Just recently, I wanted to reschedule a flight that I couldn't take to Nashville, Tennessee. When I purchased the tickets a few months ago, I paid $220 per roundtrip ticket. Those same tickets were $100 more for the same flight on the new dates.
It's common knowledge that airfares are going up. If you're already on a budget, a higher-priced airline ticket could be the difference between a vacation and a staycation, but it doesn't have to be. There are several ways that you can save money on your flights.
"We just encourage our clients to plan ahead and book as far in advance as they can," said Samarah Meil of Amarillo Travel Network in Amarillo, Texas.
Meil also suggests avoiding peak travel days. Additionally, consider that spring break and summer time are popular travel times for family destinations.
Kim Everett, Travel Design Expert at Keepsake Travel Designs in Los Angeles, California, said you can save money by flying mid-week.
"Even in peak season, the mid-week dates tend to be a little less expensive since most people fly on the weekends," she said.
Everett also suggests checking nearby airports for both your departure and arrival.
"Sometimes you can save a significant amount of money by opting for a smaller airport instead of the big city airport," she said.
"If you're looking at flying into nearby airports for an island vacation, don't rely on the distance to assume it's close enough. Make sure the alternative airport is on the island that you want to visit. You don't want to think that you're saving money by flying into a different airport, only to realize that there is no easy way to get to your hotel after you land."
Spend some time researching your airfares might also save hundreds of dollars. "I often use airfarewatchdog.com or google.com/flights to research airfare," said Beth Johnston, travel designer of Beth's Beautiful Getaways.
Margie Lenau said that there is no substitution for early booking to save money and get the best selection for flight schedules and availability to nonstop flights.
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"If you book six to nine months before you travel, you will see the best prices and availability," she said Lenau of Wonderland Family Vacations in Grand Rapids, Michigan. "If you cannot book this early, book as soon as you are comfortable that your flight choice is right for you. If you book within the month that you will be traveling, prices will rise substantially and coach seats will sell out on some flights."
Research, flexibility and early planning should save your budget and your vacation.
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