Find the Best Deals for Your Holiday Traveling
By Penny Saver, November 9, 2011, News, Tips & Information, Travel
The holiday season is right around the corner, and with it the hassle of extra expenses. Between holiday gifts and travel spending you may feel like your wallet is being stretched too thin. This is especially true of airlines, which have reduced their total number of flights and increased fares. Luckily, there are simple ways you can cut travel expenses so that you can still make it in to see your family and leave you with enough cash to purchase holiday gifts.
The first rule for holiday traveling is to plan ahead. Figure out precisely when you will be able to fly and schedule your travels around that date. If possible, book flights about a month or two in advance to get the best deals. The best prices for the Christmas Holiday are usually in mid November. Some airlines will charge extra “holiday” charges for days directly before or after the holiday. Avoid booking flights and traveling on the days leading directly up to or after the holiday, since prices can be much higher on those days. If possible, stay at your holiday destination an extra day to avoid the crowds at major airports.
Search around on different travel sites such as Travelocity, Orbitz and Expedia. These sites have options to find the best deals for various airlines, as well as allowing you to book package deals. Other sites you can check are Hipmunk.com, Kayak.com, and Fly.com. Search the actual airline sites as well, as some airlines will have special deals only available through them. Look for discounts through airlines early in the week, Monday through Wednesday. It is on these days that airlines typically post sales. Flying on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays will usually be cheaper and less crowded, as they are less popular days to travel.
Check which airlines are available through the airport you will be using, as some smaller airlines might be available at lower a lower cost. Even though most people are tempted to purchase nonstop flights for greater convenience, it is also more expensive. Book a trip that has one or more connecting flights, which can sometimes save you up to $100 for each stop. Be flexible with your destination and find alternate airports nearby. Smaller or out of the way airports may have slightly lower rates than the larger, more popular airports. Search for good deals on one-way flights for different airlines. This will not only give you greater flexibility in departure times but can also save you money. It can sometimes be cheaper to book a flight to an airport further away, and then opt to rent a car to drive the rest of the way.
After purchasing your tickets, keep an eye out on price changes leading up to the booked date. Often times, if a price drops you can ask the airline or travel agency for a rebate. Sites such as Yapta.com and Airfarewatchdog.com allow you to track price changes. These sites also have options to inform you if any re-booking fees will outweigh the price difference, letting you know if it is worth it or not.
Do not check your luggage in with the airline. Prices for an extra bag, or even a carry on, can cost about $45. You can check FlyingFees.com for luggage fee information for most major airlines. Instead, save money by having your bags shipped by FedEx, UPS or U.S. Postal Services. Ship your luggage several days before your flight so it will be there when you arrive at your destination. The easiest method is to have it sent to your relative’s house. If you are staying at a hotel you can have the shipping company hold it until you arrive to pick it up.
Follow @BounceEnergy
