secondary airports located further from city centers. While these airports might offer cheaper flights, they can also mean longer and more expensive transfers to your final destination. Factor in the cost and time of getting from the airport to your accommodation when comparing flight options.

11. Use a VPN to Find Cheaper Flights

Flight prices can vary depending on your location, and savvy travelers can sometimes find cheaper fares by changing their virtual location using a VPN (Virtual Private Network).

How VPNs Work

A VPN allows you to mask your IP address and appear as if you’re browsing from a different country. By changing your location to a country where flights might be cheaper, you can access lower fares that aren’t available to users in your actual location. This strategy works best for international flights, where regional price differences can be significant.

Steps to Using a VPN for Flight Booking

1. Choose a reputable VPN service and install it on your computer or mobile device.
2. Before searching for flights, clear your browser cookies or use incognito mode to prevent tracking.
3. Connect to a VPN server in a different country and then search for your flight. Try multiple locations to compare prices.
4. Once you find a lower fare, book your ticket. Be sure to check that the payment process goes smoothly, as some airlines might flag foreign transactions.

12. Sign Up for Fare Alerts and Newsletters

Staying informed is key to snagging the best flight deals, and one of the best ways to do this is by signing up for fare alerts and airline newsletters.

Set Up Fare Alerts

Most flight comparison websites, such as Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak, offer fare alert services that notify you when prices drop on routes you’re interested in. Set up alerts for your preferred destinations and travel dates to be notified as soon as a deal becomes available. This allows you to act quickly and secure lower fares before they increase again.

Subscribe to Newsletters

Airline newsletters and third-party travel deal sites like Scott’s Cheap Flights or Travelzoo often send out exclusive deals, flash sales, and promo codes to their subscribers. These newsletters can provide early access to limited-time offers that might not be widely advertised. While it can be overwhelming to subscribe to too many, choose a few key sources that align with your travel goals and keep an eye out for their deals.

Monitor Social Media for Flash Sales

Airlines and travel deal websites sometimes announce flash sales on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook. Follow your favorite airlines and deal sites to stay in the loop. Flash sales are often short-lived, so you’ll need to act fast to take advantage of them.

13. Plan for Airport Transfers and Hidden Costs

Saving on flights is great, but those savings can quickly evaporate if you don’t plan for additional travel expenses, such as airport transfers, baggage fees, and in-flight purchases.

Research Transfer Options

Before you travel, research your options for getting from the airport to your final destination. In many cases, public transportation is the most affordable option, but in some cities, airport shuttles or rideshare services may offer better convenience at a reasonable price. Compare costs and factor them into your overall travel budget.

Pack Smart to Avoid Baggage Fees

If you’re flying with a budget airline, consider packing only a carry-on to avoid checked baggage fees. Many airlines have strict size and weight limits for carry-on bags, so check the airline’s policy before you pack. Use packing cubes to maximize space and consider wearing your bulkiest items on the plane to free up room in your luggage.