Summer vacation flights can be expensive especially if you’re traveling with the whole family. Believe me, I know. So why pay a penny more than you have to? You won’t if you follow these tips.
Save on Summer Airfare
First, check out the video – it’s a quick minute-and-a-half – and all the tips you’ll see are listed below. Then start shopping and saving money.
VIDEO: Dos and Don’ts to Save on Summer Vacation Flights
Six Ways to Save
1. Shop for U.S. airline tickets on Tuesday at 3 p.m. eastern
- This is when tol find the most airfare sales, and price matching on competitive routes
2. If you shop too early, you could pay too much
- Shop for domestic fares about 3 months before departure
- Shop for international fares about 5 months before departure
3. If you shop too late, you could pay too much
- Purchase domestic tickets at least 3 weeks before departure
- Purchase international tickets at least 6 weeks before departure
4. Be flexible
- Fly on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays – historically the cheapest days to fly
5. Don’t get picky
- Non-stops can be pricier than longer, connecting flights
- Smaller airports are usually more expensive than big-city hubs
- Always compare prices for routes and nearby airports to find the best deals
6. Don’t check a bag
- Avoid expensive fees on most airlines by using a carry-on bag
- Carry-on bags can’t get lost
- Exit the airport quickly because there’s no waiting at the baggage carousel
