It is true, you can save money on air travel. Even though the airlines are adding more fees and making it increasingly difficult to get good deals on flights there are still ways to keep more of your money in your wallet. By following a few common sense tips your next flight can cost you a little or maybe even a lot less.
It might seem impossible to save money on flights. As consumers find less and less money in their wallets it seems that the airlines just add more and more fees. All of these little fees add up to big expenses that can make travelling more costly then ever before. But, just because the cost of airline travel has risen does not mean there are not ways to save a bit of money. You have to be savvy and willing to make sacrifices now and again but the payoff can be big.
How To Save Money On Flights
Don’t check a bag - We all know that most airlines are charging for the first checked bag these days, so if you can avoid it travel with just what you can fit in a carry on bag. Cut down on what you normally pack and plan to launder your clothes while you are on holiday. This will also save time because you will have one less line to wait in once you arrive at the airport.
Pack your own comfort items - Airlines charge fees for everything these days including blankets, pillows, and headphones. There is absolutely no need to spend money on these items when you can pack your own. Headphones are easily stashed in a coat pocket. A blanket and pillow will take up some extra space in your carry on, so purchasing travel sized items will be worth the investment. Plus, with your own blanket an pillow you reduce your exposure to germs often passed from traveller to traveller.
Volunteer to get bumped - Unless you are on a strict travel schedule a delay can save you big money. Most airlines overbook their flights, so they are always looking for people to bump to a later time. Arrive early and politely volunteer to be bumped should the need arise. Remember to dress in comfortable but nice clothes and pack plenty of entertainment like a book and your laptop computer. This way if you are required to sit around the airport for a few extra hours it will not be such an inconvenience. A significant bump usually entitles you to a meal voucher and a free round trip ticket. In some cases you might even get a free hotel stay if you are bumped to the next day.
Use a credit card rewards scheme – Research the different credit card rewards programs options. If yours does not include a frequent flyer option then switch to a card that does. Using your credit card regularly and paying it off each month without spending money on interest can lead to big savings on airline tickets. Just be sure to note how those points can be used, only enlist in a program that allows you to use airlines you like and travel to destinations you frequent.
In order to save money on air travel you have to outsmart the airlines. Their goal is profit and they have found loads of tricky ways to increase their bottom line. But, if you are smart and flexible you will be able to save money and still enjoy stress free travels.
This guest post was contributed by Timothy Ng who is a personal finance writer and part of the team at CreditCardComparison.com.au a 100% free credit card comparison service helping consumers find the best credit card deals.
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