5 Easy Ways to Spend Less on Flights

As an experienced traveler, I do love a good travel hack. I mean the good kind, not the ones that tell you to call around to all the airlines you want to fly with and demand free stuff because you have a successful instagram following, or those that tell you to get a very specific credit card that you can’t use until you have ten million points.

These are five easy travel hacks for the likes of normal people who are just getting started in the travel world and could use a bit of a hand navigating it. Best of all you can use them immediately; or at least when Covid is over.

#1. Plan your trip on a different device than you book on, or in a private/incognito window.

The prices of the flights and hotels will go up the more you search them. The price will also go up on Expedia when you’re getting yourself booked, that’s just the way of the world. When you are ready to book go onto a different computer entirely and book your trip there. If you can’t use a different device just keep it in incognito mode. It’s better for your cyber security anyway.

#2. Look for flights to different airports.

Wincing at the prices to fly into a major city? A quick google search will tell you if there are other international airports. If I flew into Heathrow every time I wanted to go to London my first trip would have been the only one. Fly into Gatwick instead and take the train into London. Is it a bit longer of a trip? Yes. Will you have to pay a bit more for the train? Yes. Is it worth it? YES! Flying to Gatwick regularly shaved a minimum of $200 Canadian off my flight prices, which more than enough to compensate for a £60 train ticket which got me all the way home, plus a cab if I didn’t feel like taking the bus.

#3. Use a booking site.

There are a lot of travel influencers who will tell you to book with the hotel directly, but they aren’t regular tourists. They can flash their instagram wherever they please and expect special treatment. For those of us who have no such gram, you can use a booking site to book your flights, hotels, cars, tours, and whatever else you want all in one go. Do that, and you’ll save a lot of money. Forest and I got to Bavaria, stayed in a hostel with a private room and bathroom, and went on several tours for under £800 tax included.

#4. Do your own online check in.

Twenty-Four hours before your flight leaves, check-in will be open. You can either have your passport and computer (or phone!) ready and waiting, or you can pay $50 for someone to do it at the airport. I’ve not once paid and I’ve never had a problem doing it myself, all you have to do is input a bit of information!

#5. Use your points.

On the offhand chance that you do have a credit card which gives you points, have a look at what they can be used for. You might not have enough for a flight, but you might be able to pay for other things like airport lounges, one or two nights at your hotel, or a variety of other bonuses. You could also keep saving and keep your points for future flights!

Of course these are all for use once lockdowns have passed and travel restrictions ease. Wash your hands, wear a mask, stay home, and stay safe gentle reader.