Top 10 Ways on How to Save Money on Airfares

Travel is a huge part of our life. Everyone I know who travels frequently always looks for ways on how to save money on airfares. Sometimes we travel to take a break from the hustle and bustle of our city life. Sometimes we travel to visit family and friends. And sometimes we travel to celebrate special occasions in our lives such as anniversaries, birthdays, etc.

One of the biggest expenses in traveling is airfare. It definitely eats a huge chunk on everyone’s travel budget. I have done my fair share of traveling and I have learned a few tips and tricks on how to save money on airfares.

Here is a list of my Top 10 Ways on How to Save Money on Airfares:

Book in Advance

One of the common and popular ways to save money on airfares is by buying tickets in advance. The prices of tickets a few months ahead and even a year in advance is always cheaper than let’s say air tickets for next week. However, before you buy tickets in advance, make sure that you have your vacation leaves approved and filed already. I know a lot of people who often end up not using the cheap tickets that they have purchased because of schedule conflicts with their jobs.

Subscribe to Newsletters of Your Target Airlines

If you are planning to go to Bangkok this coming December, I highly suggest that you subscribe to airlines that serve this route. If you are living in Manila, some of the airlines that serve the Manila to Bangkok route (direct flight) includes Thai Airways, Philippine Airlines, and Cebu Pacific. These airlines (especially Cebu Pacific) often have promotional fares that they implement from time to time. And to ensure that you get informed the moment they announce the promo fares, you have to subscribe to their newsletters.

Fly Budget Airlines

If you’re not that fussy and if you really want to save money on airfares then consider flying using a budget airline.  More often than not, budget airlines provide the cheapest fare especially if they have ongoing promotions. You could save a lot of money by flying via budget carriers. Although bear in mind that since the airfare is cheap, it usually does not come with free baggage allowance nor meals. There’s no mileage accrual as well.

Compare Fares Before You Book

Let’s use the same example as above if you’re planning to fly from Manila to Bangkok this December, check Cebu Pacific Air first since they are a budget carrier. Afterward, check Philippine Airlines and Thai Airways. Sometimes, Philippine Airlines and Thai Airways offer great deals that could beat what Cebu Pacific Air is offering.

Check Fares Using Flight Aggregator

If you have to fly immediately then the best way and the easiest way to check cheap airfares is to use flight aggregators. What I usually do is check Skyscanner and Momondo to check flights. They will list down flights based on the destination and dates that you have chosen. After seeing the list, I usually check out the specific airlines that they have mentioned on their list.

Travel Light

If you’re flying budget carriers, more often than not, you are only entitled to your hand-carried baggage which is equivalent to 7 kg (max). Any additional baggage will cost you and additional fee. To avoid paying for additional baggage allowance, then I highly suggest that you travel light and you only bring with you things that will not exceed the 7 kg allowance.

Eat Before You Go to the Airport

Again, if you booked a cheap flight using a budget carrier, then chances are, there are no free meals on board. To avoid spending money on food, then I highly suggest that you eat enough food before you go to the airport. You can also bring bottled water so you do not have to buy one at the airport.

Untick the Travel Insurance Option

If you are using a travel credit card such as Citi PremierMiles, then you do not have to tick the Travel Insurance option when you book your airfare. If you pay for the airfare using PremierMiles credit card, then it automatically covers your travel insurance. To ensure that you are updated with PremierMiles policy or with other travelers’ credit card rules, please check their respective Terms and Conditions.

Get a Travel Credit Card

Credit cards that are marketed towards frequent travelers such as Citibank PremierMiles come with a lot of travel perks. Some of their perks include free access to airport lounges, travel insurance, priority access to promo fares with partner airlines, and more. I highly suggest that you check your preferred bank and compare which travel credit cards available in your area suit your needs.

I’ll Leave Number 10 to you guys.

How do you search for cheap airfares and how do you save money on your travels? Feel free to share your tips and recommendations on the comment section below.