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Airfares in 2024 have been a something of a mixed bag - generally down to/from/within Europe and the United States, but pricier when it comes to Africa and parts of Asia, as well as the Middle East and South America. Regardless, to make the most of your travel budget and leave you more for enjoying destinations once you get there, here are a handful of proven strategies

Timing Is Everything: Be Flexible with Travel Dates and Seasons

Flexibility can be your greatest friend - if you can avoid it, you shouldn't be too set in your trip dates. For example, being willing to fly on weekdays - especially a Tuesday or a Wednesday - might save you a lot of money compared to the weekend. And you´ll also save a lot by flying during the off season, when airlines and hotels sometimes offer steep discounts to entice tourists to high-demand regions .For many destinations this often means winter - with the notable exception of the Christmas holiday season - but it can vary, so do your research and book accordingly.

Leverage the Internet

This one is no great surprise, but it´s worth reiterating the amazing only resources available to find bargain flights with comparisons of airfares from various carriers, with some top options including Google Flights, Expedia, and Momondo, along with less well known options such as Kiwi and Skiplagged. Some of these also allow you to register to receive updates when fares drop.

Consider Nearby Airports

Depending on your origin and destination, it may be more economical to travel into or out of a neighboring airport. When weighing this choice, remember to add in the time and money that ground transportation will take. Examples here include: near John F. Kennedy and La Guardia airports in New York City, Newark, Stewart, and Islip. Near Paris: Bauvais. Near Milan: Bergamo. Near San Francisco: Oakland. Near London Heathrow: Gatwick and Stansted. Near Brussels: Charlesroi.

Join Frequent-Flyer Programs

Travelers who often use the same airline may sign up for a frequent flyer program and earn miles or points for their trips. These points may be used for free or reduced airfare at a later date. Joining one of these programs might be beneficial if you travel often.

Set up fare notifications on travel websites to get notified immediately of any price decreases or bargains. You may sign up for alerts through email or mobile applications that will notify you as soon as ticket costs drop for the routes you're interested in.

Look for Budget Airlines

For those on a tighter budget, low-cost flights are a great option. Low-cost airlines, although not as luxurious as some other options, are a good option for those looking to save money, particularly on shorter trips. Make sure you're still receiving a good bargain by reading the small print and taking into account any extra expenses.

Checked bags incur additional costs from most airlines, which may rapidly mount up. Packing light and traveling with just hand baggage might help you save money. This will save you money on airfare and time at the airport since you won't have to check any bags.

Consider Layovers

While they're more time efficient than flights with layovers, direct flights may cost several hundred dollars more. Booking flights with one or two layovers might help you save money if you aren't in a rush. This may add time to your trip, but it may save you a lot of money on the fare.

Credit cards that provide travel rewards are a great resource for frugal vacationers. You may get free flights, hotel stays, and more with the rewards you earn from using these cards every day. Find the finest card for your requirements by doing some homework and comparing the perks offered by various options.

Follow Airlines on Social Media

Discounts and sales may often be seen advertised by airlines on their various social media pages. If you follow them on social media, you may get early access to sales and other exclusive deals not available anywhere else.

You need to be patient and persistent to find the finest travel discounts. Don't give up if you can't discover a good fare straight away; prices might change every da. Don't stop looking, and be ready to jump on any good offer that comes along.

Travel Light

Packing light is one of the finest ways to travel on a tight budget. The costs associated with checking bags with many flights may add up rapidly. You may save money and time by not checking any bags if you're just bringing along what can fit in your carry-on. Make the most of the carry-on space you are allotted and remember the airline's luggage restrictions. When you sign up for an airline's newsletter, you'll be among the first to know about special offers and discounts. You may save money on airfare and vacation packages by signing up for airline email newsletters.

Use Airline Miles and Points

Use your credit card rewards or airline miles for something worthwhile. You may use them to for a discount or even a free plane ticket. Make sure you're getting the most out of your miles or points by reading the fine print.

To save money, you might use a tactic called "hidden-city ticketing," which entails scheduling a trip that includes a stopover at your final destination. During your stopover, you may just leave the terminal and consider the airport itself your ultimate destination. Although doing so might help you save money, you should proceed with caution since airlines normally frown upon this technique and may cancel your return ticket if they find out.

Book One-Way Flights

Consider purchasing several one-way tickets with various airlines in instead of a single round-trip ticket. If you're flexible with your departure and arrival dates and location, you may be able to save money this way.

Use the anonymous/private browsing option in your browser to prevent having your flight searches tracked by cookies. Because your search history may cause certain sites to charge you more, hiding your identity while you shop is a good way to get the best deals.