When you need to book airfare for an upcoming vacation, it can be a strategic battle to get the best price possible. I often treat it like a challenge and once I reserve the best price possible I consider it a solid win. Below are some tips on how to get the best available price when booking airfare airfare.
Plan Out Your Ideal Arrival and Departure Timelines
Before picking out your airfare it’s best to plan out what dates and times are ideal for you. For example, if you have a trip to the Disney Parks and you have dining reservations for dinner, you may want to plan for an early morning flight to allow for enough time to get to your hotel and subsequently your dining reservation. Conversely, if you have a specific need to be at your home by a certain time or date, keep that in your planning notes as well.
Additionally, also consider if you’d prefer flights with stops or direct flights. The cost savings do vary with direct or nonstop but great deals can be found on both types of airfare.
Start Searching Early
When I have an upcoming trip, I like to start searching for airfare well in advance of my trip. I start looking at least 6 months in advance (if that is possible given the timing of my trip). I find that airfare rates fluctuate up and down in the months and weeks prior to a vacation. Most notably the highest prices are nearest to your departure date.
Shop Around For Airfare
When looking for the best flights, I use a couple of different approaches to finding my perfect airfare. There are apps available that can help you search for airfare months in advance. I prefer an app called “Hopper“. In this app users input the dates and location of upcoming trips and the app will watch them and send alerts when good deals are found. Most carriers are included on this app with the exception of one or two.
Additionally, I look directly on major airline websites to compare deals as well as use personal membership plans to compare the offers. For example, I have memberships on carriers such as Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines. I login on to the websites directly to view if any deals are available through my memberships. Using Hopper in addition to this process helps users get alerted early when great flight prices are available.
Add Additional Transport Needs To Your Airfare Itinerary
If on your vacation you will need transport to your hotel or other such destinations, make any reservations you need at the same time when you book your air travel. For example, if you need a rental car for your vacation, many air carriers provide options when booking your airfare. It’s typically best to consider those extras when planning out your airfare.
Other modes, such as Disney’s Magical Express or Mears transportation can be added once airfare is booked.
When In Doubt Contact Your Travel Advisor
Booking airfare shouldn’t be a large hassle as long as its planned out with enough time for options. It can be very cost effective depending on the timing of your vacation and airfare bookings. However, if you need any help with any part of planning for your upcoming vacation, a travel advisor can help you with all aspects of this important planning piece. Contact us today for expert assistance in planning for your next exciting vacation.