Booking Flights is Stressful: Here are Tips to Get the Best Deals
I’m not sure how I became the family travel agent because I really don’t like spending hours searching for great deals. But, I found a website that offers great tips and resources. Check out these websites:
BEST WEBSITES:
Kayak.com – best for flights, multiple destinations, flexible dates
Google Flights – best for discovery
Vayama.com – best for great deals
Expedia.com – best for vacation packages
LISTS FOR SALES:
Airfarewatchdog.com
Travelzoo.com
BUDGET AIRLINES:
WhichBudget.com
Cheap Flights Route Map on Skyscanner
GOOGLE SEARCH:
Search for your exact flight: “Flight sale from San Jose to Maui” to get super fares through other programs.
CHECK AIRLINE WEBSITES:
Before you book your tickets on a 3rd-Party website, check the actual airlines to see if they have cheaper tickets.
WHEN TO BUY?:
Shop on Tuesdays at 3:00 pm for lowest fares (Monday night to Thursday window) Domestic: 6 weeks before flight (never before 3.5 months or you’ll pay full fare)
Europe: 21 weeks before flight (never before 4-5 months or you’ll pay full fare)
Caribbean: 11 weeks before flight (never before 4-5 months or you’ll pay full fare)
International Business/First Class: 23 weeks before flight
If you purchase tickets inside of 14 days before flight, rates will be dramatically higher.
Happy travels! If you have any other tips to share, let me know and I’ll post them here.