How to Find the Best Flights
Sometimes it feels like finding the best flight deals is next to impossible, unless you’re willing to search at exactly 2:27am on the third Wednesday of the month, while wearing one sock on your right foot and three rings on your left middle finger. Impossible, right?
Guess what: it doesn’t have to be that difficult. You just need to know a few tips and tricks we’ve outlined below, and you’ll be on your way to some of the best flight deals around the globe.
Tip #1: Utilize Google Flights
If you don’t know about it already, make sure you bookmark the Google Flights search page, a great tool to use to search across multiple airlines and days. While a very few number of airlines don’t list their flights with Google, the vast majority do. Google Flights also has extensive filters that are easy to utilize, as well as an easy multi-city function. One warning: we always suggest booking directly with airlines over a third party vendor. While these vendors may have slightly lower prices, they usually provide no support should you have to deal with a flight cancelation or delay. Google Flights almost always shows both the third-party and direct airline option.
Tip #2: Fly on Certain Days
Travelers used to claim that flights were always cheapest on Tuesdays. And while that might have been the case at some point long ago, it’s simply not true anymore. What is still true, however, is that it’s cheaper to fly on certain days over others. According to an analysis done by NerdWallet, if you want to save a little on domestic flights, look to depart on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. And if you’re headed off internationally, book those international flights for Wednesday.
Tip #3: Consider Nearby Airports (for arrivals & departures)
Here in the Washington, DC area, we’re lucky to have not one but three airports to choose from (four if you include Richmond, VA) for our departures, and prices can vary significantly depending on which one you choose. Likewise, many large cities around the globe either have multiple airports or large cities close by that can save you hundreds of dollars. Interested in Edinburgh? Consider flying into Glasgow, an hour’s train ride away and often a hundred dollars cheaper. Want to soak up the sun in Naples, Italy? Check flights into Rome, paired with a train ride down the coast of Italy.
Tip #4: Off-Season (or Earlier Season) Travel
We get it: most families understandably choose to travel during the summer break from school. Unfortunately, that also usually means higher prices, longer lines and crowds, crowds, crowds. But here’s a pro-tip if you’re traveling to Europe: European school summer breaks don’t usually start until mid-July, making travel in most of June and earlier July much less crowded and potentially less expensive, especially once in-country. It’s also worth considering off-season travel: the holiday markets of Germany and Austria are gorgeous during the winter, or the beautiful Croatian coast shines in the early autumn. The South of France for Spring Break? Oui, s’il vous plaît!
Tip #5: Book at the Right Time
Here’s one way procrastination rarely pays off: waiting to purchase airline tickets. According to Scott’s Cheap Flights (now Going), domestic airline tickets should be purchased between one and three months before departure, while international tickets are usually best booked two to eight months before departure. While last minute deals can be found, the best prices usually fall within these windows.
We know traveling with your family- especially when children are young- can be stressful. But booking your flights doesn’t have to be. Just remember these 5 tips and you’ll be well on your way to a fabulous family vacation.
