11 Expert Flight Hacks That You Don’t Want to Miss Out On

Sometimes being young and scrappy has its advantages! As our family rapidly grew in our twenties, Mike and I realized if we wanted to continue traveling, we had to become experts at finding cheap flights. We have had some pretty amazing wins over the years, like when we all flew to Tokyo for free and all of the times we have managed to get upgraded to first-class.

When it comes to traveling often with a family, it is all about using smart travel hacks. If you have ever wondered how we travel so often, the flight hacks below are a crucial piece of the puzzle. And, I am so excited that I get to share them now with you!

11 Flight Hacks That Have Made Travel Possible for Our Family!

Like I mentioned above, as young parents, we realized early on that finding affordable flights was going to be a big hurdle to overcome if we wanted to travel the world with our kids.

Luckily, Mike has always been a pretty savvy guy. Over the years, he has learned several cheap flight hacks that have helped us score incredible deals on airline tickets. He also figured out the best ways to take advantage of our credit card points and miles, you can learn more about that here. Let’s jump into so you can get to booking that next flight in no time!

Table of Contents

Be Flexible

When it comes to finding cheap flights, flexibility is key. Avoiding peak travel seasons and being open to flying on weekdays instead of weekends can make a significant difference in flight prices. By adjusting your travel dates by a few days, you might be surprised by the savings you can achieve.

Use Price Comparison Websites

Flight search engines like Google Flights have become my go-to tool for finding the best flight prices. Google Flights allows you to search multiple airports at once and provides various filters to refine your search based on preferences such as non-stop flights or specific departure times.

It’s an excellent resource for comparing prices across different airlines and finding the most affordable options.

Set Up Price Alerts

Many airlines and travel websites, including Google Flights, offer the option to set up price alerts. By enabling these alerts, you’ll receive notifications whenever there’s a drop in flight prices for your selected routes.

This feature allows you to track flight prices over time and grab the best deals when they become available.

Look for Price Guaranteed Flights

Keep an eye out for flights on Google Flights that have a price guaranteed symbol. This means that if the price of the flight drops after you book, you’ll be refunded the difference.

It’s a great way to protect yourself from potential price decreases and ensure you’re getting the best possible deal.

How We’ve Been Upgraded to First Class on Our Last 2 Kauai Flights! Securing an upgrade on Hawaiian Airlines—and many others—is a straightforward process that begins right after you book your flight. Following your reservation, the airline will send you a confirmation email along with several follow-up messages. Keep an eye out for the section dedicated to upgrades. This section invites you to place a bid for an upgrade. Our strategy has always been to bid the minimum amount allowed per ticket. This approach has paid off numerous times, as it seems not many passengers take advantage of the bidding opportunity. You can also ask your gate agents upon arriving at the airport. Remember, there’s no harm in asking!

Leave the Destination Empty on your Search

Sometimes you might know when you want to travel but not where you want to go. In such cases, you can use a unique feature on Google Flights.

By leaving the destination field empty, Google Flights generates a map that displays all the destinations around the world and their corresponding prices. You might be surprised to find that flying to Europe could be cheaper than domestic flights within the United States.

Utilize Airline Points

If you’ve accumulated airline points through loyalty programs or credit card rewards, you can maximize their value by using sites like points.me.

These platforms provide information on the cheapest flights available using points, helping you stretch your rewards to cover more of your travel expenses.

Consider Alternative Airports

When searching for cheap flight tickets, it’s worth exploring nearby airports as well. Sometimes, flying in or out of smaller or less popular airports can result in significant savings.

Check if there are alternative airports within a reasonable distance from your origin or destination and compare prices to find the most affordable options.

Take Advantage of Secret Flying Deals

Secret Flying is a website that specializes in finding mistake fares, hidden deals, and other discounted flights. They scour the internet for airline pricing errors and promotions, allowing you to snag unbelievable flight deals.

Keep an eye on their website or sign up for their email alerts to stay informed about the latest offers.

My Favorite Deal This Week: Los Angeles to European cities from only $449 roundtrip! Check them out here. You might just catch me booking one of the $486 Los Angeles to Copenhagen flights 😉

Opt for the Cheapest Month to Fly

If your travel plans are flexible, consider choosing the cheapest month to fly to your desired destination. Flight prices can fluctuate throughout the year, with certain months offering lower fares due to factors like low travel demand or off-peak seasons.

Use Google Flights or other flight search engines to explore the prices across different months and plan your trip accordingly.

Maximize Credit Card Perks

Many credit cards offer travel rewards, such as airline miles, cashback on travel purchases, or access to airport lounges. Research credit card options that align with your travel goals and apply for ones that provide the most value for your needs.

By using a travel rewards credit card for your flight bookings and other travel-related expenses, you can accumulate points or miles that can be redeemed for future flights, hotel stays, or other travel perks.

Be Patient and Diligent in your Search

Finding the best cheap flight deals requires patience and persistence. Prices can fluctuate frequently, so it’s essential to keep checking flight search engines and monitoring price trends.

Don’t rush into booking the first deal you come across. Take your time, compare different options, and wait for the opportune moment to book when the prices align with your budget.

Ready to Book Your Next Flight?

While these strategies can be game-changers in finding great deals, always consider the full picture including foreign transaction fees, baggage policies, and convenience. Budget airlines might save you money upfront but remember to account for their additional fees and limited amenities. Leveraging airline points and knowing the cheapest days to fly are also key.

Equipped with these insights, you’re all set to snag the best deals, enhancing your family’s travels. Here’s to happy and smart traveling!

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Flight Hacks

What is the best flight booking hack?

The best flight booking hack is to be flexible with your travel dates and destinations. By being open to different options, you can take advantage of lower fares and better deals.

Which is the best way to book cheap flight tickets?

The best way to book cheap flight tickets is to be flexible with your travel dates and destinations. Searching for flights on different dates or during off-peak times can often lead to lower fares.

Utilizing price comparison websites and setting up price alerts can help you track and snag the best deals available.

Life at Home

11 Expert Flight Hacks That You Don’t Want to Miss Out On

May 6, 2024

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