You always hear about that one guy who managed to fly in a first class $60 000 Suite for about $300 (no really, check it here) and think “I wish I was rich”. But there are ways to get to your destination of choice without breaking the bank.
Fly on a Tuesday
Mo’ people = mo’ money – at least to the airlines. Trips on Mondays and Fridays are in high demand – due to those pesky business travellers, but flying out on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday can let you skip on out with a few extra coins in your pocket. Sites like Momondo, Kayak and Google Flights give you day-by-day prices and lets you set an alert if the price changes.
Take that red eye
Most people want to start their holiday in comfort and fly in the daylight hours. Taking that 6am flight or 11pm flight might not be as comfortable, but you will have more time in your destination and more dollar to spend.
Timing is everything
Long gone are the days when you could decide you were going on holidays and just book a deal. The strength of the aussie dollar is diminishing and more people are filling up those seats. However, most airlines release their seats and open booking 11 months before flight time and this is the optimal time to be booking. You know how you have a 5 year life plan, just modify that to be your 5 year travel plan and you’ll be fine!
Packaged deals
Just like at Costco, the more you buy, the cheaper it is. By combining your flights, airfares, even car hire you can save a whole lot of coinage to spend on, you know, mojitos.
Lock those prices in
See a great deal but you’re not sure if you can take it? STA Travel’s Airfare Deposit Program allows you to pay a non-refundable deposit of $300 and pay the balance a week before you fly. Local carriers Qantas and Jetstar do similar things for a smaller fee.
Know your limits
Booking on budget airlines can seem like a good idea, but you need to be aware of all the sneaky costs involved. Not including checked baggage, food or seat choices means that your fare is cheaper, but adding those extras on later can be much more expensive that it is initially. Be aware of how heavy your bags are as overweight luggage accounts for much of airline revenue.
Be the airlines friend
Sign up for the newsletters, follow them on social media, join their frequent flyer programs. Lots of airlines release deals directly on their social media pages, or send out newsletters with exclusive deals for their followers. This can often be a way to make sure you’re getting the best possible deal.
Be ready all the time
If you saw a return flight to Dubai for $500 today, would you be ready to go? Those who see those crazy cheap flights, then book them for the future are the real winners. Consider changing your attitude to spend less time looking at other people’s holiday photos and more time planning your own!
