There are many reasons why I travel. Sometimes it's for work, sometimes for leisure, and sometimes for a combination of both. While my purpose for traveling can vary, one thing is always true: finding cheap tickets can be the most valuable deal I will find on any of my trips.
Plane tickets can be pricey, and rightfully so. Our airfare helps to pay for some of the billions of dollars airline companies spend on aircraft, staff, reliable pilots, jet fuel, and everything in between. However, I believe there is no reason not to look for the cheapest flight one can find.
The good news is there are some things we can do to find the best prices for our travels. This article will talk about looking for affordable flights anywhere in the world.
- Why Buy Tickets for Cheap
- Where to Buy Cheap Plane Tickets
- Platforms to Check Out
- Tips for Finding Cheap Tickets
Why Buy Tickets for Cheap
Personally, the best reason to look for affordable flights is for practical reasons. I want to make sure that I am making the most of my trip and there is no denying that plane tickets can take a huge chunk out of my travel budget. I want to make sure that I can spend more on the trip itself instead of the ticket.
Now some of you might wonder if this is actually a practical choice, especially as many say that the journey is as important as the destination. In fact, the flight to some places abroad can take hours, with some going over 10 hours. Comfort during these durations is why many spend so much on flights.
However, I find it important to remember that just because we are opting for more competitive rates does not mean that we are fully sacrificing comfort and convenience. Instead, we are only looking for a more affordable option that can still cater to our needs and preferences.
My trick is to set an amount I am willing to spend on a ticket, then start scouring the internet for flights that fall right into this budget. I also need to decide whether to compromise spending on add-ons such as insurance, luggage check-ins, and other similar options.
Funneling Funds Towards Experiences
The most important reason to scrimp on flights is to have more money to spend when I arrive at my destination. Instead of spending a few dollars on tickets, I can allot the money I save on local foods, experiences, admission tickets to cultural attractions, and many others.
I can also use the cash for local transport, better accommodation, and other services, to help me improve my trip. Combined with more budget for experiences, this can make my trip a much more pleasant one.
I also have the option of simply saving the money instead of spending it. Bringing it as an emergency fund should I find myself unexpectedly needed to spend money on emergent situations.
Where to Buy Cheap Plane Tickets
Now that we know what we can do with the money saved through cheap tickets, let us talk about where to find them. Just like many things in this world, the best option is online. The internet is home to a lot of sweet deals, from promotional offers, cash backs, and of course, cheap tickets.
When I travel, I usually go online to check different websites that partner with various airlines to find the flights that correspond to the dates and destinations I prefer. These sites usually show prices from different airlines right on one page. I can sort the results to show the cheapest flights down to the most expensive ones.
Doing this usually gives me pretty good deals. The best part is these websites often offer more affordable options should it fail to find available flights on my preferred dates. Some even have pages where all promotional offers are featured.
Aside from websites, there are mobile applications that help me find the perfect flight for my budget. Using mobile apps gives me options right in the palm of my hand. Plus, I can check anytime and anywhere, even during my commutes.
Where Cheap Tickets Can Take You
Domestic flights are definitely cheaper, which is why travelers on a budget opt to travel locally. This is definitely a great option, especially for those who have not seen tourist destinations in the United States have to offer.
However, those who are ready to travel internationally can still do so even on a limited budget, given that we use every available resource. Personally, cheap tickets have taken me to different local and nearby international places.
The thing is the right deal can even take us to more distant destinations. Airlines often offer promos that come not only with a seat in a flight but also some treats like in-flight meals and luggage check-ins.
Platforms to Check Out
To find the best deals, it is important to know where to find them. As mentioned, the internet is the place to be when finding cheap tickets. What I need to emphasize is using the right platforms.
Let us start with websites. There are a lot of sites out there, but we only need a few reliable ones for our search. One of the most popular platforms is Expedia. This site offers discounts to members. It also has a dedicated page for the best flight deals for particular destinations.
Travelocity is also a great platform as it has a variety of travel deal categories. I always check vacation packages, hotel deals, coupon codes, and particularly flights under $200. The destinations included in flights under $200 are local and global ports.
Lastly, I like checking out Skyscanner because of its last-minute flight deals. This is ideal for when I am ready to go, and the only thing left for me to decide is the destination and flight details. I can also enter the date and port of departure I plan to leave from.
Apps for Buying Cheap Tickets
Aside from websites, I also make sure that I have flight apps installed on my mobile devices. This way, I can simply pull out my phone during my commute or while queueing and start browsing. This keeps me on top of the latest deals.
One of my favorite applications is Flights. This one does not let users book tickets, but it offers comprehensive information about flight prices. This way, I know the typical cost of flights and look for ones that are slightly, even significantly, lower.
App in the Air is also one of my preferred apps especially as it serves as a smart assistant. It helps me find flights that are up my alley. The best thing is it offers predictive pricing, which means that I can get an idea of when prices will go down. Plus, it learns my preferences as I use it.
Tips for Finding Cheap Tickets
Getting tickets at a low cost is one of the most important things for many people, but the thing is they do not know how to find them. While the first step is to use various platforms that offer flight deals, the next thing to do is to constantly monitor the prices to make sure you get a good deal.
Another tip I can give travelers, especially those who are traveling for leisure is to be flexible. Airlines usually offer seats at a discount if the flight date is fast approaching as last-minute offers.
Those who cannot leave on the fly should plan ahead in order to get cheap flights. Some airlines offer promos for flights in the near future, particularly a few months from the time of the offer. These are likely to be cheaper than usual because of the promo. The key is to know the typical prices and aim lower.
We can also snag cheap tickets by being flexible not only about the date but also the destination. Going for budget carriers and opt for economy class tickets is a great way to save money on tickets. All of these combined make the best recipe for getting cheap flights.
Utilizing In-Platform Features
Being smart about looking for deals is good, but having the aid of booking platforms offers certain advantages. Many websites require users to register with the service and these often send updates via email. This is a solid way to get notifications about promos.
Another way is to turn on notifications in applications to get alerts directly on our phones. From there, we can book the flight immediately, giving us an advantage.
The Bottom Line
Travelers on a budget or simply people who are practical about their travel spending can have more money for experiences by getting cheap plane tickets.
By using these platforms and following the tips I shared above, you and I can travel without spending more than what we need to.
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