6 Ways to Save on Summer Vacation Flights

Published by Rick Seaney on April 7, 2014

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