Flight Booking Tips You Need Before Your Next Trip

📅 Timing Is Everything

One thing I learned the hard way: timing can make or break your flight booking experience. Airfares can change often and sometimes in the blink of an eye. Book too late, and the prices can skyrocket. One of my favorite tools to track changes in flight prices is regularly checking routes on sites like FromToFlights. It feels like a little game of cat and mouse, but it’s worth the vigilance.

I suggest starting your flight search at least two months before your trip. For international flights, you can push it to three months. Mondays can often lead to better fares, but honestly, checking prices multiple times a week works best.

🔍 Research Smarter, Not Harder

I once spent countless hours comparing flights, jumping from one site to the next. Then I found a way to save time and money—FlyGPT, an intelligent tool that finds the best flight deals fast. It’s like having an expert by your side. You can check it out here.

After using FlyGPT, I rely on it to help point me to the right deals efficiently. It sorts through all the details I used to spend hours agonizing over.

🌍 Be a Flexible Traveler

If you want cheaper flights, sometimes the universe needs a bit of flexibility. Being open to flying out a day earlier or later can significantly lower your costs. I stumbled upon this when I had to leave a day earlier than planned, and the savings were a pleasant surprise.

Not only should you consider different dates, but also different airports. For example, London has six airports! My passion for travel led me to discover that Lonely Planet suggests checking surrounding airports for potentially lower fares.

Even choosing a different departure city can save money. A short drive could mean a huge difference in ticket price.

💳 Understanding Fare Types

I remember the first time I booked a Basic Economy ticket. Never again! The rules were so restrictive, I ended up paying more in fees than a regular economy ticket would have cost. Now, I always check the fine print.

There are several fare classes, like Basic Economy, Economy, Premium Economy, Business, and First Class. Don’t let the names fool you. Basic Economy might limit your carry-on or seat choice. Double-check what you’re getting before you buy.

✈️ Use Those Miles

Rewards programs can be a lifesaver. I once flew round-trip to New York practically for free because I’d accumulated so many miles. Check your credit card rewards or airline loyalty memberships. Those points can really add up.

Sometimes, using your miles can allow upgrades to a more comfortable seating class, providing that extra bit of luxury without breaking the bank. Always check the latest offers or mile sales, which can sometimes appear unexpectedly.

📱 Compare Before You Commit

Before clicking that “book now” button, make sure you’ve checked at least a couple of comparison sites. I recommend using apps on your phone to keep options accessible anywhere. This way, you’re not tied to a computer.

My last trip benefited greatly from this method. I found a deal I thought was unbeatable, checked one more site, and saved an extra $50. Seeing that savings made the additional effort worthwhile.