Travel Hacks Series - Flights
Ahoy, travellers!
Building upon our first travel-focused post on Extreme Goal Setting: Crafting a 5-Year Travel Plan, flights are often the biggest expense when planning an international voyage. But don’t let the high seas of airfare prices leave you stranded! With the right tools and strategies, you can navigate your way to incredible savings and smoother journeys. Let’s hoist the sails and dive into some practical tips to help you save money and make your flights more comfortable.
Charting Your Course with Google Flights
Google Flights Search Page
International flights can weigh heavily on your travel budget, so it’s worth anchoring yourself in tools like Google Flights. This powerful platform is like a compass, guiding you to:
Explore Your Options: Google Flights lets you see flight routes available to different countries and cities. Sometimes, sailing into a nearby port (a.k.a. flying to a different airport or city) can be much cheaper.
Check Connection Times: Whether you’re looking for a non-stop journey or don’t mind a few stops, Google Flights makes it easy to filter and find the best fit for your schedule.
Visualise Travel Dates: Its calendar feature shows you the cost of flights on different dates, so you can pinpoint the most affordable days to set sail.
Set Price Alerts: Don’t let airfare fluctuations throw you off course. Set alerts to track prices and get notified when your chosen flights go on sale or drop below average.
With these tools, you’re the captain of your travel plans, steering toward savings and convenience.
Navigate to the Best Seats with SeatGuru
Once you’ve chosen your flights, it’s time to ensure smooth sailing onboard. That’s where SeatGuru comes in. This tool is like having a map of the ship, showing you the best and worst seats on your flight.
Find extra legroom for those long-haul journeys.
Avoid seats near the galley or restrooms that might disrupt your rest.
Spot seats with limited recline or poor window views.
A comfortable seat can make a world of difference, especially on long voyages across the globe.
Hoist the Rewards Flag: Airline Points and Credit Cards
If you’re a savvy sailor with steady financial control, consider leveraging airline rewards points or rewards credit cards to cut down on flight costs.
Earn Points: Many airlines offer loyalty programs where you can earn miles or points with every flight. These can often be redeemed for free flights, upgrades, or other perks.
Everyday Spending: If you’re already disciplined with your finances, a rewards credit card can help you rack up points on everyday purchases like groceries or dining out. Just make sure you’re paying off your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges.
This approach can be a powerful way to offset flight costs or add a touch of luxury to your travel experience.
Join Airline Loyalty Programs and Book Direct
Before you book your next journey, consider joining the loyalty programs of the airlines you’re flying with. These programs often come with perks such as:
Easier flight changes and cancellations.
Access to exclusive deals or discounts.
The ability to earn points that can sometimes be used with partner airlines or converted to other rewards.
Booking directly with airlines can also provide more flexibility and better customer service compared to third-party booking sites.
Final Thoughts
Navigating the world of flights doesn’t have to feel like battling a storm. With tools like Google Flights and SeatGuru, as well as strategies like leveraging rewards programs and booking smart, you can chart a course to affordable and comfortable travel. So, grab your map, plot your course, and set sail on your next adventure with confidence and savvy!
Fair winds and smooth skies, travellers!
