Stewardess Sgoodie, Travel Tips
October 24, 2023

Holiday Travel Hacks: The 9 Best Ways to Score Flight Deals

The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and the spirit of togetherness. It’s also a time when many of us embark on journeys to reunite with loved ones, explore new destinations, or simply escape the daily routine. However, holiday travel can come with its own set of challenges, including inflated prices and increased demand for flights. But fret not, for this blog post is here to make your holiday travel dreams a reality without breaking the bank.

In “Holiday Travel Hacks: The 9 Best Ways to Score Flight Deals,” I have assembled a list of insider tips and tricks that will transform your holiday travel plans into a seamless, budget-friendly adventure. Whether you’re eager to discover the magic of a new winter wonderland, reunite with family for festive celebrations, or simply indulge in a well-deserved break, these 9 tips will help you navigate the complexities of holiday travel while keeping your wallet in check. So, let’s embark on this journey of discovery and uncover the secrets to securing the best flight deals for your holiday escapades. Get ready to save big on your holiday travel!

The 9 Best Way To Score Flight Deals

Book in Advance

When securing your holiday travel, meticulous planning is crucial. I strongly advise making early reservations for your holiday getaways. This is particularly significant for airlines, given that flight capacities tend to fill up rapidly during the holiday season, which ranks among the busiest times for air travel. It’s worth noting that airlines typically unveil their schedules and pricing for the holiday season up to a year in advance, and making early bookings can significantly enhance your chances of locking in budget-friendly fares. Planning ahead can be the key to snagging affordable holiday flights.

Be Flexible with Dates

When considering holiday travel, it’s essential to remain flexible with your dates. Being open to traveling a day or two before or after the peak holiday dates can work wonders for your budget. Flights on the actual holiday itself, such as Christmas Day or New Year’s Day, are often less crowded and come with more affordable fares. I have also noticed that after January 5th, the flights start to die down in flight loads. By embracing this flexibility in your travel plans, you can not only enjoy a quieter and more cost-effective journey but also experience the added bonus of celebrating the holiday in an exciting new location. Flexibility is the key to unlocking the best holiday travel deals.

Set Fare Alerts

There are many websites that have the option to receive notifications or alerts when the prices for flights on specific routes drop. By setting up these notifications, you’ll receive a message or email when there is a significant price reduction, helping you be aware of and take advantage of great deals on airfares. It’s a way to stay informed about price changes and potentially save money on your flights. These websites include Skyscanner, Google Flights, Kayak, Hopper, AirfareWatchdog, and many more!

Leverage Airline Loyalty Programs

You can start doing this now to help you for the following year’s holiday travel. All you have to do is join airline loyalty programs which will allow you to collect frequent flier miles to redeem for discounts on holiday travel.

Open a Travel Credit Card

Opening a travel credit card can be a smart financial move, especially if you’re a frequent traveler. One such card to consider is the Chase Sapphire Preferred. By applying for a travel credit card like this, you can take advantage of numerous benefits, including rewards programs, sign-up bonuses, and various perks that can significantly offset the cost of your flights, if not pay for the entire flight price. For instance, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is offering a generous sign-up bonus, to earn 60,000 points after meeting a spending of $4,000 in the first 3 months. These points can be redeemed for travel, transferred to airline partners, or used for hotel stays. Additionally, the card provides extra points for travel and dining expenses, making it a valuable tool for those who frequently travel.
Holiday Travel Hacks
Holiday Travel Hacks

Mix and Match Airlines

When securing your airfare, it’s a savvy move not to limit yourself to a single airline. Expanding your horizons to consider multiple airlines for different segments of your journey can often be a game-changer in your quest for budget-friendly fares. By opting for this versatile approach, you unlock the potential for more affordable flight options. It allows you to mix and match various carriers and routes, ultimately leading to cost savings that can make a significant difference in your travel expenses.

Consider Nearby Airports

Airports are everywhere and flying out of some of the smaller, less crowded ones can really help you to save on costs. I grew up near BDL airport in Hartford, Connecticut. When I was trying to find flights to and from Denver, I found cheaper flights out of Providence, Rhode Island’s airport. I ultimately saved $200 for driving an hour to a different airport.

Stay Informed About Flash Sales

I always subscribe to the airline’s newsletter because they send emails when they are having a flash sale. You can also follow the airlines on social media and monitor travel deal websites for flash sales and limited-time promotions that can lead to significant savings.

Use Fare Comparison Websites

Skyscanner is an exceptional tool for finding the most affordable flights for your travel needs. This powerful platform boasts a user-friendly interface that makes it incredibly easy to search for the best flight deals across numerous airlines and booking websites. Skyscanner’s advanced search options, such as the ability to compare prices for flexible dates and nearby airports, enable you to uncover hidden gems in the world of flight savings. Skyscanner’s reputation for providing accurate and up-to-date information makes it a trusted go-to for travelers looking to stretch their travel budgets without sacrificing quality. Find your discounted flights here.Β 

Bundle Flights and Accommodation

It is also recommended to consider booking package deals that include both flights and accommodations. These bundles can offer significant savings, especially when booking for the holiday season.

Remember that finding the best holiday flight deals often requires patience, flexibility, and a little bit of research. Start your search early, be open to different travel options, and keep an eye out for promotions and offers to make the most of your holiday travel budget.

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