It’s no secret that buying international airline tickets can be expensive, and booking an international flight can get tricky. However, careful planning can significantly reduce flight costs while simplifying the process.
Minor details, such as booking dates and hidden fees, are all that stand between you and an affordable international trip. Here are our 7 secrets to booking cheap airline tickets for your next trip overseas.
1. Understand Your Flying Priorities
The first thing to consider before booking your flight is which is more important: price or convenience.
Those with a smaller budget may be willing to spend several hours in the airport for a layover, while those who value convenience may choose to pay more for a direct flight or a more convenient flight departure time.
The remaining suggestions will still provide value to those who are more interested in convenience, but it is important to recognize that we usually need to choose one over the other.
2. Shop Around for Flights
Use flight search engines like Expedia or Travelocity to shop around for the best deals on flights, and set price alerts from multiple flight aggregators to find the best flight deals.
We also suggest signing up to receive price alerts from Scott’s Cheap Flights and The Flight Deal, as both send out regular email updates sharing flight bargains.
3. Book Your Ticket Early
One of the best ways to save money on flights is to book as early as possible. A study from 2016 showed that the prime booking window is 21 -112 days prior to the flight.
Meanwhile, those who booked their flight less than 13 days prior to departure paid nearly twice as much for the same flight.
A recent Expedia report found that weekends are the best time to book flights, as business travelers are much more likely to book on weekdays, which increases the average flight price.
5. Avoid Flying Abroad On Sundays
Sundays are widely regarded as the most expensive day of the week to fly, largely due to the high demand to return home in time for the start of the new workweek.
Those with flexible travel schedules should keep this in mind and avoid flying on Sundays to minimize flying costs.
6. Be Aware of Hidden Fees
The price that airlines advertise and the final price that you pay for a flight are often two very different things.
When weighing airline options, make sure to account for luggage, carry-ons, and any other hidden fees that may arise during the booking process.
Always check for airports near your starting point and final destination to see if you can find a better flight deal. For example, those flying from New York to Paris should also consider flights from Newark Airport.
For those looking to fly as frugally as possible, it may even make sense to take a bus or train to a nearby state if a cheaper flight is available.
In essence, patience and attention to detail are the only things holding you back from an affordable international trip.
International Citizens Insurance has an experienced team of authors, including expatriates and world travelers, providing curated guidance for our clients.
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