Our Top 5 Tips for Finding Cheap Flights

How to find the best airline fares? In our experience, finding cheap flights is a trial and error process. Nevertheless, here are our top 5 tips for finding the best fares.

Search Often and at the Right Times to Find Cheap Flights

Everyone wants to know when is the best time to find the best airline fares. The truth is that there really is no best time. Fares change frequently and with little rhyme or reason. The best thing to do is to check at least 4 times a day for several days. However, a recent study by Expedia and The Airline Reporting Corporation found that based on 2016 statistics Sundays were the best time to find cheap flights.

While there are sometimes good last minute deals on flights, it is generally best to book 21 days or more in advance.

Book an Airline/Hotel Package

You frequently can get a break on both your airfare and your hotel cost if you book a vacation package. Purple Light books clients on vacation packages with United, American, Southwest and Spirit Airlines and through Expedia. These packages can save you hundreds of dollars on your vacation.

Consider Nearby Airports

Sometimes, you can save a good deal of money by simply flying into an airport that is only a few miles away. For example, New York City is served by three major airports JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark. Sometimes the fare difference between these three airports can be remarkably substantial.  So is the fare difference between Miami and Fort Lauderdale which are relatively close together. Sometimes it is worth considering flying into one airport and out of another both for better fares and flight times.

Compare One Way Fares

While generally, you will obtain a better fare if you book a round trip to/from a city, sometimes you can do better by booking two one way tickets. It is particularly important that you compare one-way fares if you are doing a multi-city itinerary (into one city and out of another). Frequently, but not always booking two or more one-way tickets are cheaper than booking a multi-city flight package.

Carefully Compare Fare Value

While finding a low priced airfare is good, it is important to consider which flights provide you with the best value. Discount airlines may be the best option for a short haul flight to Vegas. They may not be the best choice for longer cross country flights. The new basic economy flights that Delta and other airlines are offering, may be a great bargain. However, if you want/need preassigned seats, want the flexibility to change your flights, you may want to move up to the next ticket level.

Purple Light Vacations provides you with the knowledge, insight and personalized service to make your vacation all you want it to be at no additional cost. We help you travel in the know wherever you go. To get started, fill out this quick form or call 619.324.1444 (ext. 3). We only book flights for clients as part of vacation packages but provide free flight pricing information/advice to clients who book hotel stays or cruises with us.