Flying is expensive enough without accidentally giving the airline industry more of your hard-earned money especially during the holidays. Between hidden fees and sneaky algorithms there are plenty of foolish ways to waste money on your next flight and you might not even realize you are doing it.
Only Flying On Weekends
Most people want to leave on Friday and come back Sunday which is exactly why those days cost the most. If you fly on a Tuesday or Wednesday instead you can often save hundreds of dollars because the demand is much lower.
Booking Way Too Early
You might think booking a year out is smart but airlines usually set high prices early on to see what people will pay. The sweet spot for domestic flights is usually one to three months before you leave so wait for that middle zone.
Picking The Cheapest Fare
That super low price for basic economy looks great until you realize it doesn’t even include a carry-on bag or a seat. Always add up the extra fees for bags and seats before you buy because the standard fare might actually be cheaper.
Packing Too Much Stuff
Overpacking is a classic mistake that leads to heavy bag fees at the check-in counter which can be a total budget buster. Stick to a carry-on and a personal item whenever you can to keep that extra cash in your pocket.
Searching Without Private Mode
Some people say airlines track your searches and bump up the price when they see you are really interested in a route. It is safer to use incognito mode on your browser so the site thinks you are a brand new visitor every time.
Skipping Flight Price Alerts
Prices for the same flight change all the time and you will probably miss the lowest deal if you aren’t watching. Set up a free alert on a site like Google Flights and they will email you the second the price drops.
Ignoring The Fine Print
Every airline has different rules for things like cancellations or changing your flight date which can cost a fortune if you aren’t careful. Read the tiny text about refunds and baggage limits before you hit that buy button.
Using Random Third Party Sites
Those big search sites are okay for looking at prices but booking there is a huge headache if your flight gets cancelled. Booking with the airline is way safer.
Not Checking Nearby Airports
Check smaller airports nearby. Sometimes flying to a tiny one an hour away is way cheaper than the big hub. That short drive can save you tons of cash.
Forgetting Flexible Search Tools
If you only look at one specific date you might miss a much cheaper flight that leaves just one day earlier. Use a map tool or a flexible date calendar to see a whole month of prices at once.
Missing Out On Rewards
Even if you don’t fly all the time you should join the free rewards program before you book your ticket. You can earn points for future trips and sometimes members get perks like free bags or better seats for nothing.
