Solo Adventures of A Fearless Female Traveler: Part 4 Securing Budget-Friendly Flights (2024)

Unveiling Pro Tips for Securing Budget-Friendly Flights

One of the most common questions I get when traveling overseas is "How much was your flight?". People are always shocked that I managed to get roundtrip tickets to Europe for less than $600. So I decided to share my trade secrets when purchasing a flight (for any destination) and some key tips for major airlines.

Book the Flight First!

Key Takeaway: Flexibility is Your Ticket to Savings

If there's one crucial lesson from this post, it's this:

Avoid locking yourself into specific travel dates unless absolutely necessary.

A common misstep in flight booking is confining your options to set dates. Instead, opt for a broader timeframe, such as a month or a span of several months (e.g., 6 months), and explore the best flight deals within that range. While some adjustments may be needed later, this approach often leads to discovering the most economical times to fly.

Furthermore, consider aligning your travel plans with potential events during your chosen period. For instance, if a week-long trip to Ireland in August is on your radar and the best-priced flight is $595, narrow down potential dates and cross-reference them with local events. A slight date shift, perhaps due to a compelling event on the 15th, can often keep you within the budget-friendly window. While not foolproof, this strategy can significantly enhance your chances of snagging a great deal.

Google Flights!

This is the number one thing I use to help book my cheap flights. Google Flights is always my top recommendation and here is why.

Google Flights boasts a standout feature that excels at uncovering the best budget-friendly flights within a specified timeframe. Instead of entering your destination or specific dates after inputting your home airport, direct your attention to the enticing 'Explore' button at the bottom. Clicking on this opens up a map teeming with possibilities! Whether you're planning a brief weekend escape, a leisurely two-week vacation, or considering a span of six months or a particular month, the flexibility is yours to command. Once you've fine-tuned your preferences, you're free to navigate the map and pinpoint the destination that calls out to you!

Skyscanner is another great site to utilize and can be used similar to Google Flights!

Be Mindful of Baggage Fees

I know it can be tempting to snag the cheapest airline but sometimes that can actually be more expensive! Cheaper airlines such as Spirit, Norse, Ryanair, etc. can seem like the deal of a lifetime, but once you add in all the extra costs it can be the same if not more than some major airlines. You may want to consider the quality of service as well. For instance, I could book a nonstop to London with Norse Airlines beginning at $500 with their cheapest category but then it is $35 for my seat, $75 for a bag, and $30 per food service, and that's each way you have to pay and you're in the lowest category. It comes out to being close to $800 in total afterward, and that rate may be changeable for a fee but the fee may be up to $200.

Furthermore, it's always best to get a couple of different options and pick the best one that suits your needs as well as gives you the best bang for your buck!

Book Direct with the Airlines

I know that someone will most likely come at me for saying this, but do not book a third party! I worked for a major hotel chain a couple of years ago, and one of the hardest things to tell someone was "Sorry you will have to call your third party". There were so many times that I was not able to help someone because they didn't book directly with us, and so we weren't able to change the reservation.

This can happen with flights as well, especially if you need to cancel or get a refund. There is limited customer service support which can cause major delays in your vacation. I always advise you to stick to the airline sites and book direct!

Monitor Flights

Sometimes you just cannot find a location for the price you are looking for, and you may want to consider monitoring your flights. Now I don't mean sitting at your desk all day and clicking refresh every 5 seconds, rather you can use features offered through airlines or other sites like Google Flights that will notify you if the price for your trip lowers.

Dollar Flight Club may be something to consider if you want to book a trip. They don't monitor specific dates but rather cheap flights that come out of your home airport. They do have a free service that is very limited, however, their premium is pretty reasonable. Once you see a flight you like it will direct you to Skyscanner or Google Flights. It's a great tool to utilize if you want to travel several times a year and you are open to various destinations!

With flights confirmed and dates firmly established, the true adventure begins – now is the moment to explore the marvels that await you in the new city! Be sure to check out my post for seamless travel across borders in Europe! Bon Voyage!