Flight Attendants Share 4 Ways To Cut Airfare and Save on Travel
With summer fast approaching, you might be starting to look at places to travel. Unfortunately, airfare for many destinations is still high, making it difficult to have the vacation of your dreams. Luckily, there are secrets for how to score the best deals on your next trip.
We asked flight attendants from around the world to weigh in. Their insider tips can help ensure you get the most out of your money as you jet-set this summer and throughout the year.
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1. Book Early
Jane Jones, a flight attendant and guide with See Sight Tours, said, "One of the best ways to save money on travel is to book your flights as early as possible. This can help you lock in lower prices before they increase closer to your travel date."
Kimberly Shaw, a flight attendant at New York Stewart International Airport, agreed. She said, "It's generally a good idea to book your flight at least six weeks in advance to get the best price."
While there are some deals for last-minute shoppers, it's a risk you might not want to take. Booking earlier than last minute generally improves price options, especially when paired with price alerts and date flexibility.
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2. Embrace Flexibility
Speaking of which, being flexible may prove critical in saving money on your flight.
"If you're able to be flexible with your travel dates and times, you may be able to find better deals," Jones said. "This is especially true if you can travel during off-peak times."
3. Compare Before You Buy
As with anything else, you will want to shop around before you commit to buying from a particular site.
"Don't settle for the first price you see," Jones said. "Shop around and compare prices on different websites to find the best deals."
Additionally, it may be wise to consider booking directly with the airline you plan to fly with, as this has become an increasingly relevant option.
4. Utilize Rewards Programs
"If you travel frequently, consider signing up for rewards programs with airlines and hotels," Jones said. "This can help you earn points and rewards you can use to save money on future trips."
"One of my favorite tips is to sign up for airline loyalty programs," Shaw said. "These programs can offer everything from priority boarding to free checked bags, so it's definitely worth joining if you're a frequent flyer."
Additional Tips for Perk Seekers
Retired flight attendant Susan Fogwell said, "Flight attendants provide perks to loyal customers, which are more like thank-you gestures. These are the customers who literally fly as much as flight crews. In first or business class, we would give them a bottle of wine or perhaps a selection of minis. If a customer with 1K status was seated in economy, the customer would receive food or alcohol gratis."
Shaw said being polite to the airline employees can pay off.
"Be friendly with the airline staff," she said. "Flight attendants and gate agents have the power to upgrade your seat or offer you other perks if they like you. So, it pays to be polite and kind when you're interacting with them."
"Don't be afraid to ask for upgrades or perks," she added. "Sometimes all it takes is a simple request to get a better seat or a complimentary meal. Just be respectful and courteous when you're asking, and you might be pleasantly surprised by what you receive."
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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